Holiday houses in Brooklyn

Less than an hour from the state capital of Sydney, Brooklyn is a small seaside town surrounded by the Muogamarra Nature Reserve on the Hawkesbury River. Visitors come from Sydney and the surrounding area to launch their houseboats at the marina and spend a few days fishing and relaxing on the river. It’s also a hotspot for indulging in the region’s famous fresh seafood — head to a cosy local restaurant by the water and sip a beverage on the patio while the dragon boat racers go by. The area is known for its farming of Sydney rock oysters, which has been carried out by the same families for generations.

Brooklyn also boasts proximity to trails, parks, and lookout points, all of which are within walking distance of the town’s centre and marinas. Additionally, with its thriving art scene and small gallery highlighting local artists, Brooklyn blends culture with natural beauty and the serene vibe of a low-key beach town.

Brooklyn hosts an annual Spring Fair and markets at the soccer oval in September. Spring is a great time to take part in the local festivities, because it is the time of year that sees the least amount of rainfall in combination along with more moderate temperatures. Summer bring wetter, warmer, and more humid conditions. This is when locals head to the beaches or the river for swimming. Make sure you pack a rain jacket for these months. Fall carries over some rain from the summer, but the heat starts to subside with oncoming winter. Winters here are quite mild and dry, which is great for hiking.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

This impressive preserve showcases the region’s geographical and cultural heritage. Only a 25-minute drive from Brooklyn, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is home to picturesque turquoise inlets like Towlers Bay. Hiking the park is popular, as are swimming spots like Great Mackerel Beach. The park is also known for its hundreds of Indigenous sites with rock engravings.

Oyster Shucking by Hawkesbury River

As you explore the town’s cafes and restaurants, you’ll see plenty of oysters on the menus. People travel to Hawkesbury River from all over just to sample these renowned delicacies, surrounded by gorgeous scenery.

Brisbane Water National Park

Located just a 45-minute drive from Brooklyn, this conservation zone is a local treasure known for its hiking trails, natural swimming holes, fishing, and panoramic lookout points across the water. It’s also renowned for birdwatching because of its preserved habitat for many different species.