Mackerel Beach is a unique place where you can totally relax and unwind and experience Mother Nature at her best. Here you can do as much or as little as you like ...

The surrounding 37,000 acre Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers some incredible bush walks to secluded beaches, The Basin Lagoon, ancient Aboriginal carving sites and amazing lookouts. Maps are supplied at the shack. Take a leisurely stroll along Mackerel Beach or through the valley behind where you will find friendly locals (including wallabies and bush turkeys) and a few remaining original fibro beach shacks. If you want to venture further you can also hire your own 'tinny' from Palm Beach to explore Pittwater’s many coves and peaceful bays. 

Swim and snorkel out front or sunbake and fish off the rocks. 

Swim and relax on Mackerel's beautiful and peaceful main sandy beach or enjoy our own secluded, private, low tide beach just below the shack. There are 2 kayaks, fishing hand reels and tackle plus bait in the freezer and snorkelling gear. There is also a beach umbrella supplied for shade. Or dine alfresco under the outdoor pergola, on the stone terrace or on either of the two decks with meals prepared in the wood-fired oven or on the charcoal BBQ.

If you feel like heading back to the mainland (trust us, you probably won’t), the old timber ferry ‘Myra’ leaves every hour on the half hour and is just a 10-minute ride back to Palm Beach wharf. From here you can make the trek up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, walk to Palm Beach, dine at the local restaurants, bars and cafes or browse the shops, galleries and Palm Beach markets (on set days). You can also head into Avalon Beach village, just 10 minutes down the road by car (15 minutes by bus). Here you can explore the many shops, restaurants and bars, visit the surf beach or take in a movie.