“Brooklyn,” a name echoing across continents, wasn’t chosen at random. Brooklyn in Sydney owes its existence to the Main Northern railway line. The railway arrived here in 1887.
The Union Bridge Company from New York built a railway bridge across the Hawkesbury River. Construction workers named their camp after the 1883 Brooklyn Bridge. That camp’s name survives today as the name of this town.
Brooklyn sits on the Hawkesbury River’s southern bank. This places it within Sydney’s Hornsby Shire. Miles of bushland separate this small town from Sydney’s urban sprawl. The Pacific Highway is nearby and gives easy access to the town.
Brooklyn offers a village atmosphere with many activities. North Shore residents and day trippers come here. They enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing on the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater waterways. Bushwalking and scenic views await in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Muogamarra Nature Reserve.
Visitors enjoy several cafes with local seafood. You can find other options for meals like the Angler’s Rest Hotel. Peat’s Bite restaurant on the Hawkesbury River is a short boat ride away.
Boating and fishing draw many tourists to Brooklyn. Local marinas offer boat hire, marine services and houseboat rentals. The Hawkesbury River hosts dragon boat racing. Brooklyn is home to the Hawkesbury River Dragons racing club.
McKell Park offers superb river views and recreation. The park has a netted public swimming pool. It also features a children’s playground and picnic area. Parsley Bay has a new boat ramp and parking.
Brooklyn boasts a vibrant art scene. Local artists display works at the Edge Art Space and the Redfish Cafe Gallery. The Brooklyn Spring Fair and Markets happen at the Brooklyn Soccer Oval in September.
Brooklyn is surrounded by reserves ideal for bushwalking. The town lies on the Great North Walk, a 250 km trail from Sydney to Newcastle. The Muogamarra Nature Reserve opens during wildflower season.
The Riverboat Postman began in 1910. It takes tourists on a mail run to settlements along the Hawkesbury River. The Riverboat Postman departs weekdays from the Brooklyn Public Wharf. Alternatively, catch the ferry to Dangar Island for a walk or a meal.
Brooklyn is positioned at the northern end of the Cowan Bank. Before electrification, Brooklyn helped trains heading south to Sydney. Extra engines pushed trains up the steep climb to Cowan.
Brooklyn has seen three major railway accidents. In 1887, an excursion train ran out of control. Disaster was averted by a station master who diverted the train. In 1944, a bus stalled on the tracks and was hit by a train. Seventeen people died.
The town was known as Peat’s Ferry crossing. In 1884, the suburb was registered as Brooklyn. A hotel of the same name opened later. The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge was a major engineering feat.
In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of York toured the Hawkesbury. They boarded a steamboat for a tour. A small obelisk in McKell Park marks the Hawkesbury River’s discovery by Governor Phillip in 1789.
Today, Brooklyn remains a charming riverside town. It welcomes visitors to explore its waterways and history. The Hawkesbury River continues to shape Brooklyn’s identity. This town offers a unique blend of nature, history, and community.