Getting a group of friends together for a weekend away is often more difficult than year-12 algebra, yet more rewarding than a Wim Hof-style cold plunge. But like all things in life, good things are always worth the effort. The fact The Boathouse Hotel Patonga features accommodation for up to six guests, serene water views, a downstairs restaurant and a bar makes it a no-brainer in my books. Armed with three of my best high-school girlfriends, off we went for a weekend – safe to say, it was a bad time to be an Aperol Spritz.
Why stay at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga?
If you’re looking for a relaxing escape with a side of water views, this is your place. Located in a quiet seaside village of Patonga on New South Wales’ idyllic Central Coast, The Boathouse Patonga is 1.5 hours from Sydney, making it an accessible spot for weekend getaway. My favourite bit? You can catch a ferry from Palm Beach over to Patonga – the wharf is right across from the hotel.
The boutique accommodation, which overlooks Patonga Bay and the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, is part of The Boathouse Group – the team behind waterfront venues Manly Pavilion, The Mona Social, The Boathouse Shelly Beach, The Boathouse Rose Bay, Barrenjoey House Palm Beach and more. So as well as having a dreamy space to chill, relax and sleep, below you’ll find a restaurant and bar (which closes at 9pm).
What are the rooms like at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga?
The Boathouse Hotel Patonga features three waterside apartments built above the hotel. There’s the Brisk Bay Apartment, which sleeps two guests – perfect for romantic escapes. Four guests can sleep in the Refuge Bay Apartment, so it’s ideal for a holiday with friends. And the Hawkesbury Suite, which my friends and I stayed in, sleeps up to six guests. They each come with a private balcony, kitchen or kitchenette and water views of Patonga Bay. A few more useful and helpful items would’ve been appreciated in the kitchen, including a cloth, olive oil and a spatula for our morning eggs, but overall the kitchen was well-stocked.
The apartments are decked out in coastal-chic design, with thoughtful, beachy knick-knacks and art bringing life and colour into the space. The soft, king-sized beds were a highlight, as was the massive balcony, which was the place to be at cheese o'clock.
What are the best places to eat/drink nearby?
Downstairs at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, you’ll find a seafood-leaning pub with an expansive, sun-drenched deck. The menu features crowd favourites, including fresh oysters and prawns, fish and chips, pizzas, burgers and schnittys that are even better with a crisp rosé or a Spritz or two. Other than that, your best bet is driving to Pearl Beach, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach or Woy Woy – but that means more time in the car, and who really wants to drive on holidays?
What is the service like at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga?
Casual, warm, friendly and laid-back, the team at The Boathouse Patonga made sure we were welcomed and were on deck to answer any questions (including, crucially, when happy hour started).
What’s the area like around The Boathouse Hotel Patonga?
Surrounded by lush national park and flanked by the Hawkesbury River and Patonga Bay, Patonga is one of NSW’s best-kept secrets. It’s serene and calming and exactly what I needed after a busy working week.
We woke to birdsong, had multiple dips in the water, lounged around the house, read, went on a bush walk and didn’t feel like we had to rush or be anywhere. It was bliss.
If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan stay with buzzy bars and late-night spots, Patonga isn’t for you. But sun, sea air and Spritzes? You’ll find it all here. Just BYO good book.
What can you do while you stay at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga?
As well as going for a swim out the front and enjoying fresh prawns in the sun, one of my favourite things to do in Patonga is lace up for the walk over to Pearl Beach through the beautiful red gums of the Brisbane Water National Park. It’s a relatively steep climb, with some parts sure to get your heart racing, but the sweeping views and native flora makes the sweat all worth it. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water and snacks, plus your swimmers and a towel to cool off at pretty Peach Beach. It’s about a 1.5 hour one-way walk. Fishing off the wharf is another popular activity.
Why should you book a stay at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga?
The stylish apartment-style rooms are perfect for friends and family holidays. And because you’ve got a restaurant and bar downstairs, plus water views and lush bush to explore, you’ve got everything you need for a fun, easy-breezy stay by the water. Now's the hard part – rounding up your mates and finding a free weekend. I promise it’ll be worth it.
Address: 6-8 Patonga Drive, Patonga, NSW 2256
Price per night: $240-$850 (depending on apartment time and season)
Closest transport link: It’s a 1.5 hour drive by car from Sydney, or you can catch the ferry from Palm Beach to Patonga.
Book now: You can book over here.
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