Pittwater Boat Hire – Taylor Made Escapes in Palm Beach!

If you are looking for a totally unique day trip or mini-getaway in Sydney whilst still being able to safely practice social distancing, why not hop aboard a private hire sail boat in Pittwater? 

Whether you want to go sailing for the day or stay overnight on a luxury yacht you can find an experience that is perfect for you!

Head up to Palm Beach – one of Sydney’s most exclusive neighbourhoods with absolutely iconic beautiful beaches, and be whisked away on a tranquil Taylor Made Escapes package.

Now that restrictions are easing, and with local travel being the new way to travel for the moment, what better way to support local businesses than onboard a luxury yacht in one of the most beautiful areas of Sydney!

Watch this Youtube video to see my experience!

Where in Sydney is Pittwater?

Pittwater is an estuary located north of Sydney and to the west of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It is a little slice of paradise, offering perfect panoramic views of isolated beaches, stunning bushland and affluent beachside homes.

Pittwater is a popular place for both locals and tourists to hire a boat and explore the picturesque waterway separating Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park from the Northern Beaches Peninsula.

The main neighbourhoods that back onto Pittwater and offer boat hire include Newport, Church Point and Palm Beach.

 

Taylor Made Escapes

Taylor Made Escapes are the only charter boat yacht hire company located in the Palm Beach area of Pittwater.

They offer day experiences as well as overnight packages, so whether you’re onboard for a few hours or a couple of days it makes the perfect getaway from everyday life and the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

An experience onboard one of these yachts is the perfect way to unwind, relax and safely enjoy this ‘new normal’ 2020 has found us adapting to. You’ll have the entire yacht to yourself, which is great when we need to be mindful about socially distancing and avoiding crowded places. Plus it is suitable for anyone regardless of age and even if you have never stepped foot on a boat before! Whether you are looking to treat a loved one on an anniversary or birthday, you want a girls weekend away or want to take the kids on an exciting adventure, Taylor Made Escapes can help make the occasion extra special.

 

Taylor Made Escapes has a total of three very well maintained Beneteau Oceanis yachts which offer space to accommodate 8 guests on a day cruise or 6 guests on an overnight stay. All the yachts have plenty space on the decking and by the cockpit at the back for sunbathing or al-fresco dining!

Owned and operated by Michael and Lynda Ireland since 2018, this family run company offers a genuine, personalised and affordable luxury yacht experience. They are a dedicated team, known for their reliability, high quality and friendly service. Michael is a very experienced skipper and tends to do most of the day to day work on the boat.

 

DAY PACKAGES

Taylor Made Escapes specialises in it’s day cruises around Pittwater. They typically offer 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour or 8 hour day packages with optional delicious sharing platters and champagne available should you wish!

 

Michael will meet his guests at Palm Beach Ferry Wharf before taking them on his speed boat for a couple of minutes to one of the luxurious yachts moored off Snapperman Beach.

Once you are onboard the yacht he will then skipper you around beautiful Pittwater.

If you wish to have a go sailing, steering the boat or fishing he is more than happy to show you, but equally if all you want to do is sit back, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the views with a glass of bubbly in hand you are more than welcome!

 

You can choose which route you would like to take on your day cruise around Pittwater (wind and sea dependent!).

Whether it’s around the popular Basin area, stunning Resolute Beach (cited as Sydney’s most beautiful beach!), Barrenjoey Head or up towards Lion Island and the Hawkesbury River if you are on one of the longer packages.

There are many isolated beaches and coves around the Pittwater area and you can stop at one of them for lunch or even jump straight into the water from the back deck and enjoy a little swim when it gets too hot!

 

The step ladder helps you get back into the boat easily and an outdoor shower will ensure you can get all the salt water off before you head home!

Goggles, snorkels, a sunbed and a sound system are provided for your convenience too so you can really feel like you are on holiday!

Plus luckily there is a sun cover if you need some shade from the sun as it can get very hot here in summer!

As the name suggests, Taylor Made Escapes can create a unique tailor made package for you. Simply click here or send them an email at hello@taylormadeescapes.com.au to tell them what you require.

The day packages start from a very reasonable $330 for 2 people.

I recently went on the day cruise with Taylor Made Escapes and had such a fabulous day! I really can’t recommend their service enough.

Michael is an incredibly kind, patient, hardworking, fun and humble gentleman who genuinely cares and really wants all his guests to come away with great memories of their day at Pittwater.

Whether you are from Sydney and want to do more local travel, or you are coming from further afield, a trip onboard one of the Taylor Made Escapes yachts is definitely a Sydney experience you shouldn’t miss!

Sharing Platters

Taylor Made Escapes offers exceptional sharing platters for you to enjoy onboard. They make the perfect food choice whilst you are onboard as they are healthy, light, easy to pick at – and totally Instagrammable!

Choose from the seafood platter, cold meats platter, vegetarian platter or the cheese and antipasto platter which starts at $80 (sharing for 2 people).

You can also compliment your platter with a bubbly package, whether you prefer Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon, Bollinger or Tasmanian made Jansz champagne!

Enjoy your meal on the deck or sit down at the fold out table on the back of the boat by the cockpit.

 

I had the seafood platter which was unbelievably delicious! The serving size was incredibly generous and presented in the most beautiful way. This is their most popular sharing platter and I can definitely see why!

All the food on the platter was extremely delicious – especially the prawns!

Make sure to order your sharing platter when you make your booking!

OVERNIGHT STAYS

In addition to the ever popular day cruises, Taylor Made Escapes offers overnight packages onboard the moored yachts at Palm Beach where you get the entire yacht to yourselves!

An overnight stay on a luxury yacht is a totally unique experience and something you should definitely experience at least once in your lifetime!

With the overnight stays Michael will drop you off on the yacht in the afternoon and you are free to enjoy as you wish – whether you want to relax on the deck with a glass of champagne or even row across to the shore for dinner with the complimentary row boat attached to the yacht (it should take you no more than one or two minutes!).

The following morning Michael will then collect you (usually at around 9.30am or at a mutually convenient time) and take you back to the mainland on the speedboat.

 

In addition to snorkel equipment, goggles, beach towels and sun cream that are also included on the day trips, on overnight stays all linen, towel, blankets, glasses and crockery are also included so you really can pack light – all you need is yourself and your toothbrush!

And of course your phone or camera to capture the amazing memories and views!

On overnight stay for two costs $499 and you can also add on an additional 90 minute sail or sharing platters if you wish!

What is the sleeping area and inside of the yacht like?

The yachts are incredibly spacious inside – I was so impressed at how much space there was! Plus you’ll find everything you need – including the kitchen sink!

Communal area

The open plan communal area encompasses the kitchen and spacious living room area. There is plenty seating plus a large fold out wooden table if you prefer to eat inside.

The nautical themed crisp and clean interiors provide a comfortable and refreshing space for you to enjoy!

The kitchen offers a gas stove for cooking dishes if you choose to make your own food, as well as a work preparation space, two sinks and plenty storage space holding kitchen equipment. 

Bathroom

The bathroom has a fully functioning toilet and sink, as well as a retractable sink tap that can be pulled out and used as a shower head.

Bedrooms

The yacht I stayed on had three double bedrooms. The master bedroom was so cute as the bed tailed off into a V shape as it was at the front of the boat – totally romantic!

There was enough height in the bedrooms to stand up comfortably and each room had mirrors inside.

 

What about food?

If you choose not to order one of the sharing platters (shame on you – you don’t know what you’re missing!) you are more than welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard.

Alternatively if you are staying on the yacht overnight and would rather someone else do the cooking, take the rowboat to shore and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Palm Beach.

The iconic and much loved Barrenjoey House restaurant is located just next to the wharf (you’ll see if from the yacht).

They offer great lunches and dinners or you can even get a takeaway fish and chips from them, row back to the yacht and enjoy it back on the deck – perfect!

The following morning you can always then head to the local cafe for breakfast and a great coffee to start your day!

What should I bring on my Taylor Made Escapes trip?

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimming costume
• thongs
• bring a warm jacket in winter just in case, especially if you will be staying overnight.
• music! (speakers are provided onboard)
• snacks/food and drinks if you don’t purchase the delicious platter (you must order it beforehand!).

What is provided onboard?

• beach towels
• SPF 50 sunscreen
• tumblers, wine glasses, champagne glasses, ice bucket and ice.
• yummy sharing platters (must request when making your booking. Additional charge).
• cheese knives and ramekins.
• Tea and coffee facilities as well as cooking oil and condiments.

How to book a Taylor Made Escapes experience:

• Contact them via their website taylormadeescapes.com.au
• Email hello@taylormadeescapes.com.au or
• Send Michael a text on 0418 424 546.

If you would like to buy a Taylor Made Experience for someone special but aren’t sure of dates or whether they would prefer a day cruise or overnight stay, you can always buy a Taylor Made Escapes gift card so your loved ones can choose to spend it how they wish. Contact Taylor Made Escapes to purchase one.

Palm Beach

And once you’ve got off the yacht and are firmly back on land make sure to enjoy some time at the beautiful suburb of Palm Beach before you make the journey back home!

Palm Beach is the filming location of the popular TV soap opera ‘Home and Away’ (or ‘Summer Bay’ as the area is known on the show).

There is plenty to do in Palm Beach such as climbing to the top of Barrenjoey Head for one of the best views in Sydney, going for a surf, relaxing on the beach, or simply enjoying one of the many great cafes and restaurants in the area.

How to get to Palm Beach

It is super easy to get to Palm Beach regardless of whether you are driving or arriving on public transport. Palm Beach is located 41 km north of Sydney CBD. Palm Beach Google maps location.

Public transport:

Take the 190 bus from Sydney CBD (Wynyard) or 199 bus from Manly Wharf. The bus goes through all the suburbs of Sydney’s Northern Beaches and ends at Palm Beach. The journey will usually take around 1.5 hours.

Especially at weekends and on sunny days there can be more traffic so please allow extra time. Get off the bus at Palm Beach Wharf (the stop before Palm Beach). You will need an Opal card to ride on the buses in Sydney.

By car:

If you are driving it should take just under an hour from Sydney CBD. Head towards Palm Beach Wharf – the car park at the wharf is very expensive during the day and doesn’t allow overnight parking.

Instead head a bit further up on on the nearby roads of Palm Beach Road and Barrenjoey Road. You’ll find free street parking up the hill on the right hand side.

Make sure to arrive at the wharf at the time agreed in your confirmation email. Michael will be waiting at Palm Beach Ferry Wharf for you. Just call him on 0418 424 546 to let him know when you arrive.

Walk down the wharf and you’ll find him in his Taylor Made Escapes powerboat on the left hand side of the wharf by the steps. I hope you have a really pleasant time onboard!

 

This post was written in exchange for an experience onboard a Taylor Made Escapes yacht. All views expressed are my own.

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