Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler?
The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler is a family-owned river cruise and dining experience on the Nepean River at Penrith in Western Sydney, at the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
Since 1982, the Nepean Belle has been cruising the beautiful Nepean River and Nepean Gorge, offering guests a relaxing way to experience spectacular Australian scenery while enjoying freshly prepared food onboard.
We offer scenic lunch cruises, morning tea cruises, dinner cruises, longer Nepean Gorge discovery cruises, special event cruises and private functions.
Where is the Nepean Belle located?
The Nepean Belle departs from Tench Reserve on the Nepean River at Jamisontown, Penrith, in Western Sydney, NSW.
We're approximately an hour from Sydney CBD by car, depending on traffic, and Penrith is also accessible by direct train services from Sydney. We're ideally located for visitors exploring Penrith, Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Free parking is available nearby, with coach parking also available.
Where do we board the Nepean Belle?
The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler boards at our Jetty located on Tench Avenue in Jamisontown (directly opposite Eastbank restaurants). Click here for directions and a Google Maps link.
Is the Nepean Belle a good day trip from Sydney?
Yes. A Nepean Belle cruise is an easy and unique day trip from Sydney, particularly for visitors wanting to experience something beyond Sydney Harbour and the CBD.
Travel to Penrith and step aboard an authentic paddlewheeler for a relaxing cruise along the Nepean River and into the spectacular Nepean Gorge, surrounded by natural Australian bushland and sandstone landscapes.
With dining onboard, comfortable seating and beautiful scenery, it's an easy way to experience the river and the foothills of the Blue Mountains without a strenuous day of walking or sightseeing.
Is the Nepean Belle near the Blue Mountains?
Yes. The Nepean Belle is located at Penrith, at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and cruises along the Nepean River into the Nepean Gorge.
Our cruises offer a very different perspective of the region, with guests experiencing the river, sandstone cliffs, native bushland and beautiful natural scenery from the comfort of the Nepean Belle.
A cruise can easily be included as part of a visit to Penrith, Western Sydney or the Blue Mountains.
What makes the Nepean Belle different from other Sydney cruises?
The Nepean Belle offers a completely different experience from a typical Sydney Harbour cruise.
Instead of city skylines and busy harbour traffic, you'll cruise the freshwater Nepean River through peaceful Australian bushland and into the spectacular Nepean Gorge at the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
The Nepean Belle is a traditional-style paddlewheeler with two enclosed, air-conditioned decks, outdoor viewing areas and onboard dining.
There's also free parking close to our departure point at Tench Reserve, making it an easy and relaxing experience from the moment you arrive.
What types of cruises does the Nepean Belle offer?
The Nepean Belle offers a variety of cruises throughout the year, including scenic lunch cruises, morning tea cruises, dinner cruises, popular psychic cruises, longer Nepean Gorge discovery cruises and seasonal and special-event cruises.
We also host private celebrations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas parties, corporate functions, social groups, coach groups and other special occasions.
Cruise availability changes throughout the year, so check our current cruise calendar to see what's coming up.
Is the Nepean Belle suitable for seniors and people with limited mobility?
Yes. The Nepean Belle is particularly popular with seniors, social groups and guests looking for an enjoyable day out that doesn't require lots of walking.
Guests can relax at their table while enjoying the scenery, food and hospitality onboard. The vessel has enclosed, air-conditioned areas as well as outdoor viewing areas.
We can accommodate walking frames and some wheelchairs and our crew are happy to assist where possible. However, there are stairs onboard and the toilets are located on the upper deck, so please contact us before booking if you or someone in your group has specific mobility requirements. We'll happily explain the vessel layout so you can decide whether the cruise is suitable.
Is the Nepean Belle suitable for families and children?
Absolutely. The Nepean Belle welcomes families and children, and cruising the river is a wonderful way for different generations of a family to spend time together.
Children can experience the novelty of travelling aboard a paddlewheeler while parents and grandparents enjoy the scenery and onboard dining.
We also run selected family-friendly and school-holiday cruises throughout the year. Highchairs and Bumbos are available for younger children, and you're welcome to contact us before your cruise if you're bringing a pram or have any special requirements.
Do you cater for coach groups, seniors groups, clubs and social groups?
Yes. Group cruising is one of the Nepean Belle's specialties.
We welcome coach tours, seniors groups, Probus clubs, retirement villages, community organisations, social clubs, corporate groups and family gatherings.
Our location at Tench Reserve in Penrith offers convenient coach access and nearby coach parking, and our cruises combine sightseeing and dining in one experience, making them particularly easy for group organisers.
Group pricing may be available on selected cruises. Contact our team and we'll help you choose the most suitable cruise for your group's size, budget and requirements.
What are some unique things to do in Penrith and Western Sydney?
A cruise aboard the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler is one of Penrith's most distinctive experiences and a unique way to discover Western Sydney.
Departing from Tench Reserve in Penrith, the Nepean Belle cruises the Nepean River towards the spectacular Nepean Gorge at the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
It's an experience that combines sightseeing, dining and cruising and is suitable for couples, families, seniors, groups, visitors to Western Sydney and people celebrating a special occasion.
Unlike many attractions, there's no need to spend hours walking — simply step aboard, take your seat, enjoy your meal and watch the scenery pass by.
Is the Nepean Belle worth visiting when staying in Sydney or the Blue Mountains?
Yes. If you're looking for something different from the usual Sydney Harbour or Blue Mountains sightseeing experiences, the Nepean Belle offers a relaxing way to experience another side of Sydney.
Located at Penrith between Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Nepean Belle combines a scenic river cruise, onboard dining and the natural beauty of the Nepean River and Nepean Gorge.
It's particularly well suited to couples, families travelling with grandparents, seniors, groups and visitors who want a scenic experience without a lot of walking.
Is there parking near the jetty?
Yes. There is free parking just off Tench Avenue (on the river side). All you have to do is walk on the path down to our jetty. Make sure you park in the parking area behind the green toilet block - don’t park in the trailer parking area as Council Rangers actively patrol the area.
If that parking area is full there is street parking and ample parking located behind the restaurants directly opposite.
What happens if the river floods or Warragamba Dam spills?
Your safety and the safety of our Crew and vessels are our priority. Should the river go into flood or the river height be too high for us to cruise, we will advise you as soon as possible (via text and email). Your booking will be placed into credit and can be rescheduled as soon as we are back cruising. As these events are out of our control we do not offer refunds for bookings in these circumstances.
Is public transport available from Sydney?
The closest train station is Penrith which is on the Western line, accessible direct from Central Station. The best way to get to the Jetty from the train station is via taxi or Uber. Unfortunately buses to and from the river precinct are infrequent.
Can I book and pay cash on the day?
All bookings must be paid in advance either online or via phone. Unfortunately we do not take payment on boarding. If you wish to book on a cruise running today please call our office 02 4733 1274 during office hours or email info@nepeanbelle.com.au with “URGENT” in the subject line and we will make every endeavour to get back to you.
Is the Nepean Belle air conditioned?
Yes!! The Nepean Belle is now fully air conditioned and what a difference it makes! You can still enjoy the fresh mountain air on our viewing decks.
Are there toilets on the Belle?
Yes however the toilets are upstairs which may not be suitable for passengers with mobility issues. We advise those who are unable to walk up the stairs to use the toilets at the car park near to the Jetty before boarding the Nepean Belle. Our crew are more than happy to assist people upstairs if required.
Does the Nepean Belle still cruise if it’s raining?
The Nepean Belle cruises in rain, hail or shine! Don’t be disappointed if your cruise falls on a rainy or overcast day - you’ll enjoy your cruise regardless of the weather and you won’t get wet! All tables are indoors and dry. The colours on the river are amplified in the rain and the smell of the rain on our Australian bush is amazing!
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for vegetarian, gluten free, some allergies, and other dietary requirements. Let us know when making your booking via the phone or use the dietary options section when booking online.
IMPORTANT: We prepare and cater for each cruise individually and unlike land based restaurants, we are unable to “run out the back” and grab additional items! It is important to let us know about any dietary requirements at minimum 48 hours before your cruise.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is permitted on the rear outdoor decks of the boat only when the boat is moving and food is not present on tables. Our crew can direct you when you are onboard.
Can I take a walking frame on the Nepean Belle?
Walking frames are welcome on the Belle however we are limited to the number of walking frames we can accommodate at any one time. Please let us know when making your booking via the phone or use the ‘walking frame’ options when booking online.
Can someone in a wheelchair access the Nepean Belle?
The Nepean Belle is wheelchair accessible however we are limited to the number of wheelchairs we can accommodate at any one time and our customers in wheelchairs can only be placed at certain tables. Please let us know when making your booking via the phone or use the ‘wheelchair’ option when booking online.
Do we have our own table or are the tables shared?
You will be allocated your own table on the Nepean Belle. Larger groups are spread over 2 or more tables but we always aim to keep groups in the same area, as close together as possible.
Are shared platters shared with other passengers?
Each table receives their own shared platter. Tables and platters are not shared with other passengers outside of your booking.
Can I choose where I sit?
Our office will prepare a seating plan based on the number of guests in each booking, taking into account their mobility, as well as walker, pram, highchair and wheelchair requirements. To avoid disappointment unfortunately we do not take seating requests.
Can I book the Nepean Belle for a private function?
Yes! The Nepean Belle is a popular venue for all sorts of private functions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, corporate functions and team building activities. For bookings or any further details such as available dates, menu options, and pricing please contact us on 02 4733 1274 or email us at info@nepeanbelle.com.au.
Can I bring a cake onboard?
Absolutely! Let us know when you book and we will organise for our crew member to take the cake from you and place it in one of our fridges. After the main meal we will bring the cake out to you on a platter (complete with candles if you wish to supply them) along with paper plates and sporks for you to cut and serve. Please note we do charge a cakeage fee of $1.50 per person for each person in your booking.
Can I bring decorations?
You’re welcome to bring some balloons and small table setting decorations for party celebrations however we do not allow confetti or scatters or any other decorations that require being stuck to the walls or tables of the Belle.
Can we have a bar tab account?
Yes just ask at the time of your booking and we can set up a prepaid bar tab with the drinks you would like served and your nominated limit. We are fully licensed and practice responsible service of alcohol. We do not do ‘shots’ onboard, nor do we serve “doubles” or drinks in jugs.
Can I bring a pram on the Nepean Belle?
Absolutely! We are however limited to the number of prams we can accommodate at any one time and our customers with prams can only be placed at certain tables. Please let us know if you or anyone in your party will have a pram when booking on the phone or use the ‘Pram’ option when booking online.
Are there highchairs on the Nepean Belle?
We have 4 highchairs and 2 bumbos available that can be placed at certain tables. Please let us know if you will need the use of a highchair or Bumbo when booking on the phone or use the ‘Highchair’ or ‘Bumbo’ option when booking online.
Can I bring my own food on the Nepean Belle?
Unfortunately not. We are very proud of our menus and food and very protective of our exemplary Health and Food Safety record. We can only guarantee our own food because we are responsible for ensuring it is handled, cooked and served at the right temperature. Should a member of your group have severe food allergies please contact our office on 02 4733 1274 to discuss prior to booking.
Can I bring nibblies such as nuts or biscuits on the Nepean Belle?
To ensure the environment is safe for all of our passengers we do not allow nibblies of ANY kind onboard at any time. Oftentimes nibbly mixes and some biscuits contain nuts which, in the vicinity of a person with allergies, can cause a severe reaction and possible life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Can I BYO alcohol on the Nepean Belle?
We are fully licensed and do not allow BYO. All bags will be checked on boarding and alcohol will be confiscated and returned when you disembark. We are serious about the responsible service of alcohol. Persons found bringing and consuming their own alcohol onboard will be returned to the jetty immediately without refund. Drinks cannot be taken off the boat.
Do you have nuts onboard?
On our Public Cruises we do not cook with or have nuts onboard however ingredients “may have traces of nuts”. If you or your guest has a nut allergy please advise us on booking. Should one of your guests be anaphylactic please ensure they bring their Epi-Pens onboard.
To enable us to keep us as allergen free as possible, please do not bring nibblies or nuts onboard the Nepean Belle.
Do you offer group discounts?
We try to keep our pricing as low as possible to ensure everyone is able to enjoy a cruise on the Nepean Belle. Discounts are available for groups of 30 customers or more on our daytime cruises only. Seniors 60+ years with a Seniors Card are entitled to seniors prices.
Discounts do not apply on Event cruises.
Do you take Companion Cards?
Unfortunately no.
What is your refund policy?
On our standard public cruises we have a NO REFUND policy if you cancel your booking:
JANUARY-OCTOBER: within 14 days of the cruise date
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER: within 30 days of the cruise date.
ALL Special Event tickets are NON REFUNDABLE.
For Private Charters please refer to your Charter Agreement.
Can’t find an answer to your question?
Please email info@nepeanbelle.com.au, call our office on 02 4733 1274 and we’ll be happy to help!
