Gold sand, rolling waves and sparkling turquoise water give Palm Beach a postcard-perfect feel. Relax on the sun-drenched beaches, stretch your legs on scenic coastal trails and dine at some of the most camera-friendly waterfront restaurants in New South Wales. It’s easy to see how this breezy town won over location scouts for long-running Australian soap, “Home and Away”.
Things to do in Palm Beach
The northern end of Palm Beach lures surfers in with its clean waves and offshore winds. Calm water and gentle swell make the southern end of Palm Beach popular with families. Swim laps in the 35-metre-long ocean pool or paddle with the kids in the shallow end. Enjoy a picnic on the grassy foreshore or head to Palm Beach Wharf for lunch at a waterfront café.
Barrenjoey Headland rises over Palm Beach and is laced with some of the most beautiful coastal walking trails in Australia. Follow the picturesque one-kilometre-long trail to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Built in 1881, the lighthouse is perched on the tip of the headland and commands spectacular views over Palm Beach.
The Beach to Bay track meanders through four nature reserves and is a great opportunity to spot native Australian flora and fauna, including rare spotted gums. There’s a chance to spot whales breaching offshore in the winter.
You may recognise parts of Palm Beach from the beloved Australian soap, “Home and Away”. Guided tours are a fun way to go behind the scenes of “Summer Bay” and visit some of the most famous filming locations.
Getting around Palm Beach
Palm Beach is located in the Northern Beaches, a one-hour drive from the Sydney CBD. The town is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Local buses depart from Circular Quay and are a fast and affordable way to travel between Sydney and Palm Beach. Ferries connect Palm Beach with Ettalong on the Central Coast. Sydney Airport is a one-hour drive away.