Most people get around the island on foot. Aside from the obvious benefits this has for health and fitness, walking affords residents the chance to catch up with each other and to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The island is part of the Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest and these beautiful trees are easily identified by their straight grey-and-cream spotted trunks. They generally grow to more than 20 metres.
All native trees, shrubs, ferns, groundcovers, grasses and vines are protected.
Both the gazetted roads and the various walking trails on the island can be rough, so it is wise to wear sensible shoes. At night, take a torch as there are no street lights.
Walking clear around the island takes around half an hour, but it depends how many people you meet on the way!
In regards to walking around the island on the foreshores, there are regulations that property owners and walkers should be aware of. Boundary fences are prohibited on the island within 1.5m of the Mean High Water Mark boundary – see Pittwater DCP 8.10; for blocks with waterfrontage front fences and side fences shall be a maximum of 1m above existing ground level and shall be set back 1.5m from the property boundary.
Because no fences are permitted within 1.5m of Mean High Water Mark, it may be assumed the intention is to provide safe public access along the waterfront and seawall. It may also be assumed that obstacles such as large pots strategically placed to form de facto fencing within 1.5m of the Mean High Water boundary should be removed and waterfront owners are encouraged to do this in the interest of public safety and community friendliness.
Please take note, there are no public toilets on the island, but rubbish skips are available on wharves.