Cowan Creek was a favorite route for smugglers

Governor Phillip made the first European exploration on March 5, 1788, noting “several coves and good depth of water all the way up.” In the early days, Cowan Creek was a favorite route for smugglers. In 1842, a timber-getter stumbled upon 200 casks of rum that had been secretly unloaded from the Fair Barbadian.

However, the area hasn’t always been known as Cottage Point. Around 1880, it was referred to as Terry’s Point, named after James Terry, who built a holiday cottage there. By 1884, it was known as Gerrard Point.

One of the earliest residents along Cowan Creek was Edward Windybank in 1890. He built his home in Waratah Bay, a few bays away from Cottage Point, where he lived with his family. Despite the isolation, the enterprising Windybank saw opportunities for holidaymakers. He built a fleet of 60 rowboats for hire and is believed to have been the first to rent out moored houseboats. He purchased old steamers, cut them in half, and converted them into accommodations for vacationers, renting them out for three pounds (approximately six dollars) per week.

In 1934, a bridle track from Akuna Bay provided holiday enthusiasts with access to Cottage Point. However, it wasn’t until 1968 that the first sealed road replaced the rough, unsealed road. Interestingly, most people continued to visit Cottage Point by boat.

In 1974, residents could finally retire their generators when electricity became available to the cottages and houses.

Today, there are about 50 properties in this small community. Most are used as weekend getaways or holiday homes, with an increasing number of people choosing to live there permanently. There are several historically significant sandstone and timber cottages along Cottage Point’s foreshore, contrasting sharply with their large, modern neighbors.

Looking Glass Bay

Across from Cowan Waters, you will see Looking Glass Bay, and to the right is Looking Glass Rock, which glows brightly with the dawn sun in summer. Local Aborigines once believed that if the rock ever became submerged, it would signal the departure of Europeans!

Looking Glass Bay is a picturesque and serene bay located within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, one of Australia’s oldest and most beautiful national parks. Situated opposite Cowan Waters, the bay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with lush bushland and rocky outcrops providing a scenic backdrop.