Brooklyn is a small leafy township skirted by the mighty Hawkesbury river and Kuring-gai National Park. It is located North of Sydney approximately 20 minutes from Wahroonga.
The original inhabitants of this area were the Ku-ring-gai (or Guringai), who spoke a common language and lived in the area from Port Jackson across Broken Bay and along the Central Coast.
Image courtesy of Hornsby Shire Council website
Brooklyn Park is on Brooklyn Road, just up from the marina. It sits on the Hawkesbury River coast in an area that is fringed with mangrove marshes. A boardwalk, suitable for prams and wheelchairs, has been constructed from the park out over the marsh for visitors to enjoy.
The boardwalk begins in the park, just near the war memorial, where you will find three brass plaques mounted on concrete plinths, in front of a commemorative plaque mounted on a large sandstone boulder and a flag pole.
At low tide the mud flats come alive with tiny crabs which scurry in and out of holes in search of food. As hightide approaches the crabs scuttle back into their holes to escape being eaten by fish and birds which live in the mangroves. Further along the many oyster leases, that are prevalent in the area, can be seen from the lookout platform.
The
walk finishes in the area around the parks bushy barbecue facilities and picnic areas. You can bring a picnic lunch with you or stop on your way at Brooklyn village and grab your supplies from there.
Image courtesy of Hornsby Shire Council website
Young children can bring a ball to kick on the large grassed area and there is a skateboard ramp next to the oval for the older kids to burn off some energy after lunch.
The best access to the area is by car or train. Brooklyn Park is approximately 20 minutes walk from Hawkesbury River train station.
You could even make a great weekend escape out of it by hiring a houseboat from the marina and spending a few peaceful days on the river.
Image courtesy of Hornsby Shire Council website
