Yes – this walk has been designed for people who are curious about spending more time in nature, even if they don’t consider themselves experienced bushwalkers. Daily distances are modest, the pace is unhurried, and the experience is pack-free. If you’re comfortable walking for a few hours at a relaxed pace and enjoy being outdoors, you’re likely to feel at ease here. If you’re unsure, a short conversation before booking is always welcome.

A reasonable level of general fitness is helpful, but this is not an endurance walk. Most walks are under two hours, with one slightly longer day of around three hours. There is more downhill than uphill, and regular pauses are built in. The focus is on enjoyment rather than speed or performance.

The walk follows well-formed bush trails through Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water National Park, with some uneven sections and downhill walking. The route has been thoughtfully chosen to balance scenic impact with comfort, and each day is shaped around natural rhythms such as light, tides, and weather.

No. This is a pack-free, guided walk. You’ll only carry a light day pack with essentials such as water, a jacket, and personal items. 

No. Groups are intentionally kept small, and the walk moves at a pace that suits everyone, with regular opportunities to pause, rest, or simply take in the scenery. There is no pressure to push through discomfort or keep pace with anyone else.

• Three nights of luxury accommodation at Bells at Killcare in a King Suite (twin share)
• Four guided walks in Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water National Park
• A four-hour sailing experience on the Hawkesbury
• Daily breakfast at Bells at Killcare
• Snacks and canapés on the walks
• Two picnic lunches and one lunch at a local restaurant including alcoholic beverages
• Transfers to and from Bells at Killcare to trail heads
• Experienced local guides and drivers, including all park fees, licenses, and insurance coverage.

Clothing

• Lightweight hiking pants or shorts (quick-dry, breathable)

• T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts for sun protection

• Warm layer (fleece or jumper for cool mornings/evenings)

• Waterproof jacket (lightweight, packable)

• Casual clothes for evenings and leisure time

• Swimwear (for ocean dips)

• Sun hat or cap

Footwear

• Comfortable hiking boots (well worn-in, with good grip)

• Lightweight shoes or sandals for evenings

• Hiking socks (several pairs, quick-dry/wool recommended)

Gear & Accessories

• Daypack (15–20L, comfortable with chest/hip strap)

• Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder (1–2L)

• Walking sticks/poles (recommended for downhill sections, especially if knees need support)

• Small dry bag for keeping items safe in wet weather

• Sunglasses

• Lightweight towel

Personal Items

• Sunscreen & SPF lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Personal medications

• Basic toiletries (eco-friendly where possible)

• Small first aid kit (band-aids, blister pads)

Optional Comforts

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Book or journal

• Binoculars for wildlife spotting

Each night you’ll return to luxury accommodation at Bells at Killcare, offering a high level of comfort, privacy, and restoration. Returning to the same accommodation each evening allows you to fully relax and unwind between walking days.

The experience explores coastal tracks and waterways around the Hawkesbury River in Bouddi Peninsula and Brisbane Water National Park on the NSW Central Coast, just 90 minutes north of Sydney. The location allows for a rich sense of immersion without requiring long travel days.

Self-Drive: Enjoy a scenic drive to Bells at Killcare, located just 90 minutes from Sydney.

By Palm Beach Ferry: Take the picturesque ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe Wharf, where you’ll be just minutes from your accommodation.

By Train: Hop on a train to Woy Woy station, and take a short 15-minute drive to Bells at Killcare.

For your convenience, complimentary pick-up is available from Wagstaffe Wharf, Ettalong Wharf, or Woy Woy Station.

• Solo travellers may be paired with another guest of the same gender. If another guest of the same gender cannot be found, a single supplement of AUD900 will apply.
• A single supplement of AUD900 of the trip price applies if private accommodation is requested and available.

Book 9 people on one departure, and the 10th person goes free.

For private groups, other departure dates can be made available. 

That’s completely normal. Many guests arrive with a little uncertainty about the outdoors or their own ability. If you’d like to talk through whether the walk is the right fit for you, a short conversation before booking is warmly encouraged.

• A non-refundable deposit of AUD $400 per person is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
• The balance of payment is due 45 days prior to departure.
• Bookings made within 45 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
• Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking, with loss of deposit and any payments made.

• Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances.
• If cancellation is made more than 45 days prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit only.
• If cancellation is made between 45 and 20 days prior to departure, 50% of the total trip cost will be forfeited.
• If cancellation is made within 20 days of departure, 100% of the trip cost will be forfeited.
• No refunds are given once a trip has commenced, including for voluntary departure or failure to join the trip.

• We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a departure due to factors including, but not limited to: minimum numbers not met, safety considerations, or circumstances beyond our control (e.g. severe weather, natural disaster, government restrictions).
• In the event of cancellation by us, you will be offered the choice of:
  • Transferring to another departure, subject to availability; or
  • Receiving a refund of monies paid, less any unrecoverable costs (e.g. permits, prepaid transport or accommodation).
  • We are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred as a result of cancellation (e.g. flights, insurance, accommodation).

• We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, medical expenses, evacuation, and loss of personal belongings.
• Guests without insurance travel at their own risk, and we accept no liability for costs that would otherwise have been covered by insurance.

• Participation requires a moderate level of fitness. Guests must be able to walk on uneven terrain and manage daily activities as described in trip notes.
• Guests aged 70 years and over are required to provide a medical certificate from a qualified doctor confirming they are fit to participate.
• It is your responsibility to assess your fitness and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
• We reserve the right to refuse participation if a guest is deemed physically unable to safely complete the experience.

• By joining our experiences, you acknowledge that activities may involve inherent risks including, but not limited to, hiking in remote environments, exposure to weather, and wildlife encounters.
• Guests participate at their own risk and may be required to sign a waiver and indemnity form prior to departure.
• We are not liable for personal injury, property damage, or financial loss except where required by law.

• Accommodation is generally twin-share.
• Solo travellers may be paired with another guest of the same gender. If another guest of the same gender cannot be found, a single supplement of AUD900 will apply. 
• A single supplement of AUD900 of the trip price applies if private accommodation is requested and available.

• Every effort is made to operate itineraries as described. However, we reserve the right to alter routes, schedules, or inclusions due to weather, tides, safety, or other operational considerations.
• Any such changes will be made in the best interests of guests’ safety and experience.

• These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, and any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of its courts.

The Hawkesbury River-Mouth Walk is one of the closest premium multi-day walks to Sydney, located just 90 minutes north on the NSW Central Coast. Unlike most multi-day walks in Australia, which require flights, long transfers, and a significant time commitment, this walk can be accessed easily by road and fits comfortably into a short break.

It has been designed for people who want the depth and immersion of a multi-day walking experience without the logistical complexity or physical intensity often associated with Australia’s iconic long-distance walks. Daily distances are modest, the experience is pack-free, and guests return each night to the same luxury accommodation.

By combining gentle coastal walking, sailing on the Hawkesbury River, and time to rest and restore, the Hawkesbury River-Mouth Walk offers a rare alternative: a premium, nature-rich multi-day walk that feels unrushed and restorative – yet remains remarkably close to Sydney.