Resolute Beach
Wild golden sand, Pittwater views, zero visitors
About
Resolute Beach is a 200-metre arc of golden sand tucked inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, reachable only by foot or boat — which is exactly why it stays empty. The scribbly gum forest that lines the trail down to the shore gives way to crystal-clear water and sweeping views across Pittwater. There are no facilities, no lifeguard, and no road — just bush, birdsong, and the occasional kayak drifting past. It's raw, unhurried, and entirely on its own terms.
How to get there
Resolute Beach has no road access whatsoever. Reach it on foot via the bush trail from West Head Road car park in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — allow around 30 minutes each way on uneven terrain — or arrive by boat from Pittwater, a roughly 20-minute trip on demand. National park entry costs AUD 12 per vehicle per day, waived for NSW National Parks annual pass holders. The bush trail is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams.
Who it's for
For couples
The boat-in isolation and Pittwater views make Resolute Beach an exceptional spot for couples who want genuine solitude — pack a picnic, arrive by boat, and you'll likely have the entire golden-sand shore to yourselves.
For families
The bush trail and national park setting are engaging for older children who can manage 30 minutes of uneven terrain, but the lack of facilities, no lifeguard, and rip current risk mean it's not suitable for toddlers or young children who need close water supervision.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Strong rip currents are present at Resolute Beach and there is no lifeguard — read the water before you wade in, and if conditions look unsettled, stay on shore. That safety note stated plainly, this is one of the most genuinely empty beaches accessible from Sydney, and the effort to reach it is the whole point. The 30-minute bush walk through scribbly gum forest is not a chore — it's the experience. Golden sand, crystal-clear Pittwater water, and near-zero other visitors await at the end of it. Skip the winter months of June, July, and August when cold water and muddy trails undercut the reward. Come between December and March, carry your own water and food, leave nothing behind, and Resolute Beach will deliver exactly what its name implies.
What to do
The scribbly gum forest trail to the beach is an attraction in itself, and once you're in the national park you're close to Red Hands Cave, an Aboriginal rock art site about 0.9 km away. Gledhill Lookout, roughly 2.2 km from the beach, rewards the extra walk with elevated bush views. West Head Lookout, about 2 km away, delivers panoramic sightlines over Broken Bay and the Central Coast — one of the finest vantage points in the Sydney region. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park also holds significant Aboriginal rock engravings throughout its trails.
The golden sand framed by scribbly gum trunks at the trail exit makes a striking natural composition — shoot wide at midday when the canopy casts dappled light.
West Head Lookout, 2 km away, gives you a sweeping elevated frame over Broken Bay that works best in early morning when haze is low.
Where to eat
There are no food or drink options at the beach itself — pack everything before you leave. The nearest options are The Joey's and Beach Road Dining, both around 1.6 km away near Great Mackerel Beach, offering everything from café breakfasts and pizza to burgers and fresh seafood.
Where to stay
No accommodation exists at or near Resolute Beach itself. The closest town is Umina Beach, approximately 6.9 km away, which offers a broader range of lodging options for those planning an overnight base.
Photography
Shoot from the waterline at golden hour looking back toward the scribbly gum treeline for a contrast of golden sand and dense bush. West Head Lookout, 2 km away, gives you an elevated wide-angle frame over Broken Bay — best in the soft morning light of the December-to-March season.
Good to know
There is no lifeguard patrol and the beach can produce strong rip currents — assess conditions carefully before entering the water and never swim alone. No facilities exist on site, so carry all the water and food you need for the day. Fires are strictly prohibited, dogs are not permitted in the national park, and you must carry out every piece of rubbish you bring in. Camping requires a permit — do not assume you can stay overnight without one.
Map
Nearby places
The Joey's
Beach Road Dining
Red Hands Cave
Gledhill Lookout
Things to see around Northern Beaches Council
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
National park with Aboriginal rock engravings, bushwalking, and Pittwater waterway access.
West Head Lookout
Panoramic lookout over Broken Bay and the Central Coast from the national park headland.
Palm Beach
Affluent peninsula beach with Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other wild beaches in Australia
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Jackson A Douglas · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 2 — andrewharvey4 · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Dave Keeshan · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Dave Keeshan · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — andrewharvey4 · source · CC BY 2.0