Where to go
Beechwood Cottage
Originally built in 1882, Beechwood Cottage harks back to an era when sailors, convicts and even pirates lived in these parts. Now it’s your turn to add to the region’s colourful history and hire this beautifully restored historic cottage in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Situated on the western shores of Pittwater, near The Basin picnic area, this charming venue is available for conferences, functions and weddings. With delightful water views and a tranquil bush setting it’s a perfect venue for hire for relaxed and informal get togethers. It has a large function room, a well-equipped kitchen and wide shady verandahs. There’s even a fenced yard where kids can run around.
There’s plenty of equipment to cater for up to 60 guests inside the cottage, however larger groups may choose to take advantage of the spacious grounds with room for a marquee.
Activities: walking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: Beechwood Cottage is in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:
- Catch the ferry which departs hourly, on the hour between 9am and 5pm, from Palm Beach Wharf.
- Drive or ride your mountain bike through the park to West Head, then walk or cycle along the 2.8km Basin track to The Basin.
- If you own a boat, anchor in the sheltered bay opposite the picnic and campground.
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - no motor vehicle access.
Opening hours: The Beechwood Cottage is:
- open sunrise – 10pm (Monday – Sunday)
Facilities: venue, boat ramp, drinking water, flush toilets, trackhead/access point, electric power
Venue hire: See details
Contact:
The Basin and Beechwood Cottage (Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park), Phone: 02 9974 1011
The Basin campground
Fire/closure alerts currently apply to this location. See details below.
Wheelchair access: medium
Assistance may be required to access this area.
- Wheelchair access is by ferry only
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
The Basin campground is the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This large, grassy area overlooks Pittwater, offering lovely surroundings and views.
It’s easy to see why this waterfront campground is so popular. At The Basin, you’ll find great facilities along with a picnic area, sheltered beach and an inland lagoon. The campground accommodates up to 400 campers.
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.
There’s no car access to The Basin, so park at West Head Road and then walk or cycle. You can also arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry departing from Palm Beach Wharf.
Beechwood Cottage was originally built in 1882 when sailors, convicts and even pirates survived in these parts! Today this beautifully restored cottage can be hired out for conferences, functions and other special occasions.
Activities: walking, paddling, liloing, swimming, picnicking, playing and socialising, camping
Location:
shown on West Head and The Basin map
Getting there: The Basin campground is on the western foreshores of Pittwater in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there
- Take the ferry which departs on the hour between 9am - 5pm from Palm Beach Wharf
- If you own a boat, anchor in the sheltered bay opposite the picnic and campground.
- Drive or ride your mountain bike through the park along West Head Road, then walk or cycle along the 2.8km Basin Track to The Basin.
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Opening hours: The campground is open from sunrise to sunset. Entry to the campground after sunset is for pre-booked campers only.
Facilities: amenities block, cold showers, flush toilets, gas/electric barbecues, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), drinking water, picnic tables, public phone
Vehicle entry fee: $11 per vehicle per day. Please note vehicle entrance fees are not included in your accommodation or camping fees. Purchase at the local office or buy an annual pass online.
Camping fees: All campsites - site fee - $28 per night (2 person inclusive); $14 per night per additional adult (16 years+); $7 per night per additional child (5-15 years); infants free (0-4 years).
Other fees: Landing fees: If you’re arriving at The Basin by water for a day visit, you’ll need to pay landing fees of $3 per adult, $2 per child. Annual pass holders must pay landing fees. If you’re arriving by bus or taxi and walking or cycling to The Basin, you’ll need to pay daily entry fees of $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
Alternatively, please contact the Customer Experience Team on 13000 PARKS (13000 72757).
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Closure | Basin Trail upgrade works The Basin Trail will be closed from the Mackerel Service Trail to the Basin Campground in order to undertake upgrade works. The Basin Aboriginal engravings and the Mackerel Track will remain accessible.
All access to the Basin Campground during this period is by water only. Services include Palm Beach Ferries, Barrenjoey Boating Service, Peninsular Water Taxis & Pink Water Taxis or access is available to private boats. | Ends Friday 31 May, 11:59PM |
The Basin picnic area
Fire/closure alerts currently apply to this location. See details below.
When you need a city escape, gather the crew and set sail for The Basin picnic area, nestled in the bush on the eastern shores of West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Accessed by walking track from West Head or ferry across Pittwater, there’s something for everyone at this popular spot.
With lovely views of the water and heaps of activities, you’ll be hard pressed deciding what to do first. The kids will love swimming and paddling at the sheltered beach and inland lagoon and if you’re keen to explore on foot, there’s nearby Bairne walking track. When it’s time for lunch, unpack the picnic hamper or spark up the barbecue and tuck in.
After a day of relaxing, it might be hard to pack up and leave this idyllic oasis. If you want to make a weekend of it and stay overnight at the adjacent The Basin campground. Be sure to book ahead, as this is a popular place to stay in spring and summer.
Activities: walking, paddling, liloing, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues
Getting there: The Basin picnic area is in the western foreshores of Pittwater at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:
- Take the ferry which departs hourly, on the hour, 9am - 5pm from Palm Beach Wharf
- If you own a boat, anchor in the sheltered bay opposite the picnic area.
- Drive or ride your mountain bike through the park to West Head Road, then walk or cycle along the 2.8km Basin track to The Basin.
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, amenities block, gas/electric barbecues (free), wood barbecues (firewood supplied), drinking water, flush toilets, trackhead/access point
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Closure | Basin Trail upgrade works The Basin Trail will be closed from the Mackerel Service Trail to the Basin Campground in order to undertake upgrade works. The Basin Aboriginal engravings and the Mackerel Track will remain accessible.
All access to the Basin Campground during this period is by water only. Services include Palm Beach Ferries, Barrenjoey Boating Service, Peninsular Water Taxis & Pink Water Taxis or access is available to private boats. | Ends Friday 31 May, 11:59PM |
| Commercial activity | EcoTreasures  EcoTreasures experienced local guides are going to show you some hidden gems around Sydney's Northern Beaches. Choose from a range of nature experiences including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, bushwalking, coastal walks and Indigenous walks.
The Basin Campground - EcoTreasures offers guided stand up paddle board (SUP) safari, snorkelling tours and SUP Hire and kayak hire during the school holidays and by group request all year. Indigenous guided nature/culture walk to ancient engravings available by request. Customised group programs available with transport and catering options available for all tours. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Sydney Harbour National Park - EcoTreasures provides guided coastal walks around Manly's foreshores, North Head and through Sydney Harbour National Park. If you are a family, team building group or a private groups who would enjoy a local nature experience with a local eco guide then the Coastal Walk is a perfect option. Customised programs, educational work sheets and team building programs are available specifically designed to meet the aims and objectives of your day.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - You be in charge and tell me what your group would like. Private Tours are available by request. Choose from a range of nature based experiences options including stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, bushwalking, bird watching and Indigenous guided walks. Perfect for school groups, team building groups, family and private groups. More info: Ecotreasures, Phone: 0415 121 648 (international +61415 121 648) | . |
