The Best Boat Hire in Pittwater

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Bordering the tip of the Northern Beaches peninsula and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Australias’s second-oldest national park, boat hire in Pittwater is a magical way to spend the day. This pretty, glistening waterway in New South Wales is perfect for boating, sailing, kayaking and soaking in its natural beauty.

Close to Palm Beach, Pittwater is only 90 minutes by public transport from Sydney’s city centre, or about 50 minutes drive from the CBD. Perfect to be close enough but it still feels like a world away. How about arriving even quicker in style on a seaplane from Rose Bay? However you get there, it’s a perfect final destination.

Heading back to Sydney after a day at Pittwater? Check out our post on the best Harbour Cruise and Tours from Circular Quay or why not find the cheapest boat hire in Sydney Harbour?

What to explore when hiring a boat in Pittwater?

Explore Pittwater’s hidden bays and beaches on its idyllic smooth waters. Take a picnic to tuck into as your cruise the stunning scenery, or beach along a waterfront cafe to grab some fresh food and drinks (check with the operator if your hire boat can be beached or anchored near the beach). The landscape on either side of the water is mesmerising, along with the abundance of wildlife that can be found in or on the water.

Fishing is often overlooked in Pittwater, with many types of fishing being caught all year round, including Bream, Flathead, Whiting, Tailer, Salmon, Kingfish and Squid. Check out this cheeky Google Maps with a spot guide to fishing in these waters! Boat hires in Pittwater do not come with fishing licences. You will need to check on the recreational fishing NSW website to see if you need to buy one. Please do not rely on the operators being able to sell these to you, which could cause disappointment.

Self-drive Pittwater Boat Hire

Barrenjoey Boating

Located at the northern end of the Golf Course at Palm Beach.

Barrenjoey Boating has the biggest fleet of boats for hire in Pittwater. They have an extensive range of recreational self-drive hire boats, tinnies, party boats and larger boats for the best day out on the water. All boat hire includes fuel, life jackets and is dog friendly.

And the best bit is that you do not need a boat licence to hire one of their boats.

Bait, fishing tackle, rods, reels, fishing licences, snacks, drinks and other goodies are available from their Alf’s Bait Shop, famously known from the Aussie TV favourite. Home & Away. They also stock a large range of Home & Away merchandise!

Boat hire can be booked online or in person from 2 hours to a full 8 hour day and are open seven days a week from 7 am until 5 pm.

What boats are available to hire?

Choose from one of the following hire boats in Pittwater:

• Aluminium boat – for up to six people, a perfect little runabout for fishing, sightseeing and exploring on this easy to operate vessel

• Bow Rider Grande boat – for up to six people, this new addition to the fleet has comfortable seating with plenty of room for fishing or cruising around the smooth waters

• 21ft Open Day boat – for up to twelve people, this larger boat is super stable with shaded covers at the front and back of the vessel. It has comfortable padded seats and is perfect for cruising Pittwater, or going for that new personal best on the end of a fishing line

• Party Pontoon – for up to six people, this Party Pontoon is a great party boat to hire in Pittwater. Super stable, it has a flat walk around deck, shaded cover, plenty of room to move around and is easy to operate. Great for both cruising and fishing

• Pontoon Boats – for up to six people, this really is the ultimate party boat hire. Modern, comfortable, stable and easy to operate, you couldn’t get much better than this from your Pittwater boat hire

Barrenjoey Boating also offers single kayak hire and stand up paddleboard hire to keep cool and stay fit at the same time! Perfect for some Water Wellness!

Cottage Point Boat Hire

The next closest self-drive boats for hire near Pittwater is at Cottage Point. This is about a 40 minute drive from Palm Beach.

Along the calm and scenic waterways of Cowan River, the beautiful evergreen Kuring-gai Chase National Park shelters these stunningly protected waters. Full of scheduled beaches, natural waterfalls, marine and birdlife, the best way to explore this area is by boat or kayak.

Take some time at the Cottage Point Kiosk for some stunning breakfast or lunch from a delicious, vibrant fresh menu with gorgeous waterfront views. The General Store next door has everything you need for your adventure out on the water. Fishing bait, tackle, drinks, snacks and more are available.

No boat licence is needed for these boat hires.

What boats are available to hire?

Elite Dory – for up to five people, Elite Dory is a grey smartwave boat, suitable for cruising along with its 8hp outboard motor. With a flat, carpeted deck, cushioned seats, a rear boarding step, bimini cover, it’s one of their most comfortable boats. Please note – this boat is not suitable for fishing or beaching

Fishing Dory – for up to five people, Fishing Dory is, yep, you guessed it, perfect for that fishing boat hire trip in Pittwater. With a 9.8hp outboard motor and bimini cover, this white polycraft boat is a bit more robust for fishing. It can be anchored near the beach, just not on the beach itself.

Explorer – for up to six people, the Explorer is a slightly older boat and is the cheapest option. It is an aluminium tinner, great for exploring and fishing, with a half hard top cover for excellent protection from the rain and sun. With it’s 6hp outboard motor, it may be beached for swimming and beach adventures!

Picnic Boat – for up to eight people, the Picnic Boat is the largest vessel available to hire. It’s a Halvorsen 16 foot unique vintage boat with a half hard top cover for excellent protection. With an 8hp outboard motor, it is spacious and sturdy – great for cruising and fishing.

Cottage Point Boat Hire also has single sit-in and sit-on kayaks and double sit-on kayaks available to hire.

Paddle hire in Pittwater

Pittwater Kayak Tours

Pittwater Kayak Tours offers some spectacular kayaking adventures. Get up and about early with a Sunrise Kayak Tour to enjoy the tranquillity of these waters. Or take a three hour Morning Kayak Tour to reach remote beaches, such as Resolute Beach. These tours are one of the best things to do in Palm Beach. Swim in crystal clear waters. Reach places you only can with a non-motorised vessel. And best of all, make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Avalon Stand Up Paddle

Situated at Clareville Beach, get some Water Wellness with Avalon Stand Up Paddle. Enjoy the smooth, calm waters to gain confidence, or take to the open surf – the choice is yours.

Book individual or group lessons, or head out on a Twilight Tour. They have a range of paddle boards available to hire for different abilities. However, you will need to attend their SUP Experience first to be able to hire on your own.

Perhaps a day out could be made from it with facilities including barbeques and showers also available.

Pittwater Ferry Service

Church Point Ferry Service

Don’t fancy being in control of your own vessel? Catch the Church Point Ferry and see the magnificent Western Foreshore and gorgeous Scotland Island. Now an inhabited piece of paradise, Scotland Island has plenty of walks around, and to the top of the island. North Tennis Wharf is ideal for catching the ferry to and enjoying a picnic with stunning views. It’s perfect for just being in the moment and enjoying the tranquillity this tropical island, so close to city life, has to offer.

Why not stay one night, and feel like you’ve stayed a week! Choose from your own private Waterfront Retreat with stunning views from its beach with kayak and paddle boards available to explore. Or a modern holiday home with a private jetty – the perfect base to explore this paradise island.

The ferry departs from Church Point hourly, stopping at several locations around Scotland Island. Stops on the Western Foreshore include Elvina Bay, Halls Wharf (access to Morning Bay) and Lovett Bay.

However you decide to explore, you won’t be disappointed. Have you hired a boat in Pittwater before? Are you thinking about booking one? We’d love to know in the comments below.