The only campground within West Head, The Basin is a popular destination for day trips as well as overnight adventures. It’s the best known and most popular of the Pittwater beaches (it’s also sometimes described as the “the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park” but that’s not correct). Between an inland lagoon and Pittwater is the large grassy campground, with Norfolk Pine trees planted back in the 1930s:
A long sandy beach, with a jetty in the middle, runs the length of the campground. Being on Pittwater, the water is very calm and ideal for younger kids.
The campground accommodates up to 400 people (bookings essential). It has facilities including shelters, gas barbeques and toilets – and lots of friendly wildlife.
Getting to The Basin
A regular (hourly) ferry from Palm Beach is the easiest way to reach The Basin, especially if you have young children or lots of camping gear.
You can also walk down from West Head Road (2.8km return), although it’s not a particularly nice walk as it follows the a road used by NPWS service vehicles. If you do walk down, it’s worth stopping at The Basin Aboriginal site, which is one of the most impressive rock engravings sites at West Head.
More information
- Beachsafe – The Basin
- National Parks (NPWS) – Basin Track
- National Parks (NPWS) – Basin Campground
- FantaSea ferry – Palm Beach to The Basin
Guide to West Head
For more information on West Head bushwalks and beaches, have a look at the Guide to West Head bushwalks or download the PDF summary below.
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