BROOKLYN WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Cowan Creek: Rock Art, Sandstone Cliffs and a Gourmet Beachside Picnic from Brooklyn
A 3.5-hour intermediate kayak outing on the Hawkesbury River that visits Aboriginal rock art, sandy beaches for a swim and a picnic, and returns with views down Pittwater to Lion Island and the ocean.
Paddling Cowan Creek: Rock Art, Sandstone Cliffs and a Gourmet Beachside Picnic from Brooklyn.
Leaving from the Parsley Bay boat ramp at Brooklyn, this 3.5-hour paddle threads the Hawkesbury River through open bush, towering sandstone cliffs and sites of Aboriginal rock art. The route pauses for a stretch and swim at Eleanor Beach, includes a gourmet picnic on one of Cowan Creek’s sandy beaches, and returns with sweeping views down Pittwater toward Lion Island and the ocean.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sandstone Cliffs and Bushland
The paddle follows the Hawkesbury through spectacular bush scenery and past dramatic sandstone cliffs, offering a continuous sense of remoteness despite launching from Brooklyn.
Aboriginal Rock Art Along the River
Participants pass locations of Aboriginal rock art visible from the water, a highlight that ties the landscape to its cultural history.
Sandy Beaches, a Swim and a Picnic
The itinerary includes stops at Eleanor Beach for a stretch and optional swim, and a dedicated lunch stop on a sandy beach in Cowan Creek where a gourmet picnic is served.
What the day feels like
What the Paddle Feels Like
This is an intermediate, moderately paced outing: you launch from Parsley Bay at Brooklyn, paddle downriver past bush and cliffs, break for a swim and a leisurely gourmet lunch on a sandy beach in Cowan Creek, then retrace your line back toward Brooklyn with open views down Pittwater and out to the ocean.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total outing time is 3.5 hours, with approximately 2.5 hours spent paddling.
Departure is from the Parsley Bay boat ramp at Brooklyn.
Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, quick‑dry clothing (no cotton), a change of clothes for the trip home, and suitable footwear. Dress for sun protection and warmth as clothing can get wet.
The operator provides a gourmet picnic, sit‑inside kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), spray deck, paddling instruction and sunscreen.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Cowan Creek Paddle?
The full experience is 3.5 hours total, with about 2.5 hours of paddling.
Where do we meet and launch?
The group launches from the Parsley Bay boat ramp at Brooklyn.
What age is this suitable for?
Suitable for people aged 8 years and older; children aged 8–14 must be accompanied by an adult, and each child or teen requires one adult per double kayak.
Can I swim during the trip?
Yes — the itinerary includes a stop at Eleanor Beach for a stretch and an optional swim.
Are there any size or accessibility restrictions?
Kayaks are sit‑inside type: participants should be under 2 m tall and able to fit a 40 cm wide seat; the activity is not wheelchair accessible.
What does the operator provide?
Provided items include a gourmet picnic, a comfortable sit‑inside kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), spray deck, paddling instruction and sunscreen.