It is located in the Central Coast Council local government area at the end of a peninsula extending southwards into the Hawkesbury River, that is situated 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Sydney.

[3][4] Its topography is characterised by a rocky foreshore onto the Hawkesbury River and a hilly landscape with slopes ranging from moderate to very steep.

The 1.93-hectare (4.77-acre) Deerubbun Reserve adjoining the motorway at the suburb's southwest has been developed for public access to the Hawkesbury River.

[6] Linked by a causeway, the former Peat Island hospital, to the west, is now operated by the Department of Community Services.

The 36.4-hectare (89.9-acre) |Spectacle Island, to the east, is an offshore nature reserve managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.