I left this massage, with the swagger and confidence of a Yogi

On every account of a Miri Miri massage shared with me immediately after the event, the recipient of said massage appears to speak with their eyes glazed over, their movements elegant and gazelle-like, almost like the rest of the world is simply 'background noise'. 

I have often wondered what on earth happens 

behind the hallowed doors of our local Miri Miri masseuse.

Firstly though, a Miri Miri massage is a sort of heavenly, spiritual, massage performed in the traditional technique of the New Zealand Maori. 

It is deeply linked to Maori culture and custom and is very much a holistic form of massage. Catering to the physical, emotional, spiritual and family needs of the people, it varies from Western massage because of its diverse applications. 

Despite living in the Northern suburbs of Sydney (in fact the tiny hamlet of Brooklyn) we are genuinely delighted to have our own resident expert in Miri Miri. An ex-patriot New Zealander, the skilled and gentle Rawi Pere offers a Miri Miri massage which is as relaxing as it is medicinal. Wondering what all the fuss was about, I scheduled a time with Rawi to give my muscles, soul, brain (and any other baggage) a workout, and she gave a virtuoso performance.

Wow, treat yourself. If you live within cooee of Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River, then a Miri Miri in the Cellblock of 11 Bridge St - Brooklyn should be on your list.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing carving skills of Rawis' husband Ngawati. How blessed are we? A tiny community, & we have such latent talent amongst us.

I love the symbolic shapes of the Maori culture.

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.