BROOKLYN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Century-Old Mail Run Along the Hawkesbury: The Riverboat Postman from Brooklyn
A weekday morning cruise that follows a working mail route up the Hawkesbury River — ideal for travelers who want history, local storytelling and a genuine riverside ritual.
A Century-Old Mail Run Along the Hawkesbury: The Riverboat Postman from Brooklyn.
Since 1910 the Riverboat Postman has run a working mail route up the Hawkesbury River. Operated today by Hawkesbury Cruises, the trip pairs local skippers’ storytelling with comfort on the water, a taste of homemade ANZAC biscuits and the ritual of delivering mail to small river settlements before returning to Brooklyn in the early afternoon.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A mail run with roots in 1910
The Riverboat Postman is a living tradition that began in 1910 and continues as a working run on the Hawkesbury, offering passengers a direct connection to over a century of river life.
Local skippers, local stories
Skippers are locals who have lived on the river their whole lives; their on-board commentary blends history and personal recollection as you cruise in comfort.
Mail delivery and homemade ANZAC biscuits
Alongside mail drops to islands and points on the river, passengers are served real coffee, hot tea and the operator’s famous home‑made ANZAC biscuits — part of the trip’s ritual and charm.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Departing from Brooklyn mid‑morning, the vessel slips upriver as the skipper narrates a mix of local history and living memory. The pace is unhurried: stop after stop for mail delivery at small settlements gives the outing a practical, working quality, while onboard comforts and snacks make the run a relaxed, memorable half‑day on the Hawkesbury.
THE TRADITION
A mail run with roots in 1910
The Riverboat Postman is a living tradition that began in 1910 and continues as a working run on the Hawkesbury, offering passengers a direct connection to over a century of river life.
THE PEOPLE
Local skippers, local stories
Skippers are locals who have lived on the river their whole lives; their on-board commentary blends history and personal recollection as you cruise in comfort.
THE ROUTE
Mail delivery and homemade ANZAC biscuits
Alongside mail drops to islands and points on the river, passengers are served real coffee, hot tea and the operator’s famous home‑made ANZAC biscuits — part of the trip’s ritual and charm.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Departures run Monday through Friday at 10:00am with the vessel returning to Brooklyn by about 1:15pm.
Bring sun protection and whatever personal items you need for a mid‑morning to early‑afternoon outing; onboard tea, coffee and home‑made ANZAC biscuits are provided.
The service is operated by Riverboat Postman / Hawkesbury Cruises; the operator provides the mail run service and daily on‑board hospitality.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the Riverboat Postman run?
The cruise departs Monday through Friday at 10:00am.
How long is the trip?
The vessel departs in the morning and returns to Brooklyn at about 1:15pm.
What are the fares for different ages?
Published fares list seniors, adults and school‑age children separately; infants (under school age) travel free of charge.
Is food provided on board?
Yes: the operator serves real coffee, hot tea and home‑made ANZAC biscuits made daily.
Where can I find more information or book?
For full details and how to find the departure point, consult the operator’s official website.