Pittwater YHA Youth Hostel Association

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Pittwater YHA (Youth Hostel Association)



The Backpacker Fraternity think they have this place all for themselves, but the Pittwater YHA (Youth Hostel Association) can't stay a Backpacker secret forever. You don't need to be a YHA member to stay here but like a backpacker, you'll need a sense of adventure as you can only reach Pittwater YHA by foot and ferry.



Your journey starts at the charming Church Point Ferry Wharf. I get the feeling I'm on holidays (which I am) but it's a part of my city that I'm not familiar with. A small ferry services the lucky few who live on the Pittwater waterfront who don't have road access. We disembark at Halls Wharf and with all our worldly goods such as food, drinks, clothes, bed linen and odds and ends for a night in the 'bush', my wife and I hike up through the bush track. It's supposed to take 15 minutes, but we're distracted by all sorts of flora and fauna such as wallabies, lizards and assorted bird life.



After checking in we check out our double room. It is very modestly furnished with the bare basics with shared showers but hey, we knew this was never going to be a suite at the Hyatt Regency. I am impressed by the industrial size camp kitchen. It's huge, modern and clean. The reading room has an old world charm with period furnishings, books galore, musical instruments and a fireplace.

Our fellow guests are a mixed lot with two young couples from Germany, an older couple from Sydney's northern beaches, a young Dutch family with two boys and two mysterious young singles who prefer their solitude. Dinner time is a great way to socialise and get to know your fellow traveller "Where are you from?", "How long have you been here?", and "What's your favourite place?"

The next morning after breakfast, we take a bush walk and then arrange the use of one of the kayaks available. We take a double version and paddle north along the coast, stopping at a few beaches before ending up at Coasters Retreat with its flotilla of million dollars yachts and cruiser boats. We beach the kayak at The Basin camping area and mingle with its hoards of day trippers and campers having family BBQs.



We look at the hustle and bustle of the camping area and think how lucky we are to stay at the relative isolation and luxury of the YHA because just between you and me, I'm over roughing it in a tent.



Cost: Multi share rooms are $27.00 for YHA members and $30.00 for non-members. Twin or double rooms start from $67.50 for YHA members and $75.00 for non-members. Family rooms are also available.

Address: Via ferry/water taxi from Church Point to Halls Wharf, then a 15min walk uphill to the hostel.

Phone: 9999-5748
Email: [email protected]

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