Ahoy there mateys. Ever sailed the waters of Pittwater? Pittwater a stunning waterway located about 40 kilometres north of Sydney. It’s more than just a pretty face though. This semi-mature estuary has a rich history. For thousands of years the Kuringgai Aboriginal people thrived here. They fished its waters and traded along its shores. Then in 1788 Pittwater got its name. It was christened in honour of William Pitt the Younger the then Prime Minister of Great Britain.
The HMS Sirius surveyed Pittwater in 1788. Early settlers used it for transport. Small coasters carried produce and people between Sydney and Pittwater. These boats often travelled in convoys. They were trying to avoid convict pirates lurking along the shore. Many of these boats were built on Scotland Island. They were not seaworthy enough to venture beyond Broken Bay.
Later a customs house operated on Pittwater from 1843 to 1900. A sandstone lighthouse was built at Barrenjoey Head in 1881. Both are now listed on the Register of the National Estate. Road and rail construction in the 1800s changed things. Shipping declined as a means of transport. The last locally built vessel launched from Blackwall was in 1912. Regular shipping services ceased in 1914.
Since the 1950s Pittwater has become a popular residential area. The suburbs of Palm Beach Church Point have grown up around it. Yet Pittwater retains much of its original character. Today Pittwater is a paradise for water sports. Sailing fishing and kayaking are popular activities. The area boasts diverse habitats. You’ll find mangroves saltmarsh sand flats and seagrass meadows. Pittwater is also an important natural heritage area. It includes wetlands bushland lagoons rock platforms and beaches.
Every year since 1981 there’s a famous yacht race. It’s the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race. However in 2016 due to storm damage it was held from Pittwater to Southport in Queensland. Pittwater’s story is one of ancient heritage European exploration and modern recreation. It’s a place where history and nature meet creating a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. So take a moment soak it in and let the beauty of Pittwater wash over you.