The Cell Toilet is now the Bedroom Chair

When converting our heritage cell block into Cell Block B holiday accommodation in Brooklyn, one of the enigmas was the leaky, stainless steel toilet basin that came as a fixture of the particular cell that was to be the new King bedroom.

Enter Denise O'Regan Design http://www.internationaldesign.com.au and lo and behold we had ourselves a lovely bedroom chair. The first step was to turn off the water and flush out the toilet before filling it with disinfected sand.The toilet basin was then treated with a sealant and lacquered with several coats of pearlized aqua paint.

The D.O.D.upholsterer then fixed a padded seat and back, with the seat featuring a fabric with a cute metallic aqua logo. The flush button still sits proudly on the wall behind the 'chair', and the handy chair is put to good use by guests.

Our unique bedroom chair still incites giggles from guests, and the refurbish by Denise O'Regan Design has helped maintain the integrity of this significant element of Brooklyns old jail and the authenticity of building as a whole.

The geographic starting point for the best oysters in Sydney

For those of you who are keen to spend your weekends 'hitting the farm gate trail' then you truly cannot pass up this treat whilst in the Hawkesbury area.

If you have not yet experienced the full flavour of Les Wadham oysters, then you have missed out on a treat beyond belief.

Les is an oyster farmer of renown in the Hawkesbury River / Brooklyn region. He has won awards at the Oyster Farmers functions, and to watch Les open an oyster (he shuns the word 'shuck'), is like poetry in motion.

He sells them opened or unopened, from his shed beside the riverbank at Lot 243 Kowan Road. This is just down from the Mooney Mooney Workers Club, and just off the freeway.

Les will hold you enthralled with his passion for oysters, whether they be Broken Bay oysters, or Sydney Rock oysters. Depending on seasons, both are available.

On a weekend, Les Wadham Oysters opens to the public between 8.00am and 4.00pm generally. Weekdays they are available by phoning an order to Les on (02) 9985 9704 or 0410 410 551.

Better still, bring along your own drinks of choice, and perch beside the riverbank to enjoy your oysters on the banks of the gorgeous Hawkesbury River. Les supplies his well loved rustic table and chairs by the waters edge, and all the necessary condiments to enhance your oyster experience. Now doesn't that sound like a great way to wile away a few hours on a weekend with friends and family.

The other Brooklyn (Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River)

Dotted with marinas, sprinkled with vessels of all shapes and sizes, the Hawkesbury River is home to many small, creative communities. Some of these communities are water access only, some are boat-only residents, some are cave dwellers (I kid you not) and some are land-lubbers who wallow in the tranquility of these beautiful shores. Communities along the river can be accessed via beautiful winding roads distributing off the Pacific Highway north of Sydney.
To access Brooklyn (driving South) one must depart the Pacific Highway just seconds before crossing the stunning, and wide, Hawkesbury River. Cross the bridge by accident and you have a big problem.
This may well be why the little community of Brooklyn, has maintained its level of mystique, and frankly sailed 'under the radar' for so long. This is certainly the way many of its creative and talented residents would like it to stay.
It may also be the reason that the thriving oyster farming community on the river continues to consistently produce award-winning oysters that must be seen to be believed. The waters of the Hawkesbury contain just the right amount of salt for oysters to thrive, and thrive they do. In saying that, so does the fish, which is served so beautifully at the tiny cafes, restaurants and takeaway outlets along the river. Bream, Blackfish, Jewfish,...you name it. The seafood here is legendary, and the community of Brooklyn gets top marks for understanding how it should be served.

Why not Brooklyn? Why not Dangar Island

This is a foggy view from Brooklyn across to Dangar Island taken last week. For those who are unfamiliar with the area, we have a large residential population on Dangar Island. These are water-access properties. Australias last riverboat postman services the river communities along the Hawkesbury River, and this trip is open to the public.
Many of Australias significant creatives call Dangar Island and Brooklyn home. We have authors, poets, potters, artists, musicians, graphic designers, illustrators, film makers, interior designers, and even a little store called Broken Spines bookshop which recycles wonderful old books. Businesses such as Denise O'Regan Design, The Edge Art Space, Kingtide Restaurant, and River Dreams gifts are all based here.
Pay us a visit some time soon.

Full House in the Cell Block at the moment

Our last guests to check in are refusing to leave. They love Cell Block B and they love Brooklyn. It seems we are indefinitely booked-out.

That does not mean a visit to Brooklyn is not warranted. Far from it, we have a new Thai restauarant, the usual JJ's Seafood kiosk, Kingtide Restaurant at the Marina, Lifeboat Seafood, and the Anglers Rest. All serve fresh seafood harvested from the beautiful Hawkesbury River daily.
In addition we have houseboat hire, the quaint Broken Spines bookshop for recycled books, and the wonderful Edge Art Space at 120 Brooklyn Road. We also have the new Brooklyn Motel.
Our bushwalking tracks are superb, our fishing legendary, we also have Australias last riverboat postman, and of course the regular ferry to Dangar Island and Little Wobby.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Historic snapshots

Our latest update by an elderly local, is that our kitchen in the main residence, was also a cell for at least the first 60 years of the police stations history. Of course the 2nd cell is now the master bedroom of our gorgeous holiday letting apartment. The apartment kitchen and dining room, was once the exercise yard. Stories are coming thick and fast and we welcome any more to add to our blog. If you have any snapshots of life on the Hawkesbury River and especially of life in the constabulary here, we would love to add them for the benefit of our guests.

The River is OPEN again

Freshly harvested oysters are back on the menu on the Hawkesbury after all the rain. Yes, the river has re-opened, so for a weekend of gourmet seafood, check in to Cell Block B, (02) 9985 8244 and book for a meal in one of Brooklyns fabulous eateries.