Where is The Ecru House located?

• The Ecru House is a secluded waterfront retreat in Cogra Bay, on the beautiful Hawkesbury River in New South Wales. Accessible only by water, the house offers a rare opportunity to escape the everyday and experience the slower pace of river life, surrounded by nature.

• Despite feeling wonderfully remote, the property is approximately an hour's drive north of Sydney to the nearby departure point at Parsley Bay, followed by a short boat journey.

What makes The Ecru House special?

• The Ecru House is all about slowing down, switching off and enjoying the simple pleasures of being somewhere truly special. Think mornings overlooking the water, long lunches, afternoons spent kayaking, evenings by the fire and uninterrupted time together.

• Its water-only access, off-grid setting and natural surroundings are part of what makes the experience so unique.

Is The Ecru House suitable for everyone?

• The Ecru House is best suited to guests who enjoy nature, privacy, a sense of adventure and a slower pace of life.

• As the property is accessible only by boat and operates off-grid, guests should be comfortable with a more remote setting and the practical considerations that come with it.

Is the property suitable for children?

• The Ecru House is generally an adults-only retreat. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis with prior approval.

• The property has direct access to the water, a private jetty and natural surroundings, so it may not be suitable for young children. Please contact us before booking if you would like to discuss bringing a child.

Where is The Ecru House located?

• The Ecru House is nestled in Cogra Bay on the beautiful Hawkesbury River, just a 45-minute to one-hour drive north of Sydney, followed by a short water taxi ride. Accessible only by boat, it feels a world away from the city, yet is wonderfully close to home.

How do we get to The Ecru House?

• The Ecru House is accessible by water only. There is no road or vehicle access to the property, which is part of its charm.

• Most guests arrive by water taxi from either Parsley Bay or Brooklyn Baths. If you have your own boat, you may also be able to travel directly to the property.

• We will help you understand the best arrival arrangements before your stay, including the appropriate timings based on the tides.

Where does the water taxi depart from?

• There are two convenient departure points:

  • Parsley Bay: Best for guests travelling by car. Located near Brooklyn, approximately one hour north of Sydney.

  • Brooklyn Baths: Best for guests travelling by train. This departure point is a short walk from Hawkesbury River railway station.

How long does the water taxi take?

• The journey from Parsley Bay to The Ecru House typically takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes. It's a beautiful introduction to the Hawkesbury River and the perfect way to begin your stay.

How do we arrange a water taxi?

• We can provide details of the local water taxi service and help you coordinate arrival and departure times.

• Because access to our private jetty is tide-dependent, please confirm your travel arrangements with us before finalising your transport.

How much does the water taxi cost?

• As a guide, water taxi transfers have previously cost approximately $45 each way per couple and an additional $10 per head thereafter. This is indicative only and may vary depending on the time of year and your arrangements. Please confirm the current fare when booking as there are sometimes fuel surcharges that apply.

Where can we park our car?

• If you're travelling by car, we recommend parking at Parsley Bay.

• You can drive to the public wharf to unload your luggage and supplies before moving your vehicle into the nearby parking area for the duration of your stay.

• Please make sure you park in a designated car parking space rather than a boat trailer space.

Can we travel by train?

• Absolutely. You can catch the train from Sydney Central to Hawkesbury River Station in Brooklyn and arrange for a water taxi to collect you from Brooklyn Baths, a short walk from the station.

Can we bring our own boat?

• Yes, guests are welcome to arrive by private boat, provided the vessel is suitable for the conditions and the arrangements have been discussed with us in advance.

• The bay is tidal, and access to the jetty depends on water depth, vessel draft and conditions. Boats with aluminium bottoms can be particularly practical in the shallow-water environment.

• Smaller boats may be able to tie up at the jetty when conditions permit. There is also a buoy that can be used with a running line. Larger vessels may need to anchor offshore and use a tender.

• Please contact us before your stay so we can discuss your vessel and the safest arrangements.

• We advise a 1.1m tide but this will vary depending on your boat.

What does it mean that The Ecru House is tidal?

• The Ecru House sits on a beautiful, sheltered bay where water levels rise and fall with the natural tides.

• Our private jetty is accessible by boat only when there is sufficient water depth. This means arrival and departure times need to be planned around the tides rather than simply choosing any time of day.

• As a general guide, the local water taxi requires approximately 1.1 metres of tide to access our jetty, although this can vary depending on conditions.

• We will work with you before your stay to establish suitable arrival and departure windows.

Can we arrive at any time?

• Not necessarily. Because the property is water-access only, arrival times must align with the tides and the availability of your water taxi or private boat.

• We will confirm your available arrival window ahead of your stay so you can plan your journey comfortably.

Why isn’t there a set check-in and check-out time?

• At The Ecru House, even your arrival and departure are guided by nature!

• As our jetty is tide-dependent, check-in and check-out times vary for every stay based on the tides during your visit. We'll work with you ahead of your stay to confirm the best arrival and departure windows, ensuring safe access to the house.

• It's all part of the magic of The Ecru House, where nature sets the pace!

Can we request an early check-in or late check-out?

• We are always happy to consider requests where possible. However, flexibility depends on the tides, existing bookings and cleaning arrangements.

• Because The Ecru House is accessible only by water, same-day turnovers can be more complicated than at a traditional holiday property.

• Please contact us in advance if you have a particular request.

What happens if the tides don't align with our preferred travel times?

• We will discuss the available options with you before your stay. Depending on the tidal conditions, you may need to adjust your arrival or departure time.

• We strongly recommend keeping your travel plans flexible until your water taxi arrangements are confirmed.

Where can we check the tides?

• You can view local tide forecasts on WillyWeather by searching for Cogra Bay.

• Please remember that tide forecasts are only one consideration. Vessel suitability, weather and local conditions also influence access.

What does it mean that The Ecru House is off-grid?

• The Ecru House is completely off-grid, meaning it operates independently of traditional mains electricity and other urban services.

• It's part of what makes staying here so special. You're surrounded by nature, with the opportunity to slow down and enjoy a more considered, sustainable way of living.

• Off-grid doesn't mean going without comfort. It simply means being a little more mindful of how we use resources during our stay.

Will we have electricity?

• Yes. The house has its own independent solar powered system.

• As with any off-grid property, electricity is a finite resource, so we ask guests to use appliances thoughtfully, switch off lights when not needed and avoid unnecessary power consumption.

Can we use all the appliances as normal?

• The house is equipped for a comfortable stay, but we ask guests to be mindful of power usage and avoid running high-energy appliances unnecessarily.

• Please follow any appliance-specific instructions provided at the property.

Do we need to conserve water?

• Yes. Water is a valuable resource at an off-grid property, and we ask all guests to use it thoughtfully. We run on tank water.

• Simple measures such as taking shorter showers, turning taps off when not in use and avoiding unnecessary water consumption make a meaningful difference.

Will we have hot water?

• Of course.

Does off-grid mean we won't have modern comforts?

• Not at all. The Ecru House is designed to offer the comfort of a thoughtfully appointed retreat, while allowing guests to experience the beauty and simplicity of living a little closer to nature.

What is provided at The Ecru House?

• We've thoughtfully equipped The Ecru House to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible, so you can settle in and enjoy your time by the river.

• The house includes kitchen facilities, indoor living and dining areas, an indoor fireplace, outdoor spaces and kayaks for exploring the bay.

Are bed linen and towels provided?

• All bed linen and bath towels are provided for your stay. If you plan to swim, kayak or spend time by the water, please pack your own additional beach or outdoor towels, as these are not supplied.

Is firewood provided?

• Yes. A supply of firewood is provided for the indoor fireplace. If you need additional firewood during your stay, it can be purchased from the woodshed for $30 per bundle.

• Please use the fireplace responsibly and follow the instructions provided at the property.

Is the pizza oven available?

• Our outdoor wood-fired pizza oven is available for guest use outside of the bushfire season, which typically runs from October to April, although exact dates and fire restrictions may vary.

• If you’d like to use the pizza oven during your stay, please send us a special request in advance so we can confirm availability and whether conditions permit its use.

Do we need to bring anything special?

• There are no shops in Cogra Bay so you will need to bring everything you need for your stay, including groceries, drinks, personal items and any medications.

• As the property is accessible only by water, there are no shops within walking distance and a quick trip to the supermarket isn't possible.

  • For absolute emergencies you are able to request a delivery from the water taxi service but it is pricey.

• We also recommend bringing comfortable footwear, swimwear, sun protection and a warm layer for cooler evenings.

Is there a fully equipped kitchen?

• The Ecru House has a well-equipped kitchen designed for preparing and enjoying meals during your stay.

• Whether you're planning slow breakfasts, a long lunch overlooking the river or a cosy dinner at home, we encourage you to bring your favourite ingredients and make the most of your time here.

• The kitchen features a charming vintage gas oven, which is effective for everyday cooking but is not recommended for slow roasting or dishes requiring extended cooking times.

• There is also a Weber BBQ available for guest use, which we highly recommend for relaxed outdoor cooking and making the most of the beautiful riverside setting.

Are pantry essentials provided?

• Yes. The house provides the following everyday essentials:

  • Olive oil, Basic herbs, Salt and Pepper

  • Tea and coffee

  • Dishwashing liquid, Alfoil, Cling Film

• We recommend bringing any additional ingredients, condiments or specialty items you may need for your meals.

Should we bring all our groceries?

• Yes, we strongly recommend doing your grocery shopping before arriving at The Ecru House.

• Because the property is accessible only by boat, popping out for a forgotten ingredient isn't particularly convenient.

• We suggest planning your meals in advance and bringing enough food, drinks and essentials for your entire stay.

Are there restaurants or cafes nearby?

• Dangar Island and other local spots have special dining options, but reaching them requires a boat trip from the property.

• For most guests, part of the appeal of The Ecru House is being able to settle in, cook at home and enjoy the beautiful surroundings without needing to go anywhere.

• If you're hoping to dine out during your stay, please plan your transport carefully around the tides.

Can we have groceries delivered?

• Standard supermarket deliveries cannot reach The Ecru House because there is no road access.

• Please arrange your shopping before travelling to the property.

Can we swim in the bay?

• The Ecru House is located directly on the Hawkesbury River, with access to the surrounding waterways.

• Guests considering swimming should assess the conditions carefully, including tides, currents, wildlife, water depth, weather and boat activity.

• Swimming is at your own risk.

Are kayaks available?

• Yes. Kayaks are available for guests to enjoy during their stay.

• Exploring the sheltered waters around Cogra Bay is a wonderful way to experience the area and appreciate its natural beauty.

Are life jackets provided?

• Yes. Life jackets are provided and must be worn whenever using the kayaks.

• We ask guests to remain within the immediate bay, avoid venturing too far from the property and only go out when conditions are suitable.

Can we explore beyond Cogra Bay?

• We recommend keeping kayak outings relatively close to the property.

• Conditions can change on the Hawkesbury River, and the main waterways may have stronger currents and increased boat traffic.

• Please avoid paddling into exposed areas or travelling beyond your experience and ability.

Is there a private jetty?

• Yes. The Ecru House has a private jetty, providing water access to the property.

• The jetty is tidal, meaning the water depth changes throughout the day. Guests should take care when boarding or disembarking vessels and when moving around the jetty.

Can we go fishing?

• The Hawkesbury River is a popular fishing destination.

• Absolutely! You're welcome to enjoy fishing from our private jetty during your stay.

• Fishing equipment and bait are not provided, so please bring your own rods, tackle and bait.

• We simply ask that you fish responsibly, follow local fishing regulations and leave the jetty clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy.

Is there wildlife around the property?

• Yes. The Ecru House is surrounded by natural bushland and waterways, so encountering local wildlife is part of the experience.

• You may see native birds, marine life and other wildlife during your stay.

• We ask guests to respect the natural environment, avoid feeding wildlife and keep the property free of food scraps and rubbish that might attract animals.

Is there Wi-Fi?

• The Ecru House is designed to help you slow down, switch off and enjoy a little time away from the everyday.

• There is no dedicated Wi-Fi at the property. If you need internet access during your stay, you can use your mobile phone's personal hotspot to connect your devices, subject to mobile reception.

• We recommend downloading any movies, music, books or other entertainment before arriving.

Will my mobile phone work?

• Yes! Mobile reception at The Ecru House is reliable across all major mobile providers, with 5G connectivity typically available.

• While reception can occasionally vary, guests should have no trouble staying connected, making calls or using their mobile hotspot to access the internet.

Is there a TV?

• There is no traditional television at The Ecru House, and that's very much part of the charm!

• Instead, we've provided a projector for cosy movie nights, perfect for settling in after a day on the water.

• You'll need to connect using your own device and mobile hotspot to stream content, so we recommend downloading your favourite films or shows in advance where possible.

• Think slow evenings, good company, a favourite film and nowhere else you need to be.

Is The Ecru House suitable for working remotely?

• The Ecru House is particularly well suited to guests looking to disconnect and enjoy uninterrupted time away.

• While remote working is possible using your mobile hotspot, there is no dedicated Wi-Fi so please plan accordingly

What can we do if the weather isn't suitable for outdoor activities?

• Rainy days can be some of the loveliest at The Ecru House.

• Settle in with a good book, enjoy a long lunch, curl up by the indoor fireplace when appropriate, or put on a favourite film using the projector.

• We love the idea of embracing a little old-fashioned, wholesome entertainment: board games, cards, cooking together and watching the changing weather roll across the bay.

• We recommend bringing any books, games or entertainment you particularly enjoy. A handful of boardgames are provided…

How do we book The Ecru House directly?

• You can check availability and book directly through the Stay Alexandra website.

• Booking directly means you'll enjoy our best available rates, communicate with us personally and benefit from our local knowledge to help plan your perfect stay.

Is booking direct the best rate?

• Yes! We encourage guests to book directly through Stay Alexandra to enjoy our best available rates, without the additional fees often associated with third-party booking platforms.

When is my booking confirmed?

• To secure your stay, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining 50% payable 3 days before your arrival.

• Your booking is confirmed once your reservation has been accepted and the initial deposit has been received.

• You'll receive a booking confirmation, along with everything you need to know to prepare for your stay.

What is the cancellation policy?

• We understand that plans can change, so we aim to keep our cancellation policy simple and transparent.

  • 14 days or more before arrival: Cancel for a full refund of any payments made.

  • Less than 14 days before arrival: Your booking is non-refundable, and the full booking amount remains payable.

• We recommend arranging travel insurance if you'd like additional peace of mind in case your plans change unexpectedly.

What happens if bad weather affects our stay?

• The Ecru House is located in a beautiful, natural, water-access-only environment, which means weather and tidal conditions are part of the experience.

• Occasionally, adverse weather may affect water taxi services or access to the property but this is incredibly rare. If challenging conditions are forecast, we'll work closely with you and the water taxi operator to explore safe and practical arrangements.

• We do not accept cancellations due to bad weather. Any cancellation or rescheduling requests will be considered in accordance with our booking terms.

• Rates at The Ecru House start from $350 per night for two guests, with an additional charge of $50 per person, per night for extra guests, up to a maximum of four.

• A one-off cleaning fee of $120 per stay applies.

• Nightly rates may vary depending on your dates, seasonality and availability. Simply enter your preferred dates and number of guests to see the total cost of your escape.

• Water taxi | From $45 each way

  • As The Ecru House is accessible only by water, most guests arrive by water taxi from Parsley Bay (or nearby)

  • The fare is approximately $45 each way for up to two guests, with an additional $10 per person, each way, for larger groups.

  • We'll help you coordinate your transfers around the tides to make your arrival and departure as seamless as possible.

  • These rates are subject to seasons and surcharges. Water taxi fares are payable separately and directly to the operator.

• Additional firewood | $30 per bundle

  • We provide enough firewood for the indoor fireplace for a typical stay, so you can enjoy cosy evenings by the fire.

  • If you'd like a little extra, additional firewood is available from our woodshed for $30 per bundle (approximately 10 pieces).

  • Please note that fireplace and pizza oven use are subject to applicable fire restrictions.

• Wood-fired pizza oven | $80 per stay

  • For those dreaming of homemade pizzas overlooking the Hawkesbury, our wood-fired pizza oven is a wonderful addition to the experience.

  • The fee includes use of the oven, fire starters, pizza peels, serving boards, pizza cutters and the additional firewood needed to bring the oven up to temperature and keep it going.

  • Pizza oven use must be arranged in advance and is subject to seasonal fire restrictions and availability.