Photo: Heritage branch staff / CC BY 3.0
Kissing Point is a quiet, leafy riverside suburb on Sydney's Lower North Shore, offering a slice of old-world charm along the Lane Cove River. With its heritage-listed sandstone cottages, bushland reserves, and a peaceful marina, it's a delightful spot for a relaxed afternoon stroll or a picnic by the water. The area feels a world away from the city bustle, yet it's just a short drive from Chatswood or the Sydney CBD.
Highlights & What to See
- Kissing Point Park & Jetty – A grassy reserve with a historic jetty, perfect for watching boats and kayakers glide along the river. Pack a picnic and enjoy the tranquil views.
- Heritage Walk – Wander past beautifully preserved 19th-century sandstone cottages and the former Kissing Point School, now a community hall. Interpretive signs tell the story of the area's early settlers and its namesake – a point where convicts were said to have 'kissed' the shore after long voyages.
- Lane Cove River Kayaking – Hire a kayak or paddleboard from the nearby marina and explore the mangrove-lined waterways. It's a peaceful way to spot birdlife and get a different perspective of the suburb.
- Bushwalking in Tambourine Bay Reserve – A short walking track through remnant bushland leads to a small sandy beach. Look for water dragons and kookaburras along the way.
- Kissing Point Marina – A small, working marina where you can watch boats come and go. Grab a coffee from the kiosk and soak up the maritime atmosphere.
Suggested Time to Spend
Half a day is ample to explore Kissing Point. Start with a morning walk around the heritage cottages and park, then hire a kayak for an hour or two on the river. Alternatively, combine it with a lunch stop at one of the nearby cafés in Greenwich or a visit to the larger Bicentennial Park in Gladesville. If you're after a quiet escape, an afternoon here feels unhurried and satisfying.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Greenwich – A leafy suburb with a village feel, home to the popular Greenwich Baths and a handful of cafés and bakeries.
- Hunters Hill – A historic peninsula with grand 19th-century homes, pretty parks, and waterfront walks. The heritage-listed Fig Tree Bridge is a highlight.
- Lane Cove National Park – Just a short drive away, this park offers excellent walking trails, picnic spots, and canoeing on the Lane Cove River.
- Chatswood – A bustling commercial centre with a vibrant Asian food scene, shopping malls, and the Chatswood Cultural Centre.
- Gladesville – Home to the expansive Bicentennial Park, which has sports fields, playgrounds, and a large lake with walking tracks.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Greenwich — Sshakey / Public domain
- Hunters Hill — Adam.J.W.C. / CC BY 3.0
- Lane Cove National Park — Sardaka ( talk ) 07:12, 10 October 2012 (UTC) / CC BY 3.0
- Chatswood — Mark Merton / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Gladesville — Adam.J.W.C. / CC BY 3.0
- Sydney — Benh LIEU SONG ( Flickr ) / CC BY-SA 4.0