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The Little Black Shack

Photo gallery for The Little Black Shack

A wooden cabin with a deck overlooking a lake, featuring a small outdoor seating area and a visible window.
A cozy seating area with a couch and pillows, large windows with a view of a body of water and hills, and a rustic wooden table.
A cozy, rustic library with wooden bookshelves, a fireplace, and nautical-themed decorations.
A rustic wooden staircase leading to a balcony with a stone wall, wooden shelves, and a view of a tropical landscape.
A kitchen with wooden shelves, a white countertop, and a window with a view of greenery.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Fireplace
  • Firepit
  • Bathtub

Explore the area

View map
Great Mackerel Beach, NSW
  • Place, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Great Mackerel Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Sunrise Reserve
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Sydney

Located on the waterfront, this cottage is in Great Mackerel Beach, a neighbourhood in Sydney. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Sunrise Reserve, while Ettalong Beach and Gosford Regional Gallery are cultural highlights. Ready for a night out? Consider Avalon Beach Bowling & Recreation Club and The Ettalong Beach Cabana. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
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Map
Great Mackerel Beach, NSW

What's nearby

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Great Mackerel Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Currawong Beach - 14 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Sunrise Reserve - 15 min drive - 2.2 km
  • McKay Reserve - 16 min drive - 2.5 km

Restaurants

  • Oceana Traders
  • 2108 Espresso
  • Alma
  • MeKong
  • Fernando’s Peruvian Rotisserie

Frequently asked questions

Is The Little Black Shack pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Little Black Shack?

As of 28 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Little Black Shack on 30 November 2026 start from NZ$3,102, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at The Little Black Shack?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Little Black Shack?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Little Black Shack located?

Located in Great Mackerel Beach, this cottage is steps away from Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Great Mackerel Beach. Currawong Beach and Palm Beach Golf Club are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Such a beautiful place, an artist’s cottage with gorgeous views of the coastline and water. Well equipped by thoughtful hosts, who have clearly invested so much time, energy and creativity into this special retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 October 2026
Thanks for staying Natalie, it was a pleasure to have you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect place to step outside of your everyday life and just stop, breathe and reset.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Unique place

This is a unique place and location. Very cosy and you will have a good relaxing time with noise only coming from the ocean waves.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 16 March 2020
Thanks so much Khanh, so glad you enjoyed your stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely amazing. Like nothing else.

We had the best time. Only wished we’d booked longer. Next time!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Holiday Home

I know Mackerel Beach quite well, and this property is a beautiful place to experience it from. If you want a secluded and homey place, this is for you. Ingrid and Jamie were very helpful and responsive, even over the holiday period. I highly recommend!
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Like nothing else!

The Little Black Shack is amazing! It's totally unique in every way. The love and attention to detail that has been poured into this property is evident everywhere. Considering for the environment, location and heritage of the shack along with its laid back luxury made it an amazing experience. We will be back and rave about this property to anyone who will listen. Thank you so much.
Response from VrboOwner on 16 March 2020
Thanks Brigitte, We are so glad you appreciate the shack as much as we do! Thanks for being such great guests and we look forward to having you stay again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another wonderful visit

This is our second visit to the Little Black Shack and once more it lived up to our highest expectations. This property is indeed paradise and an escape from the stresses of everyday life. I'd like to pay particular tribute to Ingrid and Jamie who went out of their way to make our stay happen under very difficult circumstances of flood and high tides. They went the extra mile to make sure we could get there in very challenging weather conditions and enjoy our stay to the max. Thank you once more Ingrid and Jamie.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Perfect Escape

This is the perfect place to go if you want to get away from everything. As it's surrounded by stunning beaches and lots of bush walks, we found relaxing easy. The house is beautifully cared for and there are many thoughtful extras such as a full pantry, Aesop products and a kitchen garden for fresh herbs. The house is also set up to be sustainable so you know you're not only enjoying the area but taking care of it as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bliss

Just as wonderful the second time. A place like no other,
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Finding Paradise

We stayed for a long weekend to celebrate my husbands birthday . We invited another couple to join us fir one night out of the three and it was absolutely what we had hoped and more . The cottage is divinely positioned , private and beautiful . The curation of art , books and curiosity made it the most intriguing , romantic and memorable experience . Despite torrential rain the covered outside pizza oven was fun and Ingrid provided everything we could’ve needed . Not being able to access Netflix or stream entertainment just made the weekend even more “ unplugged “ . We watched some DVDs and grabbed little walks between showers ! If a peaceful castaway experience is what you’re looking forward then LBS is totally perfect . One piece of advice , the cottage is across the beach and access is steep steps so don’t overpack !!! We ignored Ingrids advice and over packed ! Fearful of not having the right clothes or running out of clothes ! However , there’s no concierge - just a helpful wheelbarrow . One final tip , we bought the cater at home package from The Boathouse Catering pick up at Barranjoey House and for the four of us it was more than enough food and totally delicious ! Perfect for a celebratory dinner .
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic get away

Beautifully curated property - with incredible views. The hosts have thought of everything you need to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. I even managed to spot some dolphins and wallabies!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sublime

A grounding place that’s good for the soul and where memories are created. Didn’t want to leave.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A taste of something special

An escape from reality to a slower pace ...surrounded by beauty & basking in nature’s glory ...in a charming cosy fisherman’s cottage Just Superb
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Style and quiet

The property is situated on a mackerel beach with amazing views from every part of the house and decks. The style is perfect for the location and I honestly don’t want to stay anywhere else in Australia again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short break

A great space for a total escape
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Calm

If you are looking to slow down and find peace, you will find it at the little black shack 🌿
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect getaway

The property was absolute perfection, from the location to every well curated piece in the property. Every aspect of a retreat was thought of and catered for, from kitchen supplies, to activities to enhance the trip. Staying at the little black shack, was a complete experience, you don’t need to leave and not do you want to. The only thing that was a challenge was the walk to the place if you’re a little bit of an overpacker! Everything was incredible and it was the most relaxing experience and I can’t wait to go back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love Shack

This is the cosy seaside bolthole of your dreams, breathtakingly positioned right on the water of Pittwater Bay, with views out to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and beyond. I defy anyone not to feel immediately enchanted when stepping foot inside this impeccably restored shack. We're already scanning out diaries for a window when we can return next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the little Black Shack

We feel In Iomega with this property from the moment we arrived. I must see /do property. We will certainly be back 🖤
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A magic escape

We stayed at the Little Black Shack for a Friday and Saturday with our two young kids (3 and 5). Our stay was magical from the time we arrived at the shack and saw the care taken in the house with amazing design details plus the incredible ocean views. Everything was as described. Highlights were making pizza dough and using the order pizza oven, swimming and fishing at the private beach and reading in the window seat looking to the Pittwater. The only tricky part is the track to the shack from the beach with luggage which we were warned about on booking - pack light if you can! A really lovely stay. We’ll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beyond Magical

Words can not express how magic The Little Black Shack truly is! From the moment we arrived we were absolutely blown away. The location is otherworldly - right on the bay of the national park, serene and so peaceful - its hard to believe you are still in Sydney! The view is unlike any other place. Beyond words! Every little touch and detail in the shack makes it even more special. It has the most incredibly homely and comforting energy. There are so many places to sit and just be around the shack and the outside area, just asking for your quiet curiosity. We were so sad to leave but are already looking to book again very soon! Ingrid and Jamie have created such an incredible experience at the shack, the best we have ever stayed in in the world!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family getaway

The property is just as described and we had such a lovely weekend spending time together and relaxing. The path to the shack is a little tough in the dark, so advise arriving during the day. We will be back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 16 March 2020
Thanks Laura, was a pleasure to have you stay and we look forward to having you stay again one day soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on Mackerel

The property ticks every single box. It’s tricky to get to, but soooooo worth it. Great bed and linen. Fantastic kitchen and cookware. Comfort on every level. The owners have thought of every detail and made it amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A magical break in a gorgeous place

Ingrid was amazing in her communications prior to arriving, my husband and I were in need of a break from the daily grind, we were overwhelmed with excitement as we opened the doors to this unique and special Little Black Shack, we felt relaxed the moment we arrived. Everything was accounted for & considered to make our stay beyond pleasant, it is the most gorgeous destination and amazing place to unwind and relax for a few days. Thank you for sharing your Georgie’s place with us! Katie & Matt O’Brien
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 16 March 2020
Was a pleasure to have you Katie and Matt, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay. We love sharing the shack with guests who appreciate it as much as we do!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paradise found....

We feel very thankful to the owners for sharing their slice of paradise and very privileged to have enjoyed it over a sunny Easter. The cottage itself is spotlessly clean and has all the amenities you could ask for including pantry staples, wonderful books, beautiful art work, gorgeous linen sheets, fishing rods, kayaks, just everything you will need. Bring in your own food and wine as you won’t want to leave. We brought in so much stuff, we didn’t need half of it. But we spent so much time gazing at the view that we didn’t even fish or kyak which I regret but a second visit will surely fix 😀 I hope that everyone lucky enough to stay will respect the water usage and take great care of the obviously much loved treasures that adorn this beautiful home. This is a very very special property and you will come home with a renewed sense of joy at how beautiful life can be. Thank you so much to the owners. Melissa
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
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