Hawkesbury Afloat — Houseboats from Brooklyn

Houseboats from Brooklyn marina on the lower Hawkesbury — drowned-valley gorges, calm coves and no boat licence needed. 4.7 stars.

Brooklyn sits where the Hawkesbury broadens into a drowned valley of sandstone headlands, and Hawkesbury Afloat’s boats leave straight into it — Cowan Creek, America Bay, Refuge Bay, all national-park water. Guests rate the operation 4.7 stars across 97 reviews.

★ 4.7 · 97 Google reviews (correct at the time of writing, July 2026)

Hawkesbury Afloat — photo via Google Maps

Property photo via Google Maps

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On the water

The boats are easy-driving floating apartments with barbecues and back decks, and no licence is required — training is part of the handover. Within an hour of the marina you can be anchored somewhere with no road, no houses and phone bars fading pleasantly.

Around Brooklyn

You are cruising the waters of Ku-ring-gai Chase and Marramarra national parks — waterfall coves, beaches and fish-and-chip stops at Patonga — one of the best escapes near Sydney, with Brooklyn barely an hour from the CBD by car or train.

Header image shows the surrounding Byron Bay region — see the property’s website for accommodation photos. Rates, availability and inclusions are set by the property.

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Getting There

45 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn — 1 hour from Sydney via the M1, or by train to Hawkesbury River station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence for a Hawkesbury Afloat houseboat?

No — NSW houseboat hire requires no boat licence; full instruction is provided at the Brooklyn marina.

Where does Hawkesbury Afloat depart from?

From Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn NSW, an hour north of Sydney — the marina is minutes from the M1 and Hawkesbury River station.

How do I book Hawkesbury Afloat?

Directly through the operator’s website, which lists boats, berths, current rates and availability.

Location & Map

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