Last verified 08/26
Pretty Beach is a small waterfront village between Hardys Bay and Wagstaffe.
Despite its name, it doesn’t have an ocean beach. The village sits beside the calm water of Brisbane Water.
Come here for a picnic, a waterfront walk or a bushwalk into Bouddi National Park. Pretty Beach works best with Hardys Bay or Wagstaffe.
Is Pretty Beach Worth Visiting?
- Best for: Picnics, bay views and quiet walks
- Great if you want: A peaceful stop near Bouddi National Park
- Not ideal for: Cafés, shopping or an ocean beach
Pretty Beach is worth visiting for a quiet few hours. It’s also a handy starting point for Lobster Beach and nearby bushwalks.
What Pretty Beach Is Like
Pretty Beach follows a sheltered part of Brisbane Water.
You’ll see mangroves, moored boats and bush-covered hills around the bay. The village is mostly residential.
There aren’t any shops or cafés here. You’ll find the nearest places to eat at Hardys Bay.
Relax at Turo Reserve
Turo Reserve is the main picnic area in Pretty Beach.
It has a playground, large grassed area, sports court, picnic tables and free barbecues.
The reserve sits close to the waterfront. It’s a good place to stop with children or enjoy a picnic beside the bay.
Walk Beside the Bay
You can follow Pretty Beach Road and Araluen Drive towards Hardys Bay.
The route passes mangroves, boats and several lovely bay views. Some parts follow the roadside rather than a separate waterfront path.
Stop at Hardys Bay for coffee or lunch before walking back.
Visit Pretty Beach Wharf
Pretty Beach has a public wharf near Oroo Street. There’s also a public pontoon on Araluen Drive.
Both are good places to pause and look across the bay. You’ll often see fishing boats and small boats moving through the water.
Walk to Lobster Beach
The Lobster Beach access track begins just off High View Road.
The track climbs through Bouddi National Park before dropping towards the beach. Lobster Beach faces Brisbane Water and feels hidden from the nearby villages.
You’ll find picnic tables and a non-flush toilet near the beach. There’s no drinking water.
Walk the Flannel Flower Track
You can join the Flannel Flower Walking Track through the Lobster Beach access track.
The full walk is 2.9 kilometres return. It takes about 45 minutes to 75 minutes.
The track passes through bushland between Lobster Beach and the Tallow Beach area. Spring is lovely when the flannel flowers bloom.
Bring Your Dog to the Foreshore
Araluen Drive Road Reserve has a dog-friendly area beside the bay.
It’s a quiet place for a short waterfront walk with your dog.
Where to Eat
Pretty Beach doesn’t have any cafés or restaurants.
Head to nearby Hardys Bay for breakfast, coffee or lunch. Killcare Beach Kiosk is another easy choice when you’re visiting the ocean beach.
Where to Stay
Pretty Beach has private holiday homes and one luxury lodge.
Pretty Beach House sits in the bush above the village. It has four private pavilions, dining, a spa and a pool.
Hardys Bay and Killcare also have holiday homes nearby.
How to Spend Half a Day in Pretty Beach
Start with a picnic at Turo Reserve. Then walk beside the bay towards Hardys Bay.
If you want a bushwalk, head to High View Road and follow the track towards Lobster Beach.
Finish with lunch at Hardys Bay or drive across the peninsula to Killcare Beach.
Getting to Pretty Beach
By Car
Pretty Beach is about 90 minutes north of Sydney via the M1.
Street parking is available near Turo Reserve and around the village. High View Road has limited parking for the Lobster Beach track.
By Train and Bus
Take a train to Woy Woy Station. Route 59 travels to Wagstaffe through Pretty Beach.
Services are limited, so check the timetable before leaving.
By Ferry
The Palm Beach ferry reaches Wagstaffe in about 20 minutes.
Pretty Beach is a short walk or bus ride from Wagstaffe Wharf.
