Pittwater YHA is a Lonely Planet Author's Pick hostel.

Located within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this beautiful backpackers hostel is only 30 km north of Sydney's central city area. It is the perfect city escape.

The hostel has 8 bedrooms, a very well equipped kitchen and a cosy lounge room with a log fire for colder times. The verandah has stunning views across Pittwater harbour to the National Park.

Take a scenic ferry ride, sail on the harbour or bushwalk to aboriginal engraving sites and stunning lookouts. Hire a kayak for a paddle around the bay or just relax in a hammock with the wallabys beside you and the native birds above.

Bring your food as there are no shops at the hostel. If travelling with bed linen (top +bottom sheets and pillow slip) bring these otherwise hire at $3pp. Do not bring sleeping bags.