The Best Family-Friendly Walks & Picnic Spots in Pittwater

Short & Sweet today, as I am off for a walk, but i've been meaning to share this list of mine for a while, so here goes...if you live here or you’re thinking of moving in, you already know Pittwater isn’t short on places to stretch the legs. These are the walks and picnic spots that actually get used every weekend by locals with kids, dogs, prams and eskies – not the tourist-only ones.

1. Barrenjoey Lighthouse Track (Palm Beach)

- Distance: 1 km return (Smugglers Track) or 2.4 km return (Access Trail loop)

- Time: 20–45 min return

- Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs on Smugglers), easy on the fire-trail side

- Pram/wheelchair: Yes on the longer fire-trail side

- Parking: Governor Phillip car park (free) or metered along Beach Rd

- Facilities: Toilets at car park, no shade at the top

- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon – unbeatable 360° views over Pittwater and the ocean.

2. Winnererremy Bay to Flying Fox Playground (Mona Vale)

- Distance: 1.8 km one way (flat sealed path)

- Time: 25 min stroll

- Difficulty: Dead easy – fully paved

- Pram/wheelchair: Perfect

- Parking: Free at Winnererremy Bay or Kitchener Park

- Facilities: Multiple free electric BBQs, shaded tables, brand-new playground (2024 upgrade), toilets, off-leash dog area before 9 am & after 4 pm

- Bonus: Direct access to Mona Vale Beach at the northern end.

3. Resolute Beach Loop via West Head Lookout (Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park)

- Distance: 3.2 km return from Resolute picnic area

- Time: 75–90 min

- Difficulty: Moderate (some steep steps down to beach)

- Pram: No

- Parking: Resolute picnic area ($12 vehicle entry to national park)

- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs

- Highlight: Secluded beach you’ll often have to yourself mid-week.

4. America Bay Track & Waterfall (West Head)

- Distance: 2 km return

- Time: 45–60 min

- Difficulty: Easy-moderate, some rocky sections

- Pram: No

- Best after rain – 15 m waterfall straight into the bay.

5. Irrawong Reserve & Waterfall (North Narrabeen/Warriewood)

- Distance: 1.5 km loop

- Time: 30–40 min

- Difficulty: Easy

- Pram/wheelchair: Yes on boardwalk section

- Facilities: Free parking, small waterfall, great for toddlers chasing ducks.

6. McKay Reserve to Woody Point (Church Point)

- Distance: 2.6 km return

- Time: 40 min

- Difficulty: Easy, sealed path

- Pram: Yes

- Bonus: Direct ferry access if you want to combine with a Scotland Island loop.

7. Elvina Bay Track & Waterfall (Lovett Bay side)

- Distance: 3 km return from public wharf

- Time: 60–75 min

- Difficulty: Moderate

- Access: Free parking at Church Point or catch the Church Point ferry ($10 return).

Quick tip: Snake season runs October–April. Stick to the path, wear covered shoes, and you’ll be fine – sightings are rare on these tracks.

Pittwater still has more quality short walks per square kilometre than anywhere else in Sydney. You’re never more than ten minutes from a track that ends in a view or a picnic table with water frontage.