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The Basin, New South Wales facts for kids

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Wharf & beach at The Basin
The Basin, beach and wharf at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Australia

The Basin is a beautiful spot located in northern Sydney, in the Australian state of New South Wales. It's about 42 kilometres north of the main city area of Sydney. The Basin is part of the Pittwater Council local government area.

Discover The Basin

The Basin is a special place found within the amazing Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It sits right on the western side of Pittwater, which is a large body of water. You'll find it next to another lovely area called Coasters Retreat. The famous Palm Beach is also not too far away.

What Makes The Basin Special?

The Basin is known for its calm waters and natural beauty. It's a popular place for families and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. You can often see people swimming, picnicking, and camping here. Because it's inside a national park, it's a great place to experience Australian nature.

  • Camping: There's a popular campground at The Basin, perfect for a night under the stars.
  • Swimming: The calm waters of Pittwater are great for a swim, especially on a warm day.
  • Bushwalking: You can explore walking tracks that lead through the national park, offering amazing views.
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for native Australian animals like wallabies and kookaburras!

Getting to The Basin

Getting to The Basin is an adventure in itself! Since it's in a national park and on the water, you can't just drive there directly.

  • By Ferry: Many people take a ferry from Palm Beach across Pittwater. It's a fun way to arrive and see the scenery.
  • By Water Taxi: You can also catch a water taxi, which offers a quicker ride.
  • Walking: For those who love a challenge, there are walking tracks that lead to The Basin from other parts of the national park.

The Basin in Books

The Basin has even inspired stories! It's the setting for a well-known novel called The Red Shoe, written by Ursula Dubosarsky. This book won awards and was inspired by a real-life event from 1954.

A Story Inspired by History

The Red Shoe uses The Basin as its backdrop for a story that connects to a historical event. In 1954, there was a big news story in Australia involving secrets and spies. This event, known as the Petrov Affair, captured the attention of many people. Ursula Dubosarsky used this exciting time in history to create her fictional story set in this beautiful location. The book helps readers imagine what it might have been like during that interesting period.

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