Great Mackerel Beach

Saltwater
Beach

Great Mackerel Beach

Saltwater
Beach

Sq. miles: 0.1
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Great Mackerel Beach is a secluded, golden-sand beach located on the western shores of Pittwater within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, approximately 43 kilometers north of Sydney's central business district. This small, residential community offers a quiet escape characterized by crystal-clear water and a backdrop of subtropical rainforest and mangroves fed by a creek that flows through the valley. The beach itself is formed from soft, golden sand deposited by sandstone from the Hawkesbury River. Access is exclusively by water, contributing to its low-key atmosphere and making it a prime destination for shore-based anglers seeking a peaceful fishing experience away from busier mainland beaches.

New South Wales licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Great Mackerel Beach and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Sand Whiting

Sillago ciliata

Tarwhine

Rhabdosargus sarba

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Great Mackerel Beach. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The most distinct fishing spot is the northern end of the beach at the mouth of Mackerel Creek. Here, the sand delta and the channel created by the creek outflow create a natural funnel and holding area for fish. The interface between the mangroves and the open water also holds fish. The main beachfront allows for long casts into deeper water of Pittwater. The wharf area, which is slated for upgrades, provides another accessible platform for fishing.

Know where you can legally fish on Great Mackerel Beach

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New South Wales licenses and regulations

New South Wales Boating Regulations

Official Transport for NSW (NSW Maritime) hub for safety and rules on NSW waterways, including the Boating Handbook, lifejacket and safety-equipment requirements, and navigation and speed rules.

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New South Wales Fishing License

Official Service NSW page for the NSW recreational fishing fee/licence. Anyone fishing NSW waters (fresh or salt) must pay the recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt unless exempt. See the page for current fees and exemptions.

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New South Wales Fishing Regulations

Official NSW DPIRD Fisheries hub for recreational fishing rules, covering saltwater and freshwater bag and size limits, possession limits, gear rules and closures.

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New South Wales Stream Access Laws

Official NSW DPIRD Fisheries Angler Access page - NSW's closest equivalent to a stream-access page. Explains the public right to fish tidal waters, legal stream access via public land, and that crossing private land needs the owner's permission.

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Take Great Mackerel Beach with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Great Mackerel Beach to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Great Mackerel Beach to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Great Mackerel Beach and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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