What I Love About Our Local Waterways

There's something special about the Port Hacking but it's hard to capture in words.

I grew up spending most of my free time on this beautiful waterway, with some of my fondest memories spent waterskiing the glassy waters of whichever bay was the most sheltered that morning, picnicking by the water’s edge or rope swinging into the river at South West Arm.

As time has gone by, my love for the water has remained, and now I’m privileged to be able to live, work and play within close proximity to the water on a daily basis. I now have my own family and although life seems busier as an adult than it did as a kid, I still find time to get out on these pristine waterways with my wife, kids and mates, reminiscing about my childhood and enjoying the natural surroundings while looking at all the beautiful waterfront properties from a different perspective.

There are so many reasons that the Port Hacking is unique. New residents often marvel at the diversity of homes overlooking the water as well as the character that the homes exude. Large, modern, multi-level homes sit next to heritage listed cottages, all framed by the beautiful bushland surrounds. You won’t find many waterways with such a pristine natural environment, perfect for swimming and all water sports.

A favourite of mine is Shiprock Aquatic Reserve, a local dive site that is protected from fishing to preserve the marine plants and animals in their natural habitat. If you’d prefer to stay above the water cruising the waterways by boat, keep an eye out for waterfalls and even some aboriginal art. The aboriginal tribes known as the Dharawal people referred to the Port Hacking as the Djeebehan or Deeban and you will find the original art works in rock shelters along the water’s edge.

The waterways are an ingrained part of the Shire psyche, so much so that our most highly prized real estate purchases take into account both the proximity and aspect of the Port Hacking as much as the build of the home itself. There’s a healthy divide between those looking for a property facing East overlooking the water, whereas others insist that West is the premier aspect!

Whether it’s sun in the morning or late into the afternoon that you’re after, there is undoubtedly a property that will suit you. Maybe that’s the true beauty of the area - that it can accommodate all budgets and needs with diversity of homes within a spectacular and peaceful environment.