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The Bush Walk from Patonga to Pearl Beach via Warrah Lookout
The bush walk from Patonga Beach to Pearl Beach is one of my favourite activities. The walk is roughly 4kms and takes around an hour. The first 500m is moderately steep uphill and then the walk flattens out.
The Warrah Lookout is along the route... you cross the path to the lookout and turn right (south) and walk for 30m to the fenced lookout, which has incredible views over Broken Bay, Pittwatter, and Patonga Beach. Definitely worth the effort.
Pearl Beach is a beautiful small leafy artsy beach village and a great place to stop for a coffee or snack before heading back to Patonga. The more adventurous of us head around the headland to Umina Beach, and catch an Uber or Taxi back to Patonga. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
The starting pont for the walk is all the way around to Dark Corner, past the boat ramp at the NE corner of the beach. A link to the NSW National Parks info page on this walk is here.
The Boat House Restaurant
Despite us wishing that the crowds were not drawn to Patonga because of this restaurant, in the end I think we are thankful that it is here. It has a pleasant indoor / oudoor setup, and the food is satisfactory. Sometimes it even has live music.
It gets very very busy at lunchtime on a weekend and bookings are advised. It opens early (9ish) for espresso coffee for those of us who need it, although for those of us who need better a quick trip to one of the new specialist cafe's in Umina (Bold Brew, Cafe Ronto) doesn't like such a long trip.
Tennis at Patonga
The Patonga tennis courts have been around for over 45 years. They recently were re-done. In general, the gate is left unlocked for locals. On Sunday mornings, the local tennis club has a regular booking. There is a small shop hat services the caravan park next to the courts for refreshments.
The Patonga Creek
The Patonga Creek is a charming small creek that winds lazily inland for around two to three kilometres. It can be easily accessed with canoes and kayaks. Motorised watercraft must be very mindful of the shallowness and the oyster farms submerged just below the water surface.
It is best suited for exploring, however some large flathead have been caught in the creek in the recent past.
If you do not mind a weedy bottom, it is pleasant to swim in, however be mindful of swimming at the "start" of the creek, at the channel at the SW end of the main beach, as the currents can be very very strong when the tide is running
The Ferry from Palm Beach
The ferry from Palm Beach to Patonga is a very pleasant ride and gives you easy access across the bay. Palm Beach has a number of pleasant dining options and an entertaining surf beach with reasonable waves. It is very important to plan your trip by checking the ferry schedule which depends on the season.... try the link here.
Fishing at Patonga
Patonga was known early on for its great fishing, especially flathead and jewfish. For various reasons, the fishing is nowhere near as good as what it was forty years ago when this photo was taken with my dad and uncle. Even so, it still remains a favourite activity for many visitors. Popular spots include Lillee Rock, The Creek, and the wharf.