A Rustic Weekend on the Northern Beaches
Ever felt like getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, getting back to nature and nurturing your soul without travelling too far? We have the perfect place in mind, which will take you to a lesser-known area of Sydney. No traffic, no shops, no TV, no cinema and no restaurants. Pack your beach gear, sports equipment (tennis equipment, golf clubs, fishing rods, etc) and the book you’ve been planning to read for a while. You are now ready to head up to Palm Beach for a rustic weekend away. Let the adventure begin!
Currawong on Pittwater is a Northern Beaches holiday experience like no other. Nestled on the fringe of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this has been a secluded holiday haven for Sydney locals for decades. To get here, take a relaxing 25 minute ferry ride from Palm Beach to Currawong. Start winding down here!
There are a variety of accommodation options available. The rustic cabins are nestled in a bushland setting, with a sandstone escarpment backdrop. From your cabin, it is only a short walk down to the water’s edge where you will find a gorgeous sheltered beach, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The recently renovated cabins will provide a camping-like experience with added comforts such as a well-equipped kitchen and private shower/toilet.
This is a weekend where no plans need to be made. The next two days are completely at your disposal; to play, walk, swim, read, cook or eat when and wherever you wish!
There are some fantastic walks to be done, one being the Basin and Mackerel Beach Track which offers stunning ocean views, as well as one of Sydney’s best Aboriginal Art sites. This 7km trail takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and is best done at low tide. Make sure you check the tide charts before you leave to ensure you don’t get your feet wet! There are lookouts with fabulous views over to the Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach and below to Mackerel Beach. Sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, only to be interrupted by the cries of a Lyre bird. Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the park, you may see wood ducks, crimson rosellas, wedge-tailed eagles or pelicans. Watch out for the confident kookaburras and dozens of inquisitive wallabies at The Basin. There are many native plants and wildflowers to enjoy on the walk, such as old man banksias, boronias, Christmas bush, waratahs and scribbly gums.
During the evening, turn out your lights, take your chairs out into the darkness to gaze at the many stars above and marvel at the tranquility of this unique place. Far from the usual commercial pressures of holiday resorts, full of bird and animal life and the quiet spirituality of the original custodians of the land.
Return to Palm Beach, the same way you arrived, but feeling restored and more peaceful after a wonderfully relaxing, rustic weekend away on the Northern Beaches.