There are those of us who crave the bright lights and excitement of the city and then there are those of us who crave a little solitutude. If you fall into the latter camp, this coastal shack – rustic, petite, and extremely Instagram-worthy – is for you. The Little Black Shack sits on a strip of Mackerel Beach, reached only by ferry (or boat of your own if you have one in your collection) nestled among a handful of fellow beach houses, with direct beach access. The shack itself is a rustic, hand-built sandstone hut of sorts, equipped with an open fireplace, an outdoor pizza oven, a deck, a window seat, as well as two bedrooms and a bathroom (should you want to share with friends). It is also settled on the outskirts of Ku-ring-gai National Park, meaning a hike or two is possible if you can muster the energy, though doing nothing is equally encouraged here.

While you can learn more of its story online, the shack was originally built in the 1930s as a getaway for fishermen and their families. The current structure is a culmination of a collection of buildings that grew in time to accommodate a growing brood of visitors. In 2013 the current owners found the shack for sale (20 years after first spotting it during a visit nearby) and purchased it from the granddaughter of the original owner. Fast forward 18 months of renovations (of which many materials were carried by hand to the property) the shack as we now know it was born.

In short this shack is an Insta-lovers dream. The building itself utilises its water access, with every room boasting French or barn doors to allow uninterrupted views of Mackerel Beach and (further afield) Barrenjoey Headland. A strong nautical theme is held throughout but it’s far from novelty nor overwhelming, rather a reminder of your proximity to Pittwater just outside. The house is accessorised with recycled and hand-made furniture interwoven with an eclectic mix of antiques and trinkets collected from the owners’ travels around the globe. There’s a hand-built sandstone fireplace, a floor to ceiling library from which you can choose a book and a window seat on which to read it. Importantly for foodies, the kitchen forms the heart of the home, and comes equipped with a large farmhouse sink, and (despite its rustic charms) all the modcons (Ilve gas stove and electric oven included).

Of the two bedrooms within The Little Black Shack, one sits within the main building and the other directly below, with separate access. The larger bedroom (upstairs) comes equipped with handmade king bed, topped with navy linens and a mountain of pillows, alongside windows which look straight out onto the sea. The second is reached by a petite set of sandstone steps at the front of the house. Somewhat cosier thanks to its sandstone exterior, this room is as comfortable as the first, and accompanied by queen bed and direct access to the shack’s private stone terrace overlooking the waterfront. Both rooms maintain the rustic nautical theme throughout. “When it comes to the interiors, if we couldn’t find it second hand, we made it by hand, from recycled, repurposed and found materials,” the shack explains of its decorating mantra.

Fishing gear, crab traps, snorkels, kayaks, a hammock, beach umbrellas and outdoor lounges are included in this slice of paradise; it’s designed to encourage you out of doors and providing everything you need to enjoy Mackerel Beach to its full potential. There is actually no shop (or cafe) on Mackerel Beach but who cares when you have your own herb garden and full pantry at your disposal – just be sure to prep ahead! Cooking and entertaining also seems to be at the forefront of the shack’s intentions, made possible thanks to a wood-fired oven, barbecue, fully equipped kitchen and a duo of outdoor decks on which to enjoy your feast.

To get to The Little Black Shack you need to jump aboard the ferry from Palm Beach Wharf. The (passenger-only) boat will take you past the basin to Mackerel Beach Wharf 30 minutes later, before walking two minutes to your Insty-worthy cabin down the beachfront. Your return trip to Palm Beach will take less than 10 minutes. 29 Ross Smith Parade, Great Mackerel Beach; thelittleblackshack.com.au.