Beaches COVERED. Issue 34 Spring Style

A WEEKEND AWAY AT Cottage Point

Planning your upcoming weekend getaway? Cottage Point is the perfect choice, offering charm and incredible convenience. This local destination is rich in history, wildlife and nature, and has everything you need. Situated on the Cowan River, it offers tranquility and safety, with plenty of hidden beaches, waterfalls, birds and marine creatures awaiting your exploration, either by foot, boat, or on a kayak.

Whether you're angling for a family river cruise with a side of fishing fun, craving a romantic picnic or lunch for two, or just seeking a chill spot to soak up Mother Nature's beauty, Cottage Point has you covered. So, hop on board and explore – you won't be disappointed.

EXPLORE BY FOOT

Cottage Point, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is your gateway to some of Sydney's most pristine bushland, offering a range of stunning walking tracks. You'll feel like you're miles away from civilisation as you connect with nature on a whole new level. Whether you're up for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Cottage Point has something for everyone. Explore the America Bay Track for breathtaking views of Cowan Creek, take in panoramic vistas from the Topham Walking Track, venture into diverse landscapes on the Gibberagong Track, or enjoy a scenic coastal walk from Cottage Point to Elvina Bay.

Explore by Boat or Kayak

Cottage Point is a fantastic starting point for your Cowan Creek adventure. It gives you access to the extensive waterways covering Cowan Creek, Coal and Candle Creek, Cowan Water, Bobbin Head to the west, Akuna Bay to the east, and Challenger Head to the north. You can rent boats and kayaks from the Cottage Point Kiosk year-round, and no boat license is needed. The Kiosk's general store has everything you need, from fishing gear to snacks, sunscreen, and cold drinks. If you're into boating, the Fishing Dory is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. For a fun time on the water with sun and rain protection, check out the Elite Dory and the Explorer Both great for beaching and swimming. If you have a larger group, the Picnic Boat is ready to accommodate your cruising needs!

If you're up for some mangrove, beach and tight waterway adventures, kayaking is the ultimate way to go. Check out the Kiosk's website for more details on hiring a kayak.

BAYS AND SECLUDED BEACHES

Seeking a picnic outing or a refreshing swim? Cowan Creek waterways is the perfect destination for your boating excursion, offering numerous bays and beaches to explore and enjoy.

A short boat ride from Cottage Point lies Little Jerusalem Bay, a hidden gem where you can find a peaceful escape. This secluded bay, surrounded by lush greenery and sandy shores, is an ideal spot for picnicking and swimming.

Refuge Bay is the showstopper, boasting a spectacular beach complete with an idylic waterfall and even a cliff-top infinity pool.

For great picnic spots, check out Fishermans and Hallets beaches Further up Cowan Creek, you'll discover America Bay and Hungry Beach After arriving at America Bay, you can

take advantage of the sheltered anchorage, creating an excellent location for a leisurely lunch and a refreshing swim. Hungry Beach is a north-facing, sheltered beach with minimal waves. Above the beach, explore an old World War II bunker or above the cliffs are some Indigenous caves and ancient shell middens.

Bird's Eye View

There's no better way to get to Cottage Point than by air. Enjoy a 'Fly and Dine' adventure with Sydney by Seaplane. Pilot Steve has been flying for over 49 years and knows all the best spots to show you along the way. Whether you depart from Rose Bay or Palm Beach, you'll get to take in a breathtaking scenic flight over Sydney's shoreline, the Northern Beaches, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

As you glide through the sky, you'll be captivated by the the beauty of the coastline and National Park. Your journey will conclude with a stylish arrival at the renowned Cottage Point Inn, where you can indulge in a delightful eight-course degustation lunch, perfectly complementing the majestic views you've just enjoyed from above.

CASUAL DINING

Relax and unwind at the Cottage Point Kiosk, where you can enjoy delicious homemade food by the riverside. Try the "Big Buoy" breakfast for a variety of flavours, and don't forget to pair your morning coffee with some homemade cakes. From breakfast to lunch, The Kiosk offers an even better experience. Dive into fresh seafood choices like Fish Curry, Black Mussels and Seafood Chowder. The slow-cooked Beef Brisket Burger, with caramelised onions, lettuce, cheese and tomato on a milk bun, is a standout. On a beautiful Spring day, the outdoor seating is perfect for the whole family, including your furry friend—it's dog-friendly!

DEGUSTATION Delights

Indulge in a memorable long lunch or romantic dinner for two with a waterside view. The renowned Cottage Point Inn combines exquisite cuisine and an impressive wine selection, with a tranquil backdrop for a unique dining experience. The experimental dishes, featuring local native ingredients, will tempt you to capture each course on camera. As delightful as it is visually appealing, this culinary journey is a decadent treat like no other. Tucked discreetly along a bush-lined trail, this hidden gem sits on the shores of Cowan Creek and is an absolute must-visit. •

RICH HISTORY

Cottage Point, nestled amid waterside bushland, has a history that's both fascinating and diverse. It wasn't always the charming and delightful place, it is today. During colonial times, it served as a popular spot for smugglers. In 1842, a timbergetter stumbled upon 200 casks of rum that had been secretly unloaded from the ship, Fair Barbadian

In the 1880s and 1890s, this area was known to European settlers as "Terry's Point" after James Terry. He owned a 100-acre piece of land here and built a holiday cottage for himself. Edward Windybank arrived in 1890, settling in nearby Waratah Bay, just around the corner from Cottage Point. He is credited with being the first to offer moored houseboats for rent. Edward operated a fleet of 60 row boats and, despite its remote location, saw the potential for a holiday destination.

He rented out his old converted steamers for just three pounds a week!

INDIGENOUS CULTURE

Cottage Point and the surrounding Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park hold a significant Indigenous history, with various Aboriginal sites including rock engravings, cave art, and middens. The park houses many Aboriginal rock craving sites, featuring depictions of emus, echidnas, fish, kangaroos, boomerangs, shields, footprints, people and ancestral spiritual figures. Among them, some portray Baiame, a revered deity and ancestral hero in Indigenous culture. Baiame, also known as 'ancestral hero' or 'sky hero,' is believed to have ascended to the sky after creating the land. Some sites are situated near Smiths Creek and Cottage Point Road, with one rock displaying more than twenty figures. •