Pittwater

Things to do

Pittwater borders the tip of the Northern Beaches peninsula and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It's easily reached via the Palm Beach ferry which drops you off at the Basin, a delightful picnic spot and the only campground in the park.  The area is rich in Aboriginal heritage, from rock engravings at the Basin Aboriginal art site to ochre hand paintings on the Red Hands Cave track at West Head.

Aerial overlooking Pittwater

To discover the area on foot, follow the Basin Track and Mackerel Track which has stunning vistas of Pittwater. You'll also be rewarded with a view if you climb the stone-carved steps all the way up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Built in 1881 it is Sydney’s northernmost seaside point and enjoys an unrivalled panorama of the peninsula.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach

Explore the area on the water and hire kayaks with Pittwater Kayak Tours or try stand-up paddleboarding with Avalon Stand Up Paddle. The Church Point Ferry Service will take you to Scotland Island and other picturesque spots on the western foreshore, such as the national park and Morning Bay.

Kayaking, Pittwater

Eat & drink

Flying Fox Cafe is in a pretty park at Winnererremy Bay and boasts a great play area for kids. The Newport is a beautifully renovated pub that has been serving Pittwater locals since 1880. Clareville Kiosk, a restaurant in a charming weatherboard cottage at nearby Clareville Beach, is perfect for a romantic lunch or dinner. While Pasadena, situated in a prime waterfront location at pretty Church Point, is the perfect stop for a seafood lunch.

The Newport, Newport

Getting there

Follow the directions to Palm Beach, which is only 90 minutes by public transport from the city centre, but still feels like a world away. A seaplane from Rose Bay will land on shimmering Pittwater and get you there in a fraction of the time. You’ll find boutique accommodation options all around Pittwater, including the floating boathouse The Salty Dog.