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Bliss at Great Mackerel Beach is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom absolute beachfront elevated holiday house sleeping up to six guests, it includes an almost self-contained parent's retreat. Built in 1961 and restored with love for its original mid-century character, access is at all tides along and onto the sandy beach. Spectacular views of Pittwater and Barrenjoey a few steps up from the beach from every room of the elevated house and both decks.
It has its own private boatshed which operates as a beach club for guests and their families. Perfect for family groups (with or without grandparents) with plenty of space for adult groups of up to 6 for that special occasion get together.
Absolute Beachfront — 0 Metres to the Sand
Bliss is absolute beachfront: from the front of the property, it is 0 metres to the sandy beach. Walk down the front stairs and you are on Great Mackerel Beach.
Shack-Luxe!
A 1961 beach house restored with love: mid-century soul, relaxed comfort, spectacular Pittwater views and everything you need for a proper beach holiday.
The Boatshed - Your Own Private Beach Club
The boatshed sits directly on the sand at the front of Bliss: part beach club, part water sports hub, part office, part beach entertaining zone—and, if you feel like it, your waterfront mini-gym.
At the boatshed you will find:
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2 kayaks for exploring Pittwater
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2 stand-up paddleboards
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Fishing rods for trying your luck from the beach or nearby water
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Beach toys, floaties and inflatable beach toys
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Separate beach towels for boatshed and beach use
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Deckchairs and beach seating
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A drinks fridge and separate wine fridge for cold drinks, ice and beach-picnic supplies
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A portable cooktop for simple beachside meals
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Beachside entertaining and dining space
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A Bluetooth speaker for your holiday soundtrack
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A spin bike for a waterfront workout
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A large screen/workspace for the rare occasion work cannot wait
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An outdoor shower for rinsing off salt and sand
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Front-row beach and Pittwater views
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Sink and running water
Paddle in the morning, spin if you must, shower under the sky, then open something cold by the water.
Two Outdoor Showers!
One outdoor shower is at the boatshed for a quick rinse straight off the beach. The other is an almost-private hot outdoor shower upstairs at the back of the main house - perfect after swimming, paddling, fishing or a long salty day in the sun.
The Family Hub
The main house is where everyone comes together. Settle into the comfortable living area with full Foxtel, put on a record from the extensive vinyl collection, or go completely retro with an extensive and eccentric chest full of DVDs and videos to watch. Fast mobile wi-fi ensures you can watch your favoutite movies both upstairs and downstairs.
For coffee lovers, there is a proper Italian coffee machine for the barista among you.
Outside on the large deck, there is a generous outdoor sofa for lazy afternoons, a huge marine-grade stainless-steel barbecue, and an extendable deck dining table that seats up to 12—ideal for long lunches, sunset drinks and easy dinners with family and friends.
We also provide spices, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Every recipe on our website has been made at Bliss.
And, naturally, there is a cocktail shaker and cocktail glasses for sundowners on the deck bar.
The main house has two bedrooms, one with a queen bed, the other with two single beds and a bunk. It also has a large L-shaped living area with a fabulous open fire-place for those winter nights. A 60's family bathroom with shower compeltes the upper level.
At the back of the main house there is a fire pit and talking chairs for those who want a quiet yarn around the pit - or to toast marshmallows!
The Downstairs Parents’ Retreat
Set apart downstairs, the parents’ retreat feels like its own private, studio-style hideaway. It has its own en-suite bathroom, Apple TV and private deck—an ideal escape for parents, couples, grandparents, or anyone who appreciates a little quiet at the end of the day.
It also has tea, coffee and toast-making facilities, so you can savour sunrise from your private deck in one of two Adirondack chairs made by Geoff—or hide away later on the cane day-bed. Nap on the lovely queen bed all day and hide from the rest of the family if you want to.
The separate retreat gives groups room to spread out: children and friends can enjoy the main-house family hub, while adults have a genuinely private place to retreat to.
Beach Days Built In
Swim before breakfast. Make proper coffee. Kayak after breakfast. Try a little fishing. Paddleboard across Pittwater. Cook lunch by the boatshed. Put drinks in the wine fridge. Shower under the sky. Barbecue dinner. Put a record on. Do it all again tomorrow.
Family- and Dog-Friendly
Bliss is made for relaxed family holidays and small groups, and well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior arrangement. Children must be actively supervised around the beach, water, decks and boatshed.
A Proper Escape
Park at Palm Beach, then take a short ferry, water taxi or boat trip across Pittwater. By the time you arrive, city life already feels far away.
Peaceful Beach-House Stays
Bliss is for easy, low-key stays with family and friends—not parties, events or loud gatherings. Suitable for 6 people but we can do 7 at a stretch.
Lose your car. Catch the ferry, Find Bliss
0 metres to the sand. Two kayaks. Two paddleboards. Two outdoor showers. A private beach-club boatshed. A downstairs parents’ retreat. Proper shack-luxe.