BROOKLYN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Bar Island Restored: A Private Guided Cruise from Brooklyn into the Mouth of Berowra Creek
A three‑hour guided cruise exploring the newly restored Bar Island—its Aboriginal and settler history, cemetery headstones and poignant memorial—ideal for groups and private charters.
Bar Island Restored: A Private Guided Cruise from Brooklyn into the Mouth of Berowra Creek.
After nearly a century of isolation, tiny Bar Island at the mouth of Berowra Creek has been carefully restored and reopened. The Bar Island Tour and Cruise is a private, guided outing that walks visitors through layers of Aboriginal and white‑settler history: restored headstones in the original cemetery, stories of early settlers and a memorial to drowned instructors from the Outward Bound Camp at nearby Fisherman’s Point. The cruise includes morning tea and a Ploughman‑style lunch on board, and runs for groups within council limits.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Restored Bar Island and Its Dual Heritage
Bar Island has been reopened after nearly 100 years of isolation; the tour focuses on the island’s Aboriginal and settler past and the newly restored headstones of the original cemetery, bringing local history back into view.
Fisherman’s Point: A Quiet, Poignant Tribute
Just north of Bar Island at Fisherman’s Point the tour visits the memorial dedicated to the instructors who drowned from the Outward Bound Camp, a story woven into the cruise’s guided narrative.
Private Guided Cruise with Onboard Catering
Offered as a private guided cruise, the outing includes morning tea and a Ploughman‑style lunch served on board; capacity and scheduling are managed to meet local council limits.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
This is a contemplative, small‑scale cruise that unfolds across three hours: a short departure from Brooklyn, a guided landing and walk across restored Bar Island to visit headstones and interpretive points, a visit past Fisherman’s Point to the memorial, and relaxed onboard catering where morning tea and a Ploughman‑style lunch are served as the boat moves through the mouth of Berowra Creek.
THE HISTORY
Restored Bar Island and Its Dual Heritage
Bar Island has been reopened after nearly 100 years of isolation; the tour focuses on the island’s Aboriginal and settler past and the newly restored headstones of the original cemetery, bringing local history back into view.
THE MEMORIAL
Fisherman’s Point: A Quiet, Poignant Tribute
Just north of Bar Island at Fisherman’s Point the tour visits the memorial dedicated to the instructors who drowned from the Outward Bound Camp, a story woven into the cruise’s guided narrative.
THE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
Private Guided Cruise with Onboard Catering
Offered as a private guided cruise, the outing includes morning tea and a Ploughman‑style lunch served on board; capacity and scheduling are managed to meet local council limits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Morning tea and a Ploughman‑style lunch are provided on board during the cruise.
The outing includes served refreshments on the vessel as part of the guided private cruise experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Bar Island Tour and Cruise?
The outing runs for three hours.
Is food provided on the cruise?
Yes. The cruise includes morning tea and a Ploughman‑style lunch served on board.
What are the group size requirements?
The cruise requires a minimum booking of 25 passengers to operate and is limited to groups of up to 40 guests by Hornsby Shire Council.
Can the cruise operate any day?
Yes; the cruise can operate on any day of the week, subject to the minimum passenger requirement and booking availability.
Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?
The outing is listed as suitable for all ages.
What historic sites are visited on the tour?
The tour visits the restored headstones of the original cemetery on Bar Island and the memorial at Fisherman’s Point for drowned Outward Bound instructors.