Houseboats on the Hawkesbury River
One of the most delightful holidays Australia can provide is a leisurely few days or weeks spent cruising on the hundreds of kilometres of clear, sheltered waters of the Hawkesbury River ��� Pittwater, Cowan Creek and Brisbane Water - from the serene upper reaches to the river mouth where Broken Bay���s three long, narrow branches await exploration.
The Hawkesbury River is renowned for house boating as it is a perfect place to enjoy a few days on the water. Close enough to Sydney to be popular for a weekend away, there's much more to enjoy if you stay for a week or longer.
Watch the beautiful sunsets, catch a fish, go for a swim, read a book, smell the inviting meal that someone has just started to barbecue, lie in the sun, turn the engine off and listen to the amazing sounds of the surrounding bush, go for a bit of exploring, see some of the local history, play some golf, find a restaurant near the water and dine away without caring about the time, there is so much to do ... or do absolutely nothing at all!
Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats has been established at Wiseman's Ferry for over 30 years and is the largest fleet of houseboats for hire on the Hawkesbury.�� There are lots of interesting places to see along the way although sometimes it's just as nice floating around on board with your favourite friends or family. You are always welcome to visit and have a look at the different houseboats that are available. Marina viewing times are between 8.30am and 5pm daily.
There are now nine different sizes of houseboats to choose from starting from a smaller basic boat that's a nice way to get out and enjoy the water or the new luxury spa houseboats.�� The Five Star Spa and the Ultimate Spa houseboats feature more than what you might expect on board most boats, including a 10 seater heated spa on the roof of the boat, what a way to enjoy the views.
Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats also have smaller day boats or kayaks available for hire for up to 8 hours during the day.
Equipment
All houseboats feature versatile and modern interiors that are fully self contained. Each houseboat is equipped with:
Refrigerator
Ice box
Gas Cooker
Instant Hot Water
Shower and bathroom facilities
Radio / CD sound system with MP3 socket
Television (most have DVD players)
Maps & Log Books
Cooking Utensils
Cutlery & Crockery
Sundeck
Sun-Canopy
Barbecue
Large stable dinghy (great for drift fishing)
Larger boats have ladders for easy swimming access
About The Hawkesbury River
Though the Hawkesbury River is on Sydney���s doorstep, (just 45 minutes drive from the City Centre) you can still experience the serenity of bygone days in its secluded river settlements set in the world���s most beautiful and varied waterways. From crystal clear ocean swells to its tranquil upper reaches the Hawkesbury River offers a cruising ground of outstanding scenic and historic interest.
Sandy beaches fringe the surrounding Hawkesbury Sandstone National Parks beckoning bushwalks and picnics ashore. Waterfront restaurants, houses on the water���s edge, fishing, touring and holidaying, these are what the river is well known for.
One of the major rivers of the coastal region of New South Wales, the Hawkesbury River and its tributaries virtually encircle the metropolitan region of Sydney. Much of the country through which the lower tidal reaches of the river pass is very beautiful. Few would argue that it is the most beautiful reach of river on the Australian continent, if one excepts the much smaller but blazingly spectacular Katherine Gorge in NT and Giekie Gorge in the Kimberley region of WA.
The Hawkesbury���s natural beauty has been preserved by a series of national parks and nature reserves which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Its relatively unpolluted waterways have become a playground for boating enthusiasts and holidaymakers alike, not to mention daytrippers seeking a few hours of peace and tranqility away from the bustle of nearby Sydney.