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It’s no secret that Sydney has many secrets, but one of the most popular is tucked away in the meanders of Pittwater, north of the city. The Basin is an isolated gem on the edge of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, sheltered in quiet waters, but ready to escape into the South Pacific Ocean. Shaded by gum trees and populated by diverse wildlife – The Basin is Sydney’s best kept secret.
9:00 – Board the Ferry at Palm Beach to Bennetts Wharf
Ferries depart Palm Beach hourly to the wonderfully isolated haven in the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park on the Western Foreshores of Pittwater.
9:15 – Pass through Bennetts and Bonnie Doon Wharf
Crossing Pittwater, Bennetts Wharf and the wharf at Bonnie Doon are mainly a commuter wharf and a boat tie-up facility, located across the way from Little Mackerel Beach and Currawong Beach.
9:20 – Disembark at the Basin
As you brush past the settlements of Great Mackerel Beach, Coasters Retreat and Currawong Beach you’ll discover the secret paradise that is the Basin. Shaded by gum trees, translucent waters it’s not hard to see why this is considered a haven of peace. You’ll find great facilities along with a picnic area, campground and fire pits. Pitch your tent in a shady spot, enjoy a bike ride or a swim and see if you can spot the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras. Rich in Indigenous heritage, you’ll be able to see rock engravings at the Basin Aboriginal art site, off the Basin walking track, to ochre hand paintings on the Red Hands Cave track at West Head.
