The Nepean Belle is a romantic old-world style Paddlewheeler. Reflecting the grace and charm of yester-year, the "Belle's" interiors are beautifully panelled with stained timbers featuring cedar and teak. There is nothing quite like the nostalgia of the paddlewheels churning, the water lapping against the hulls, reliving the romance and excitement of the paddlewheel era. With seated dining or cocktail function capacity of up to 120 guests the Belle is also suited to a range of function styles.
The
"Platypus" is a luxury cruising vessel fitted out with light
open interiors reflecting a stylish and sophisticated ambiance - Ideally
suited as a wedding or party venue, the vessel provides your guests
with a unique and wonderful experience. With capacity of up to 132
passengers for seated dining or cocktail style functions the Platypus
offers a range of alternate layouts to suit your requirements.
Both
the Nepean Belle and Penrith Platypus are renowned for their exceptional
fresh food and welcoming atmosphere. With over 23 years experience in the
Hospitality Industry, and as winner of a number of prestigious awards you
can be sure that you are in experienced hands from the moment you step
aboard.
Historic
and beautiful Glenleigh, a scottish Boronial mansion built in c.1890 is
just one of the fascinating sites featured in the Captain's informative
and entertaining commentary.
Cruising the Wilderness areas of the Blue Mountains National Park and the Nepean Gorge you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience for all those aboard. Sunlit by day or floodlit by night, the sandstone peaks of the Nepean Gorge towering up to 150 meters above the water are a striking backdrop to your
cruise and provide great photo opportunities.I
n the National Park, guests are treated to unique views of a largely unexplored wonderland of natural flora and native wildlife - including wombats, wallabies, lizards, eagles, cormorants and even mountain goats! Past "Rocky Island" at Glenbrook creek, the tinkling chorus of bellbirds resonates in song through the Gorge as the boat reaches its turning point at Euroka Creek. Beyond this lies secrets and stories belonging to the mountains and known only to the Aboriginal Dharug people, who settled the Nepean in the centuries before European discovery.
During
the day, sunlight cascades over the stunning ascending rock formations,
carved out by the spectacular Nepean River - one of Australia's beautiful,
natural archealogical splendours. In the evening, our guests witness the
magic and beauty of this breathtaking landscape, animated by the onboard
floodlighting - a truly glorious sight. Host to international ambassadors,
national dignitaries, Archbishops, politicians and wise water-lovers, the
Nepean Belle is a premier regional attraction, and that's no small feat in
a city which is visited by over one million people annually!
Winner of the Penrith Small Business Awards for most Outstanding Restaurant in 1998, and finalist in 1999, the vessels boast sumptuous meals, licensed bars, lavish interiors - beautifully panelled in cedar, teak, maple and oak - and an unrivalled, world-class view from 360 degree viewing decks. Operating for the last 24 years, the Belle holds up to 120 passengers for sit-down meals. The new Penrith Platypus holds up to 132 passengers.
The years of experience gained by hosts John and Helen Wakeling and their professional staff is a guarantee that their guests will enjoy an elegant, relaxing and memorable experience of wining, dining, dancing and cruising. Whether they arrive for a wedding, cultural or theme cruise, conference, social, jazz or yulefest evening or one of the regular devonshire teas, lunches or dinners, guests will partake of a unique, uplifting experience unlike any other.