Heading out from the Northern Beaches’ insular peninsula almost feels like a holiday in itself, so adding in a water activity seems like a fitting way to explore the area.
Collaroy local Greg Moran started Pittwater Kayak tours, which meet at Iluka Park and depart from Sandy Beach, with both sunrise or morning options. We try the Morning Kayak Tour and opt for a double so we can share the experience with a friend.
The initial 1.6-kilometre paddle is a relatively easy cruise along the Pittwater. Your destination will depend on weather and swell conditions – on our trip we venture over to the shores of the Currawong Beach. Once ashore, you can give your arms a rest as you make a quick change into sturdy shoes for a bushwalk through Ku-Ring Gai Chase National Park.
The kilometre ascent uphill reveals stunning views back over the Pittwater, to Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Mackerel Beach and adjoining headlands. Along the way you’ll hear interesting tidbits about native flora and fauna – did you know that grass trees only grow one-to-two millimeters a year, meaning that a relatively stumpy looking one-metre tree could be over 1,000 years old?
After taking in the views you’ll head back down to the beach for an optional swim, a jump off the pier or you can just relax on the beach and watch wallabies hop about, before setting out back on the water.