Showing posts with label Berowra Waters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berowra Waters. Show all posts

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Berowra Waters, NSW - The Punt and Marina


Arriving at Berowra Waters, north of Sydney's greater metropolitan area, is akin to unexpectedly coming upon a well hidden village - and one which you logically expect to be well preserved, perhaps warped in the mists of time. The approach road is winding and narrow, with a sense of order maintained only by the courtesy of drivers and the effectiveness of brakes. The sense of possible danger is mitigated by the views below, the vista of the destination - a placid river full of mostly little boats, well loved cottages and bigger abodes clinging on to cliff sides and a swath of greenery against rock with character.





All arriving vehicles dutifully lined up to board the punt. This was no gamble, for although there was no bridge across the river, even in this so-called modern age, it was a pleasant and orderly logistical move when boarding the floating platform moved by steel ropes -passengers walked into a cabin, protected from the elements, whilst vehicles were guided into or took a common sense view as to where to place their vehicles while on the punt. I had a dedicated worker telling us where to park. I was particularly thrilled - I had not seen orexperienced such a crossing since childhood!






Two views to enjoy - above, the verdant foliage of surrounding hills while car passengers sat inside their vehicles riding the punt and below, the view from the restaurant and cafe side whilst lining up to await the arriving punt.












Accommodation is available at places like the Lodge, with food outlets like the Waterview Restaurant, Peat's Bite and the Fish Cafe. A range of possible activities, ranging from kayaking, swimming, fishing to boating, beckons one on a summer's day. On cooler days, Berowra offers primarily a get away experience, with waterfront dining, bush walking and river cruising up creeks and inlets as the most attractive options.

Berowra Waters, NSW - Fish and Chips

Fish Cafe on Urbanspoon



On the trail of locating the most delightful and tasty fish and chips in New South Wales, we had plans to go to Brooklyn, near the Mooney Mooney Bridge on the road north to Newcastle and the NSW Central Coast from Sydney side. The rather volatile weather made us detour to Berowra Waters, a 20 minute drive by car into the bush north of Hornsby. Berowra Waters is one of the
getaway points along the varied path of the Hawkesbury River. It is sited between cliff sides, but can so well hidden and interestingly enough is better accessible by boat, rather than by its approach narrow and curving roads. We did find a casual seafood place, the Fish Cafe, beside the marina and a fine dining restaurant, across the punt on the northern side of the river. Above image, the fish and chips offered that weekend.



The barramundi grill looked tasty (above) and lunchers can just hop off their boat or water taxi (below) to arrive on decks above the placid waters to take in Sunday brunch.







The salmon (above) was not served medium-rare as requested, and one notices the standard serve and presentation of the side salad. Nevertheless, staff were friendly and held conversations with guests. There was a good variety of accompanying sauces. I chose flat fish (below) and that was appetisingly crunchy!




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