Close to Sydney, yet so far away! Broken Bay and Pittwater have some of the most beautiful beaches, headlands and estuaries in the Sydney region.
From the ocean, to numerous secluded inner Pittwater beaches,surrounded by rugged headlands, sandstone sea cliffs, and native bush land including two National Parks, with pockets of rainforest, this quiet and peaceful waterway awaits. Pittwater’s numerous sheltered bush-lined bays on both the East and Western shores, where you may be the only boat in the bay makes this area ideal for boating. Escape with your family or friends and immerse yourself in a secluded, natural marine environment.
Beaches and anchorages
Head to Clareville Beach at Avalon where there is a great picnic and BBQ area sheltered from the North East breeze, a small boat ramp and Cafe. Moor to the south of Palm Beach jetty to shelter from the Nor Easter. You may like to row ashore for fish and chips or just take a leisurely walk across to the surf at Palm Beach. Over opposite on the western shore is tranquil Coasters retreat or The Basin are secluded and great for kids with a lovely netted swimming pool. Mackerel Beach is unprotected when the Nor Easter is blowing but, is great in a Westerly.
Purchase AUS chart 204 and plot many courses through one of Australia’s most picturesque waterways.
Voyage planning
Cruise the shores of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park which looks much the same as it did when the Aboriginal People first discovered these waterways thousands of years ago. After cruising for a while row ashore and stretch your legs through many of the beautiful parkland walkways. Anchor off Lion Island, named for it’s resemblance to a sphinx from some viewpoints is also home to a colony of Little Penguins. Other sights in the area REFUGE BAY WATERFALL BARRENJOEY LIGHTHOUSE CURRAWONG BEACH AND LODGE ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB CHURCH POINT MARINA
Watching the sun set
Before heading out late afternoon, call in at Church Point Marina for bait, drinks and an after a sunset snack. Anchor off Patonga Beach, or in the lee of Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Light the BBQ, pour a glass of wine and watch the sun setting. Moor off Cottage Point Inn and head ashore for an evening of fine dining. At night from Cowan Creek watch the lights from Sydney brightening up the sky. Stargaze, listen to the sounds of nature around you, the water tapping on your hull, the breeze a quiet twang like soft guitar playing through the main stays.
Fishing spots
With its sheltered bays and offshore access, without the worry of crossing a coastal bar, you can bottom fish, drift or troll for a variety of fish species. During the winter months ocean salmon can be lured off Palm, Whale, Avalon and Newport ocean beaches. Drift off the inland headlands of Solders Point, Longnose Point, Taylors Point, Stokes Point and Sand Point and the drop-off near Palm Beach where you may catch good sized bream, flathead and whiting. For the offshore adventurers troll for marlin and kingfish off Barrenjoey Head and Long Reef.
Don’t forget to pay your NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
Boat ramps
Bayview Boat Ramp ROWLAND RESERVE, 1670 PITTWATER ROAD, BAYVIEW Two lanes with jetty. Toilets, childrens playground and BBQ areas. Plenty of parking. Fees apply. NO ACCESS TO BOAT RAMP until 7am. Gate is LOCKED between the hours of 6pm and 7am. Church Point Boat Ramp PITTWATER ROAD, CHURCH POINT One lane, limited parking. No parking fees. Akuna Bay Boat Ramp LIBERATOR GENERAL SAN MARTIN DR, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK Two Lanes, BBQ area toilets, Kiosk, wash down. Fees apply.
NO GO areas
When boating in the western shore area of Pittwater Palm Beach where the float plane operates from, Careel Bay, Clareville and in the upper basin of Bayview launching ramp, be aware of the run out tide. You don’t want to be left high and dry after an enjoyable picnic on the beach! If possible anchor your vessel off the beach and secure a tether line ashore. Watch the increasing wave height crossing the entrance at Barrenjoey Head to West Head.
Do not anchor or motor through designated Seagrass areas, particularly in the Bayview Basin, Careel Bay and from Barrenjoey into the Home and Away Boat Shed.