Great Mackerel Beach

NSW 2108 • New South Wales

50
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.12 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideHarbourside

About Great Mackerel Beach

Great Mackerel Beach is a unique and exclusive small coastal community on Pittwater in northern Sydney, accessible only by ferry and situated within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on the western shore of Pittwater. Covering just 0.12 square kilometres, it is one of Sydney's most distinctive waterfront localities, with a 2021 Census population of approximately 50 residents and a median income well above the Sydney average. The settlement comprises a collection of houses perched on the steep, bush-clad hillside above the sheltered Pittwater waterway.

With no road access, residents rely on the Pittwater Ferry Service for connections to Palm Beach, which provides the nearest shops, cafes, and services, and onward public transport connections to Sydney's Northern Beaches. The combination of national park bushland, Pittwater's sheltered waters, and the community's proximity to yet isolation from Sydney creates a unique lifestyle experience coveted by those who can access it. Great Mackerel Beach is among Sydney's most unusual and sought-after residential enclaves, offering an extraordinary balance of wilderness, waterfront, and proximity to the city.

Great Mackerel Beach falls under postcode 2108 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pittwater electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2108
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.60°, 151.32°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.12 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Pittwater Ferry Service — Palm Beach Wharf 15-25 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
55 km
By Train
Ferry to Palm Beach, then bus to Mona Vale or Manly, then bus/ferry to CBD (2-2.5 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
N/A — no car access
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A — no car access

🛣️ The only access is by ferry from Palm Beach; Palm Beach to Sydney CBD is approximately 55 km by road

Walkability Car-Dependent

Great Mackerel Beach has no road access and no local shops; all supplies must be brought in by ferry, making it an extremely unique and self-sufficient community.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
50
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Great Mackerel Beach known for? +

Great Mackerel Beach is known as one of Sydney's most unique and exclusive residential communities — a car-free enclave on Pittwater accessible only by ferry, surrounded by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bushland and the sheltered Pittwater waterway.

How do you get to Great Mackerel Beach? +

Great Mackerel Beach is accessible only by ferry from Palm Beach Wharf on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The ferry trip takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on the service.

Does Great Mackerel Beach have public transport? +

The Pittwater Ferry Service is the only public transport link, connecting Great Mackerel Beach to Palm Beach Wharf, where buses connect to the broader Sydney Northern Beaches network.

What is the population of Great Mackerel Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Great Mackerel Beach has a permanent population of approximately 50 residents, though the area sees many more visitors and holiday residents throughout the year.

Is Great Mackerel Beach a good place to live? +

Great Mackerel Beach offers an extraordinary lifestyle for those who embrace its unique car-free character — with national park bushland, Pittwater's waters, and a close-knit community, it is one of Sydney's most remarkable places to live.

What is the postcode for Great Mackerel Beach? +

The postcode for Great Mackerel Beach, NSW is 2108.