Governor Phillip arrived from England as Governor of New South Wales and took up duties in Sydney
Town. On 2nd March 1788 he arrived in Broken Bay and named the southern end Pittwater after William
Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of Britain. He described the inlet as "the finest piece of water I ever saw". At the same time he explored the Hawkesbury River as far up as Mullet Island (now Dangar Island).
The country between Manty and Palm Beach was very difficult to travel, however settlement in Pittwater was established soon after Governor Hunter surveyed Broken Bay in 1796. Principal means of transport was by ship.
Grants of land were made to prominent settlers who set about developing a timber industry and farm produce for the markets in Sydney Town.
Since those early days the growth of urban occupation proceeded at a slow pace until the 1960s when the pace accelerated because of improved roads and a general increase in the standard of livng. Today Pittwater has it's own identity, a local council and is recognized as a beautiful place to live and visit.
Internationally acclaimed Palm Beach still retains much of the beauty of the of the past and is linked to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Originally two white towers were erected on Barrenjoey Headland and were replaced by the Lighthouse which has been a beacon to shipping since 1881.
The greater Sydney metropolis has extended to Palm Beach, Church Point and offshore communities in Pittwater, however it's early character has been largely retained. People who live and work in Pittwater are very much aware of the need to nurture the environment as a high priority by using aII means to safeguard native flora and fauna, the legacy of Aboriginal culture and the sparkling waters of Pittwater and surrounding ocean for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.
The preservation of this ancient and unique heritage is vital for the education and enjoyment of people from all over the world. Our Association is dedicated to this end for Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River. Your respect for our heritage will be greatly appreciated.
