highlights

• Aboriginal names of the river 

• Storytelling about river tales and mystery: Milson Island; HMAS Parramatta and Sunny Corner 

• Lunch at heritage listed Bar Island on the Hawkesbury River

• Upstream into Marramarra creek and overnight camping

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the event

Day One
Our kayak tour begins at Mooney Mooney, paddling into the wide, tidal reaches of the Hawkesbury River—known as Dyarubbin—to explore the many histories associated with this ancient trading route. Along the way, we pass the wreck of HMAS Parramatta and share insights into Milson Island, once described as a 'hospital of forgotten boys' and later used as a low-security prison. Our first stop is Bar Island, a heritage-listed site recognised for its rich Aboriginal and European history, including middens, a cemetery, and the ruins of an early church. After a catered lunch, we turn into Marramarra Creek, where the landscape softens into sheltered bushland and calm waters. Keep watch for cormorants, herons, egrets and perhaps a flash of the diving azure kingfisher. As the creek narrows and winds upstream, we paddle on to our campground, where we rest among the remnants of early settler orchards—an evocative setting to dine, camp, and reflect on the day’s journey.

Day Two

Wake to the quiet rhythms of Marramarra Creek, where mist often lingers above the water. The morning is spent exploring this tranquil inlet, once a lifeline for isolated settlers who relied on the river to transport produce, including citrus from the orchard you camp beside. Your guide will interpret the subtle traces of this history pointing out native trees, old clearings, introduced plantings, and the important stories associated with Aboriginal women Biddy Lewis of 'Mother Marrs Creek'. After a relaxed paddle we begin our return journey through Milsons Passage toward Mooney Mooney, exploring the stories of other places along the way, with shifting light offering a new perspective on Lower Hawkesbury Rive landscapes. 

the outdoor guide

Peter Vaughan is an outdoor guide and adventure instructor interested in helping others to appreciate the outdoors and develop confidence in their own abilities. His primary interests are kayaking activities on rivers, lakes and the ocean. He also enjoys abseiling, hiking and leading groups into Tanzania and Mt Kilimanjaro. He has a background in teaching at secondary and tertiary levels and is particularly enthusiastic about programs that have mixed modes of travel which engage with the history and geography of exciting, new locations.