The Riverboat Postman
ProHighlights
- Three licensed charter boats at Brooklyn for 80 to 120 guests standing
- Ploughman's lunches, antipasto platters or a cold buffet served on board
- Live band packages and a cordless microphone for speeches
About The Riverboat Postman
The Riverboat Postman has been carrying mail and supplies to the river-access-only settlements above Brooklyn since 1910, and the run is now operated by Hawkesbury Cruises from Dangar Road, about an hour north of the Sydney CBD by car or train. Beyond the weekday mail cruise and the Sunday lunch trips, the same team charters its boats privately for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, corporate functions and Christmas parties, with local skippers who know the river's history. There are three vessels. Emily Melvey is a catamaran with an open top deck and an enclosed saloon below, seating 45 or holding 80 for a cocktail party. Deliverance, a former Sydney Harbour fast ferry, seats 56 at fixed tables, carries up to 80, and moves at close to twice the speed of the others, with a large rear deck and room outside for dancing. Zarapito is the largest, a two-level air-conditioned catamaran that seats 100 for a buffet or takes 120 standing, with a covered upper lounge and a minimum of 40 guests. Each boat has two bathrooms, a sound system and a cordless microphone for speeches. The boats are fully licensed, so there's no BYO alcohol. Drinks are served at the bar as you go, run as a tab settled at the end of the cruise, or covered with a beer, wine and soft drink package, with spirits always paid separately. Food can be the crew's ploughman's-style plate, antipasto platters or a substantial cold buffet with oysters and prawns as add-ons, or groups can bring in their own cold catering. A live band can be arranged on Zarapito for an extra charge.
Inclusions & amenities
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Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
Which boat suits our group size?
Emily Melvey seats 45 or holds 80 standing, Deliverance seats 56 at fixed tables with up to 80 in total, and Zarapito seats 100 for a buffet or holds 120 standing. Zarapito needs at least 40 guests.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
No. All three boats are fully licensed, so drinks must be bought on board, by the glass, through a bar tab or with a drinks package. Shots are not served and spirits are always paid for separately.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, outside catering is welcome, but nothing can be heated or cooked on the boats, so food needs to be fully prepared before the cruise. The crew also offers its own platters and buffets.
Where do charters leave from?
The company's wharf at 3 Dangar Road, Brooklyn, on the Hawkesbury River. Brooklyn is reachable by car via the M1 or by train to Hawkesbury River station.
What happens if the weather turns?
Charters go ahead in bad weather. Every boat has an enclosed saloon, and Zarapito is fully air-conditioned, so the party can move inside if it rains.
Suitable occasions
David Ainsworth
3 months ago
This was a truly great thing to do whilst on the Central Coast. A 3 hour ( Mail ) cruise down the Hawkesbury river with morning tea and lunch included. From booking to finish the staff were very welcoming and just awesom…
Kerry Souter
3 months ago
Great trip around the Hawkesbury River passing relatively isolated communities and beautiful scenery. Also enjoyed a delicious morning tea and ploughman's lunch. Great entertaining and informative commentary by the S…
Helen Ottaway
4 months ago
Loved it! Great piece of history which continues today. Aust Post mail and other items are still delivered to river-access only settlements along the Hawkesbury River from Brooklyn, while we (tourists) enjoyed the cruise…
Denise Suffling
5 months ago
What a great experience. One of the best days. Great way to see the beautiful Hawkesbury River and learn about its rich history. Staff were amazing, food was great and the commentary was second to none. Can’t wait to go…
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