Port Hacking vs. Georges River: Shire’s Great Waterway Debate Reignites in Time for Summer

Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

1 January 2025

As summer heats up, so does the eternal rivalry between the Sutherland Shire’s two iconic waterways: Port Hacking River and Georges River. Long-time locals are once again locked in heated debates over which river reigns supreme — with passionate arguments spilling over from boat ramps to beachside BBQs.

“It’s obvious. Port Hacking is the Riviera of the Shire,” declared Troy Dawson, a self-proclaimed “watercraft lifestyle influencer” from Lilli Pilli. “Clear waters, scenic views, and way fewer jet-ski yahoos. Georges River is basically Sydney’s parking lot for old tinny boats.”

Meanwhile, Georges River loyalists are firing back. “Port Hacking’s for show-offs with inflatable flamingos,” snapped Karen McIntyre of Como, while expertly docking her family’s weathered fishing boat. “Georges River has history, soul, and the best hidden fishing spots — but we’re not giving away coordinates.”

The dispute reached boiling point at last weekend’s Shire Aquatic Appreciation Festival, when tensions flared during the annual "Battle of the Rivers" trivia competition. Controversy erupted when the Georges River team accused Port Hacking’s team of “elitist question rigging” after being asked to list the top 10 boat-to-burger Instagram spots.

Adding fuel to the fire, the local council’s summer tourism slogan — “Two Rivers, One Shire, Endless Drama” — has done little to cool tempers. There are even rumors that Georges River advocates plan to petition for their own independent maritime zone called “Hacker’s Cove Dominion,” though experts say the proposal “has about as much chance as a sandcastle surviving high tide.”

Until then, locals are urged to "cool off responsibly" — preferably without arguing in public boat ramps or launching passive-aggressive social media posts tagged #RealRiverRoyalt