A luxurious base to explore the Hawkesbury River and surrounds.
While staying at Marramarra Lodge, guests are encouraged to explore river life with a variety of bespoke water and land experiences including a sunset champagne and oyster tour, crabbing expeditions, and tours to historic, cultural and significant wilderness sites nearby.
Complimentary kayaks, canoes, SUP boards and fishing rods are available for guest use.
Transfers can be arranged to the local, iconic water-access restaurants including Berowra Waters Inn and Peats Bite.
Marramarra signature experiences
Champagne and Oyster Cruise
Get to know the Hawkesbury River with our signature welcome, the Marramarra champagne and oyster cruise. Each Thursday and Saturday we welcome guests aboard our luxury vessel, where we share some of the Hawkesbury’s secrets, fascinating history and indisputable beauty.
The river is calm year-round. Spot the sea eagles who soar above the surrounding eucalypt-covered hills. Your Marramarra Guide will point out cultural and significant locations, including secluded tidal beaches and pristine creeks, ancient middens and more.
You’ll also get a glimpse of life on the river as you pass small communities dotted along the banks, and the local trawlers passing by with their catch. Inclusions: One-hour guided cruise, Oysters, Champagne, beer or non-alcoholic beverages.
Cost: Included with your stay
Type: Shared cruise
What to bring: Sunscreen, Hat, Suitable clothing depending on the season
Mud-crabbing and Fishing
The Hawkesbury River is renowned for its great fishing, including bream, luderick, mullowway, flathead, flounder, kingfish and oysters.
At Marramarra Lodge, where tidal saltwater brings with it fresh ocean nutrients, it’s also possible to catch mud-crabs who love the soft, muddy bottom below the low tide level.
Whether you’re experienced or would just like a river dabble, it’s a relaxing experience by the Marramarra jetty or amongst the mangroves. Your Marramarra host can bait the crab pots and fishing lines for you (or you can try it yourself) then leave you in peace for some relaxing time by the water.
Inclusions: Crab pots, Fishing lines, Bait, Marramarra host support.
Cost: Fishing included with your stay, mud crabbing additional.
Type: Self-guided
What to bring: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, Suitable clothing depending on the season
Historic Bar Island Heritage Walk
Only a stone’s throw from Marramarra Lodge is Bar Island, a culturally significant location that we recommend visiting during your stay. Bar island is rich with Australian history and relics of our past, from an Aboriginal midden to the remains of an early settler church and cemetery.
These reminders are proud sites for the local river communities, as they serve to tell the story of the Hawkesbury River region throughout the centuries. Your self-guided journey begins with a leisurely river crossing on one of our complimentary kayaks or canoes.
After disembarking at Bar Island, follow the easy self-guided heritage trail with signposts along the way.
Duration: 45 minutes + 30 minutes paddle time
Cost: Included with your stay
Type: Self-guided. Walk Length: 500m return. Grade 3 (moderate) walk and moderate to easy paddle
What to bring: Sunscreen, Hat, and Suitable clothing depending on the season
Hawkesbury River Paddle
Explore the natural beauty of the Hawkesbury River at your own pace with use of our complimentary kayaks, canoes and SUP’s.
Head to our historic Boat Shed, and feel free to use the variety of watercrafts available at your leisure. Discover life along the emerald waterway, with its historic villages, secret hamlets and coves.
You may even like to order ahead for a picnic hamper, and enjoy lunch along the river during your expedition.
Inclusions: Kayaks, canoes, SUP’s
Departs: Available daily from Marramarra Lodge Jetty
Cost: Included with your stay
Type: Self-guided
What to bring: Sunscreen, Hat, Suitable clothing depending on the season
Local add-on experiences
Private Pearl Farm Tour
Discover the hidden gem of New South Wales with a private tour of Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Follow the story of the Australian pearl from its ancient Indigenous beginnings through our modern farming and grading techniques, all the way to the finished piece of unique pearl jewellery.
Winery Heli-Tours / Sea plane
Experience a day of great food and fine wine in the Hunter Valley. Be transported by helicopter to the Hunter Valley for a private behind the scenes cellar door experience, complete with wine tasting and a three course lunch before returning to Marramarra Lodge.
Immersive In-water Oyster Experience
Meet second and third generation oyster farmers with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, as they take you to visit oyster leases on the Hawkesbury River and taste the famous Broken Bay Oysters.
For the ultimate immersive experience, slide into waders and disembark at the farm’s newest oyster lease to be guided to your in-water table. Enjoy champagne and freshly shucked oysters from the very waters you are standing in.
Iconic Eats
Dine at iconic, water-access-only local restaurant Berowra Waters Inn, a short boat ride away. Bookings prior to arrival at Marramarra Lodge required.
Guided Islands and Oyster Tour
Experience the history and produce of the majestic Hawkesbury River with our Hawkesbury Islands and Oyster Package . Enjoy luxury accommodation, all-inclusive dining, a guided Marramarra and Hawkesbury Oyster and Islands Tour, and a bottle of champagne on arrival. Your unforgettable Hawkesbury River experience awaits.
