Seafood on the Hawkesbury River, Sydney
Sydney and its neighbouring region are graced with beautiful rivers, bays and beaches.
My neighbouring waterway is Port Hacking, an estuary in southern Sydney, beautifully located between my home town of Cronulla and Royal National Park.
But quite honestly, my favourite Sydney waterway is the Hawkesbury River, located northwest of Sydney. The Hawkesbury River and its associated main tributary, the Nepean River, almost encircle the metropolitan region of Sydney.
The Hawkesbury River is famous for its seafood. My maternal grandfather used to abandon his family to go there for fishing holidays. My grandmother was horrified by the blackfish he brought home.
Anyone interested in exploring the beauty of the Hawkesbury River must take the Riverboat Postman, a 3-hour round boat trip from Brooklyn, taking mail to communities, with snacks, coffee, lunch, and informative commentary. This boat plays a very important role because some habitations have no road access.
On the occasion of my trip on the Riverboat Postman I discovered the location of my grandfather’s fishing holidays (“Davidsons”). My mother was relieved because she was never convinced that Davidsons existed. My grandfather was a scallywag!
My relationship with the Hawkesbury River now boils down occasional lunches with Graham (otherwise known as “Libbo”). We have found a delightful little simple outdoor restaurant (Life Boat Seafoods) in Brooklyn, which always has beautiful fresh seafood (sometimes even blackfish) and outdoor charm.
In Aussie style you should bring your own wine, as they don’t have a liquor license. I gave Libbo a bottle of Côte-Rôtie, a French red wine that can resemble Aussie red wine, as it is based on the Shiraz grape (Syrah in French), which he brought along. I found it sensational.
If you follow my advice, take the train to the Hawkesbury station. The restaurant is within walking distance. But please allow a full day for the adventure.