Pittwater & Barrenjoey: A natural harbour shaped by history
Barrenjoey Headland
A place best experienced from the water
Nestled between Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Pittwater is one of the city’s most naturally protected and beautiful waterways.
Long, calm and deeply sheltered, Pittwater feels a world away from the city despite being just an hour from the CBD. From quiet bays and sandstone headlands to clear water and bush-lined shores, it’s a place where time naturally slows — especially when you explore it by boat.
Barrenjoey Headland and the gateway to Pittwater
At the northern entrance to Pittwater sits Barrenjoey Headland, crowned by the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
The name Barrenjoey is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “young kangaroo” or “wallaby”, reflecting the area’s deep Indigenous heritage long before European settlement.
Built in 1881, the lighthouse has guided vessels safely into Pittwater for over a century and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks on Sydney’s coastline. Approaching Pittwater by water, with Barrenjoey rising above Palm Beach, is a moment many visitors remember long after their trip ends.
A harbour shaped by nature
Unlike exposed coastal waters, Pittwater is naturally protected by surrounding headlands and bushland. This makes it ideal for relaxed cruising, swimming stops, and unhurried exploration. Much of Pittwater’s western shoreline borders Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, creating a rare sense of wilderness so close to the city. From the water, you’ll see sandstone cliffs, eucalypt forest, and quiet inlets that feel unchanged for generations.
This natural shelter is one of the reasons Pittwater has long been a favourite boating destination — calm, scenic, and forgiving for those new to boating.
Pittwater in culture, film and storytelling
Pittwater’s distinctive landscape has made it a natural backdrop for film, television and photography over the years. Its combination of calm water, bushland and dramatic headlands has appeared in Australian productions ranging from lifestyle programming to long-running television series filmed around Palm Beach and the northern beaches.
Beyond the screen, Pittwater has always been part of Sydney’s coastal story — a place for fishing, boating, family holidays and quiet escapes, passed down through generations.
Why Pittwater is perfect for relaxed boating
What sets Pittwater apart isn’t just its beauty — it’s how it feels to be on the water here.
Calm, sheltered conditions
Short distances between bays and destinations
Plenty of places to stop, swim or simply drift
A balance of nature, villages and open water
Whether you’re spending a few hours exploring or staying overnight, Pittwater invites you to slow down, look around, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Exploring Pittwater with confidence
You don’t need to be an experienced boater to enjoy Pittwater. Its forgiving conditions and clearly defined waterways make it an ideal place for first-time and returning boaters alike. From quiet coves to iconic landmarks like Barrenjoey, Pittwater rewards those who take their time — and it’s best appreciated from the deck of a boat, away from crowds and roads.
Start exploring
From Pittwater, you can venture into:
Calm bays perfect for swimming and relaxing
Waterfront villages and wharves
The upper reaches of the Hawkesbury River
Bushland-lined creeks and national park shores
Each offers a slightly different experience, all connected by the same sense of calm that defines Pittwater.
