The Hawkesbury River is less than an hour’s drive to the north of Sydney. I spend quite a deal of time there and sometimes wonder why so few overseas tourists bother to visit when it offers so much. Perhaps it’s the lack of promotion, perhaps there are so many other things on offer, most likely it’s because there’s little large-scale tourism infrastructure. So, this is for those who are infrastructure-abhorrent.

The Hawkesbury is a great river, running at first as an estuary from the Pacific Ocean between massive sandstone cliffs and then meandering along flatlands, much of the way through national parks and at other times interspersed by small villages and properties. You won’t forget the scenery.

Here are a few choices for discovery:

Take a morning ride out of Brooklyn on the Riverboat Postman, a true official mail service which provides for isolated residents along the river. It’s the last of its type in Australia and a great chance to see just how remote this area must have been two centuries ago (some of the folk you come across might seem closer to then than now). Tel 61 2 9985 7566.

Hire a houseboat for two or three days midweek when the rates are cheaper and the river quieter. You really don’t need to bring much – catering can be arranged – they are easy to dive and the rules of the river are quite simple. Relax while exploring the waterways, mainly in the park where it is hard to believe that you are so close to a city of 4 million. You can even try your hand at landing a fish – not hard at all in these waters.

Splurge (well, not a lot) on a seaplane ride from Sydney Harbor and see the northern beaches before touching down right outside a local restaurant. Cottage Point Inn has fabulous food in a gorgeous setting. A little further up, Peats Bite offers good food with laid back outdoor entertainment of a weekend in a friendly isolated setting. We saw Billy Joel cry — honest! — as he left after a great day easing back. Not least are the people you’ll meet. No tour groups, lots of locals and a brief chance to get to know real Australians. Enjoy!

– Ross Hoddinott

Ross Hoddinott is a freelance writer and consultant based in Sydney.