Hacking River (Wants Beach & Shallow Rock Reserve)

The emerald waters of the Hacking River flow 42 kilometres north east from deep within the Royal National Park into the estuary at Port Hacking on the outskirts of Southern Sydney. Along the banks sit lush rainforest and eucalypt towered over by sandstone cliffs.

A river rich in wildlife, at shallow depths the spotted backs of jollytail fish poke out, joined by long finned eels, migrants from the ocean. As it deepens turtle shells float on by, splashed occasionally by a hungry platypus diving down for dinner. Azure kingfishers meanwhile observe from branches above, waiting to swoop on prey. Crabs, oysters, and other crustaceans cling to riverside boulders, trying to hide in stillness. The silence is broken only by the chorus of chirping crickets that pervades all over.

Small stretches of sand can be found along the banks at various points but only twice long enough to form proper beaches. First up, Wants Beach at Audley within the national park curves round underneath a stoned wall and picnic area. Yellow-green and silver water reflects the foliage and clouds above, sporadically rippled by the passing of a family of ducks. Toddlers play along the shore amongst the scattered leaves of a forest red gum, their parents watching on from fold up chairs under the shade of the tree's trunk. 

Wants Beach

Rent a kayak from nearby at the Audley Boatshed for a leisurely glide winding downstream to the river’s second beach at Shallow Rock. At the edge of civilisation, houses perch in the trees over the reserve. A popular spot for family picnics, the cries of playing children here merge with the squawks of river herons and visiting seagulls competing for bream and flathead with fishermen’s lines cast from the river’s edge.

The Hacking River extends from Shallow Rock Reserve

This may be the final beach along the river but those who venture further are sure to be rewarded. A small boat ramp here can launch trailer boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore into Port Hacking, where swimming spots are a plenty. Plunge into the netted pools at Gymea Bay and Lilli Pilli before paddling the pristine beaches of Bundeena. I’ll be back soon to continue my quest.  

Total Beaches: 56/160