At Currawong Beach Cottages, you'll feel a million miles from care without having to go the distance. Just a 25-minute boat ride from Palm Beach Wharf, Currawong is the getaway without the hassle, the over-the-sea trip without going overseas per se, and all the fun of a camping experience without the tents.

Only accessible by water, Currawong offers seclusion like no other. For families, couples and groups of friends, these eco cottages lie between a 300m stretch of quiet beach and lush bush on Pittwater's western shore.

WHAT TO DO

There's plenty here to occupy sports fans, whether it's shooting hoops, teaching the kids to swing a racquet at the tennis court, perfecting your spike over the volleyball net, or a friendly game of golf on the six-hole course with mates.

The surrounding bush may treat guests to the bounding of a wallaby, the scratching of brush turkeys and the songs of a rich diversity of birdlife.

Bring your own watersports gear and the beach is yours: swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, or simply playing where the waves lap the shore, building sandcastles or soaking up the sun with a book.

The scent of sizzling sausages drifts from the gas BBQ, the ideal spot to set up for a family picnic in the shade or a game of badminton on the grass. Like any camping trip, Currawong is completely self-catered, so if your crew is snacking on snags for breakfast, lunch and dinner, no-one's there to judge!

With a fire pit primed for marshmallow roasting, loved ones will adore the camping camaraderie without the stress of leaky tents and rocky ground. Instead, when you've had your fill of the salty beach breeze and starlit skies, simply turn in to a comfy eco-cabin.

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you need to sleep four or sixteen, the cottages range in size to accommodate big family reunions, multi-friend group extravaganzas or cozy romantic stays.

MIDHOLME COTTAGE | SLEEPS 16

The original homestead at Currawong, the Midholme cottage dates back to 1916 and has been beautifully restored. Two fridges, a large oven and dishwasher provide a welcoming stay for extended families or big get-togethers of any fashion. Four bedrooms feature a variety of configurations, with a queen bed and single bed in some and a queen bed and bunk beds in others. Complete with table tennis and a traditional fireplace, the cottage is the ideal retreat for both fun and relaxation.

THE LODGE | SLEEPS 12

Set up high in the bush, the Lodge enjoys scenic views across the treetops leading to Pittwater. Inside, a large, communal living space is ringed with two bathrooms and four bedrooms; two with double beds and two with bunk beds and two single beds. With a wraparound veranda transitioning to a picnic table and barbecue, the Lodge invites guests to move from indoors to out.

CRITTER COTTAGES | SLEEPS 4 to 5

For smaller groups of 5 or less, there are a variety of other cottages cutely named after Aussie creatures. Each one has a private deck, with water or bush views and 1950s charm.

Currawong is every Beaches family's holiday home waiting to be discovered. Spring bookings fill out fast, so head to northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/currawong to secure your slice of paradise.

Currawong Beach Cottages | northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/currawong | 1300 434 434

Photography: Northern Beaches Council