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An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore

An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore

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Dining
Outdoor dining
Terrace/patio

Overview of An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 690 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Hawkesbury River, NSW
  • Popular LocationBrisbane Water National Park1 min walk
  • Popular LocationAustralian Reptile Park15 min drive
  • Popular LocationTuro Reserve39 min drive
  • AirportBankstown, NSW (BWU)71 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore

We welcome you to experience a journey to Hawksbury River's ultimate getaway, Amaroo Cottage, Boatshed and waterfront Studio all set in beautiful gardens, surrounded by natural bushland. Right on the water's edge, just an hour from Sydney, it is ready to explore.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROPERTY CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED BY WATER.

Originally built in the 1920s, this cottage haven, boatshed and studio have been lovingly restored and is the perfect holiday retreat for up to 3 couples or a family with children.
This beautiful accommodation looking out over breath taking views of the Hawkesbury River. Perfect for romantic getaways, baby-moons or family retreats.

French doors from the main cottage lounge and master bedroom open onto a large verandah that captures the morning light all year round.

The newly renovated kitchen blends perfectly with the pot belly stove that is recessed in the original stand stone kitchen wall.

The master bedroom, with a queen size bed, has French doors that open onto the front deck. The second bedroom has 2 single beds. The third bedroom, located in the Studio next to the Boathouse, has a double bed and views over its own deck directly onto the river. Please note, the only toilet facilities are in the main house, therefore this may not be suitable for some people during the winter months.

The newly renovated, well equipped kitchen blends perfectly with the pot bellied stove that is recessed in the original sandstone chimney.

The bathroom, although private, has views over the garden and the second "lou with a view" contains a washing machine and dryer.

A gas barbeque is ideally located on the lawn by the waters edge, sheltered by a pergola covered with giant honeysuckle. Ready to cook your catch from the jetty.

The outdoor garden tables, studio deck and private boatshed are perfect settings for afternoon drinks before retreating to the cottage terrace to watch the sun light up the sandstone in the cliffs opposite and dine. Amaroo offers complete relaxation by the river.

Arrive midweek by mail boat (weekdays only), water taxi, own boat, or a hired tinny. Mary, +61 423118363 or +61 2 99222934, can advise on catering & any restaurant excursions that you may want to plan.

Staying at Amaroo Cottage is mostly about doing nothing. There are however a couple of hand lines, a great collection of books, magazines & board games to keep you occupied. A stereo, small TV & video are also in place.

For those who wish to explore further afield, we suggest you arrange hire of a tinny.

Head over to Peats Bite a fabulous place to dine on the weekends with a pick up and drop off service available to Amaroo Guests.

What to bring

Food & Beverage
Toiletries
Favourite CD's & Videos
Hooks, bait, sinkers ... for those keen to fish

The owners regularly live in the cottage mid week if it is not rented out, so everything is kept in perfect order for your visit.

HOW TO GET THERE

Brooklyn & Deerubbun Boat Ramp at Mooney Mooney are just 45km from the Sydney Harbour Bridge so we generally suggest travelling time is less than an hour from Sydney to reach this very unique weekend getaway.

Please contact us on the above telephone number to discuss any special transport issues. (eg how suitable is a "Rubber Duck" as a mode of transport)

CHECK IN & CHECK OUT

Generally check in times are anytime after 4.00 PM on Fridays, check out by 4.00PM the day you leave. Midweek times by arrangement.

As we will leave the place open for your arrival, it is important that you let us know if you are going to be greatly delayed.

Please note that we do not accept parties under any circumstances.
We do accept dogs that are well cared for, after discussion of the suitability (1 dog only).
We do love children but it is providing parents are aware of water safety issues.

Our calendar is up to date

Property manager

Mary Threlfall

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Water view

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 1:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Infants need a life jacket and others, water safe

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed
Pets need to be free of fleas

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property registration number PID-STRA-4631

About the area

Bar Point

Located in Bar Point, this cottage is on the waterfront. Bulgandry Aboriginal Engraving Site and Henry Kendall Cottage & Historical Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Brisbane Water National Park and Marramarra National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, or check out an event or a game at The Entertainment Grounds. With jet skiing, waterskiing and windsurfing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Hawkesbury River, NSW

What's nearby

  • Brisbane Water National Park - 1 min walk
  • Australian Reptile Park - 15 min drive
  • Berowra Waters Marina - 32 min drive
  • Turo Reserve - 39 min drive
  • Patonga Beach - 40 min drive

Getting around

  • Sydney Hawkesbury River Station - 17 min drive
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • Pie in the Sky - 16 min drive
  • Brooklyn Park - 16 min drive
  • Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed - 13 min drive
  • Estuary Restaurant - 13 min drive
  • King Tide Cafe - 18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore?

Checkout is at 1:00 PM.

Where is An idyllic haven, an hour from the CBD, ready to explore located?

This family-friendly Bar Point cottage is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Central Coast Hinterland and Brisbane Water National Park. Marramarra National Park and Spectacle Island Nature Reserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vineetha F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amaroo
We had a brilliant time at the cottagr, the host was helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clare M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amaroo is a gorgeous cottage in a beautiful setting. The deck with an uninterrupted views is magic
We had a wonderful stay at Amaroo Cottage. The position with a beautiful view over the river was amazing. The kids loved the garden and boathouse and we all enjoyed the fire by the river. The kitchen is well equipped with a great central table and view onto the verdant garden. Highly recommend Amaroo and the friendly residents on the river!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

4/10 Poor

Sarah S.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Understand the property - is it for you?
This review is a fair and accurate account of our stay, all has been disclosed with the property owner so no surprises. Location - It was advertised in the wrong place, Stayz showed it as West facing, its not it East facing over the hill in a completely different location. April you lose the sun with this house at 2.30pm, we booked west facing for the sun so this was disappointing. Access to the property. Unknown from the property details disclosed on Stayz prior to booking is the jetty access. There is no pontoon nor bridge to the jetty, and you have to climb a ladder. Thankfully, we didn’t have my mum with us on this trip. 2 WAY ROPE MOORING - not pontoon mooring - we were expected to moor up against 2 pylons, grab the ladder and manage the ropes to pull the boat into free water. Not a problem I guess if you have an old tinny, only we have a nice boat and the location of the house (East facing) means it is susceptible to winds being in the exposed part of the river. If you are well versed in this 'boat parking' not a problem, but for us it was our first time, cumbersome and timely. The rope securing was disclosed after the booking was paid – I find this very misleading for the guest. I would never choose this again 1. due to the risk of damage to your boat and 2. its not easy and when you are there a few days so coming and going is painful. View from the house - this is lovely and what people come to the Hawkesbury for, rest and relaxation. Mary corresponded well and hopefully she has fixed the location now.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie-Claire G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful waterside escape
We had 3 couples at this beautiful place and arrived by boat and docked to the private wharf. It feels like you are miles away from sydney. Beautiful spot for fishing and relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So so peaceful
This was our first getaway anywhere since 2017 when my hubby broke his back at work. We weren't sure if we were ever going to go boating again, but he managed ok. The best part of the house is being able to open up all doors throughout and not just enjoy the view, but the breeze that came through daily..the home is absolutely beautiful and the view is just magical. It was one of the best Christmas days we've ever had and we look forward to coming back.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Mary Threlfall

Host profile image
We bought Amaroo in 1981 and have had wonderful family times there. It's ideal for children from 3 to perhaps 16.
We are both keen sailors and have spent a lot of time on the water. The Garden was designed by Michael Bligh and built by Michael Bates.
I am a keen gardener and spend as much time in it as I can. I am a Guide at the Botanic Gardens.

Jonathan had written books in the Studio. His daughter and sister have painted many pictures, including a small one in the kitchen.

It is a family home and so lots of books and games suitable for all ages.

Why they chose this property

We love water views and when we first came to Sydney, we drew a compass circle around North Sydney where we lived, and still do, representing travel distance of less than 1 1/2 hours. We travelled the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury and fell in love with Amaroo and its boat house and jetty.

We think its the most beautiful property on the river

What makes this property unique

The tranquility, the garden, the excitement of young kids at jumping into the water. Everything.
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