Table of Contents

Pittwater Boating Guide: Destinations & Tips

Pittwater is a stunning sheltered waterway on Sydney's Northern Beaches, stretching from the Barrenjoey headland south to Church Point and beyond. With calm water, beautiful bushland, sandy beaches, and waterfront restaurants, Pittwater is one of the finest boating destinations in the Sydney region and an excellent day trip or weekend escape.

This guide covers the best destinations, anchorages, launch points, dining options, and practical tips for making the most of a day on Pittwater. For an overview of all the waterways accessible from Sydney, see our guide to boating in Sydney.

Where is Pittwater and how do I get there by boat?

Pittwater is located on the northern side of Broken Bay, approximately 20 nautical miles north of Sydney Harbour. From the harbour, you can reach Pittwater by heading north through the Heads, turning north-east along the coast, and entering Broken Bay between Barrenjoey Head and Lion Island.

The run from Sydney Harbour to Pittwater takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour at cruising speed, depending on your vessel and the conditions. The approach through the Heads and along the coast can be exposed to ocean swell, particularly on days with a south-easterly, so check the marine forecast before heading out.

Alternative access

If you do not want to make the ocean run from the harbour, you can also access Pittwater by:

• Trailering your boat to one of several public boat ramps around Pittwater (see below).
• Launching from Church Point, which is accessible by road and has a public wharf and dinghy storage.
• Arriving from the Hawkesbury River via Broken Bay, if you are coming from the north.

What are the best destinations on Pittwater?

Pittwater's best destinations range from secluded beaches and bushland anchorages to vibrant waterfront villages and restaurants. Here are the standouts.

The Basin

The Basin is Pittwater's most popular destination and one of the most beautiful camping and swimming spots in the Sydney region. Located on the western shore within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, it features a large sandy beach, calm swimming water, picnic facilities, and a campground.

• Anchoring: Good anchoring in 3 to 6 metres on sand. The anchorage can be busy on weekends, particularly in summer.
• Swimming: Excellent. The water is calm, clear, and warm in summer. There is a shark net for swimming.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, campground (bookable through NSW National Parks).
• Access: By boat, ferry from Palm Beach, or a walking track from West Head Road.

Great Mackerel Beach

A small, car-free community on the western shore of Pittwater, Great Mackerel Beach is accessible only by boat or a steep walking track. The beach is sandy, the water is calm, and the village has a charming, back-in-time feel.

• Anchoring: Anchor offshore in 3 to 5 metres on sand. The bay is sheltered from the north-east but can be affected by south-westerly winds.
• Swimming: Very good. The beach is patrolled on weekends during summer.
• Facilities: Limited. There is a community hall and a few local amenities, but no shops or restaurants.
• Tip: Great Mackerel Beach is a wonderful lunch stop. Pack a picnic, anchor offshore, swim in, and enjoy the tranquillity.

Barrenjoey Head and Palm Beach

Barrenjoey Head, the northern tip of the Palm Beach peninsula, is one of Sydney's most iconic landmarks. The sandstone headland, crowned by the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, marks the southern entrance to Broken Bay and Pittwater.

• Anchoring: The beach on the Pittwater side of Barrenjoey (known as Station Beach) offers good anchoring in calm conditions. Depths of 2 to 4 metres on sand.
• Swimming: Excellent. Calm, clear water on the Pittwater side.
• Tip: Walk up to the lighthouse for panoramic views of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Lion Island, and the coast.

Palm Beach itself, on the ocean side, is not suitable for anchoring due to swell, but the Pittwater side is sheltered and accessible.

Scotland Island

Scotland Island is a residential island in the heart of Pittwater, accessible only by boat or ferry. It has a tight-knit community, a few wharves, and a charming, island-living atmosphere.

• Anchoring: Anchoring around Scotland Island is possible but limited. Be mindful of private moorings and swing room.
• Dining: The Scotland Island cafe operates from the community hall on occasion. Check ahead for opening times.
• Interest: Scotland Island is fascinating to cruise around. The mix of modest and grand waterfront homes, private jetties, and the island's car-free lifestyle offer a glimpse of a unique Sydney community.

Church Point

Church Point is the main hub on the eastern shore of Pittwater and the departure point for ferries to Scotland Island, Elvina Bay, and other western shore communities. It is also a practical stop for provisioning and dining.

• Dining: The Waterfront Cafe at Church Point is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and coffee. You can tie up at the public wharf or anchor nearby.
• Facilities: General store, fuel, public wharf, ferry wharf, and parking.
• Launching: Church Point is a practical access point for trailerable boats, with a ramp and dinghy storage nearby.

Elvina Bay

A small, secluded bay on the western shore, Elvina Bay is home to a handful of waterfront residences and offers a peaceful anchorage.

• Anchoring: 2 to 5 metres on sand and mud. Sheltered from the north-east.
• Swimming: Good. Quiet, calm water.
• Crowd level: Low. Elvina Bay is often overlooked in favour of more well-known spots.

What are the best anchorages on Pittwater?

The best anchorages on Pittwater offer shelter, good holding, clean water, and scenic surroundings. The Basin, Great Mackerel Beach, and Morning Bay are consistently the top choices.

Morning Bay

Morning Bay is a hidden gem on the western shore, south of The Basin. It is smaller and quieter than its more famous neighbour and offers a peaceful alternative when The Basin is crowded.

• Anchoring: 3 to 6 metres on sand and mud. Good holding.
• Swimming: Very good. Clear, calm water.
• Crowd level: Low. Morning Bay is one of Pittwater's quietest anchorages.

Coasters Retreat

Located on the western shore near the mouth of Cowan Creek, Coasters Retreat is a small beachside settlement with a beautiful sandy beach.

• Anchoring: 2 to 5 metres on sand.
• Swimming: Excellent. The beach is sheltered and the water is warm and clear.
• Facilities: Minimal. A few residences and basic facilities.

Refuge Bay (nearby, via Cowan Creek)

Technically part of the Hawkesbury River system rather than Pittwater proper, Refuge Bay is accessible via Cowan Creek from Broken Bay. It features a waterfall (seasonal) and a dramatic bushland setting.

• Anchoring: 5 to 10 metres on mud. Good holding but limited space.
• Swimming: Good, though the water can be darker due to tannins.
• Highlight: The waterfall at the head of the bay is a memorable sight after rain.

For more on Sydney's best anchorages, see our guide to the best anchorages on Sydney Harbour.

What are the best launch points for Pittwater?

If you are trailering a boat, several public boat ramps provide access to Pittwater.

Rowland Reserve Boat Ramp (Bayview)

• Location: Bayview, on the eastern shore of Pittwater.
• Facilities: Concrete ramp, trailer parking, toilets.
• Conditions: Good all-tide ramp suitable for most recreational vessels.
• Fee: Parking fees apply.

Church Point

• Location: Church Point, eastern shore.
• Facilities: Public wharf, dinghy storage, limited trailer launching.
• Note: Church Point is better suited to dinghy or tender access than full trailer launching.

McCarrs Creek

• Location: Southern Pittwater, near the entrance to McCarrs Creek.
• Facilities: Boat ramp, parking.
• Note: A popular ramp that can get busy on weekends.

What weather conditions should I expect on Pittwater?

Pittwater is significantly more sheltered than Sydney Harbour or the open coast, but it still experiences wind, chop, and current. The typical afternoon north-easterly sea breeze fills in around midday and can build to 15 to 20 knots, creating chop on the open stretches.

Best conditions

• Morning: The calmest time on Pittwater. Flat water, light winds, and beautiful light make mornings ideal for cruising and anchoring.
• Autumn (March to May): Warm water, lighter winds, and fewer crowds. Arguably the best season for Pittwater boating.
• Winter calm days: Pittwater is spectacular on still winter days — crisp air, clear visibility, and virtually no other boats.

Conditions to watch for

• Strong north-easterlies: Can create uncomfortable chop on the open northern stretches of Pittwater.
• Southerly changes: A strong southerly can funnel through Broken Bay and create difficult conditions, particularly near the mouth of Pittwater.
• Tidal current: Currents can be strong through narrow sections, particularly near the entrance to Cowan Creek and around Scotland Island.

What are the best restaurants accessible by boat on Pittwater?

Pittwater offers several dining options accessible directly by boat, ranging from casual waterfront cafes to more refined venues.

• The Waterfront Cafe, Church Point — Casual dining right on the water. Tie up at the public wharf and walk across.
• Pasadena, Church Point — A popular restaurant with water views and a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
• The Newport — A large venue on the eastern shore near the entrance to Pittwater. Marina berths available for diners.
• Jonah's, Whale Beach — Not directly on Pittwater (it overlooks the ocean), but a memorable dining experience if you are in the area.

How can I experience Pittwater boating without owning a boat?

Pittwater is one of the best boating destinations near Sydney, and experiencing it by boat is far superior to visiting by car. A boat club gives you the freedom to explore Pittwater and the surrounding waterways without the cost and commitment of boat ownership.

At My Boat Club, members have access to an Axopar 28 — a vessel perfectly suited to the run from Sydney Harbour to Pittwater and back. The Axopar handles the ocean passage with confidence and is equally at home anchored in the calm waters of The Basin or Great Mackerel Beach.

For the full picture of Sydney's boating opportunities, visit our pillar guide on boating in Sydney.