Scotland Island is a friendly community in the beautiful Pittwater region of Sydney's Northern Beaches. Off the beaten track, the island is a hidden gem that is the perfect retreat from city life.
Spend the day kayaking, bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming or fishing - the island has it all. Perfect as a retreat for couples, family getaway, or place to work remotely.
The Waterfront Cafe in Church Point (5 minutes away) has free jazz on Sundays and is a great place to grab a coffee, drink or meal. Church Point is a 10 minutes bus ride out from Mona Vale (the nearest hub, with all the amenities you will need) and around 45 minutes driving or 1 hour by bus from the Sydney CBD.
Accessed by water only, the island is a haven for wildlife. You are likely to spot native animals such as kookaburras, cockatoos, lorikeets, possums, lizards and many sea creatures.
The Space
We live in a modern four-bedroom house with two leafy decks overlooking the water, a large yard with a trampoline, cubby house, ninja course, and heaps of activities on offer. We are only a five-minute walk to the water's edge, and right across from Kuringai National Park (a short paddle away).
You will have access to three rooms: a master bedroom with a large Queen bed, a kids room, with a large bunk bed + trundle, and a separate guestroom that sits on its own private deck. A fourth room (the office) can also be made available if you plan to work, and comes with two well-equipped work stations. The bathroom in the main house has just been renovated and features a gorgeous stone tub for you to soak in after a long day.
The guestroom is normally operated as an Airbnb and includes a large Queen bed, pullout sofa, kitchenette, bathroom, and BBQ. This space is fully contained and separate from the main house, providing a bit of extra space and privacy.
The house is filled with windows and heaps of natural light, and even though we do have neighbors nearby, you will feel like you are surrounded by nature. We get kookaburras, cockatoos, lorikeets and magpies visiting us every day, as well as the possums, lizards and other critters that call the island home.
We have one very friendly cat and 5 lovely pet chickens. They are very friendly, and in the laying season you will be able to enjoy fresh eggs!
Guest Access
The island is somewhat rugged and hilly, so bring good shoes!
The house is ~5 minute walk from where the ferry lets you off, and up a steepish hill. A community vehicle operates on the island and can help get you and your bags to our place when you arrive.
Notes
Our home will be available:
*For 3 weeks in October 2024 (Oct 1-21)
*For sim/non-sim/globe exchanges over the Dec-Jan holiday period 2024
*For the April 2025 school holidays
We are also planning a longer (3-4 month) trip around the world in 2025 or 2026. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in a longer stay/swap or an exchange during that time.
**If you are a small group (up to 3 adults, or 2 adults + 1 child), you are welcome to reach out to stay in our Airbnb as well! We would most likely be home in the main house, but you would have complete privacy on your own deck.
You are welcome to use
> Our four kayaks, canoe and two stand-up paddle-boards
> Fishing equipment
> Beach towels and beach toys
> Kids toys and activities (there are plenty!)
> BBQs and other supplies
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Available
There are two lovely restaurants/cafés right at Church Point and many people take the ferry across and have their dinners there (
https://www.waterfrontstore.com.au/). They have great coffees and a takeaway menu available all day. You will also find basic supplies and a post office at Church Point.
The nearest town is Mona Vale, which is a 10 minute drive/bus ride away. There, you will find all the supplies you could need - and the ocean/beach is only a 15 minute walk away!
You can also catch an express bus (B-line) directly into the city from Mona Vale (1h).