Mackerel was originally a dairy farm settled in 1823 by a John Clark who sold it on to Martin Burke who is known as "The Father of Pittwater".

However much development has occurred since and now Mackerel has a large variety of homes ranging from some of the original shacks to waterfront mansions.

Mackerel Beach is largely considered a "holiday home haven", [7][8] but it is increasingly seen as a beachside suburb, although access to central Sydney CBD requires a boat (private, ferry, water taxi) followed by a 43km road journey.

Access to Sydney is normally by a short boat (private or ferry) trip to Palm Beach, then a 43km journey by car or bus.

This was rejected by the MBA at the AGM; the residents then raised the request with Pittwater Council, which decided to run a six-month trial of a Public Dog Exercise Area (PDEA) at the north end of the beach.

The area defined by the PDEA prohibited dogs from being walked past the northernmost house, as this region constitutes part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, home to many native mammals, reptiles and bird species.

In 2008 the National Parks and Wildlife Service submitted a report to Pittwater Council that advised against a PDEA at Mackerel Beach.

In December 2009 Pittwater Council resolved to permanently allow dogs off leads at Mackerel Beach between the public wharf north to the last house/National Park boundary, at certain times and with restrictions.