Photo: denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0
Church Point is a serene waterfront hamlet on Pittwater, just north of Sydney. With its calm, protected waters and lush bushland backdrop, it feels a world away from the city bustle. The main draw is the water – kayaking, paddleboarding, and ferries to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It’s a perfect launchpad for a day on the water or a leisurely lunch at a waterfront café.
Highlights & What to See
- Pittwater Ferry – catch the ferry from Church Point wharf to the Basin or Bobbin Head for bushwalks and Aboriginal rock engravings in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Water Activities – hire a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or even a small boat from the local boathouse to explore the secluded coves and beaches of Pittwater.
- Church Point Waterfront Café & Takeaway – a local institution serving fish and chips, burgers, and coffee with stunning water views. Grab a seat on the deck and watch the boats come and go.
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – accessible only by water from Church Point, the park offers excellent bushwalks, Aboriginal sites, and the lovely Basin picnic area and beach.
- Scenic Drive – the approach along McCarrs Creek Road winds through bushland with glimpses of the water, making the journey itself a highlight.
Suggested Time to Spend
Church Point can be enjoyed as a half-day trip from Sydney or the northern beaches. Arrive mid-morning, grab a coffee and explore the wharf area, then take a ferry ride or hire a kayak for a couple of hours. If you plan to combine it with a bushwalk in Ku-ring-gai Chase, allow a full day. The pace is relaxed – there’s no rush here.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Palm Beach – a 15-minute drive north, famous for its surf beach, lighthouse walk, and the Barrenjoey Headland.
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – the park’s main entrance at Bobbin Head is a short ferry ride or a drive via the western side.
- Newport – a charming beachside suburb with a good café scene and the Newport Arms Hotel overlooking Pittwater.
- Avalon Beach – a relaxed surf beach with a village atmosphere, shops, and restaurants.
- Mona Vale – offers a golf course, coastal walks, and the Mona Vale Beach.
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
- Palm Beach — File:Palm Beach from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse.jpg : Kapitan1999 derivative work: Georgfotoart / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — Anton Leddin / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Newport — Brooklyn3012 / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Avalon Beach — Mike Funnell / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mona Vale — noah.odonoghue / CC BY 3.0