Palm Beach

Palm beach sits on a narrow spit of land at the far end of Sydney’s North Shore, roughly 40km from the city centre. The beach is overlooked by the imposing bulk of Barrenjoey Head to the north. It’s well worth a climb to check out the lighthouse and take in the fantasic views back over the sands and beyond.

“Palmy”, as the beach is known locally, is really two beaches in one. Running along one side of the peninsula is the ocean coast facing into the Pacific surf, whilst on the other the golden sands are lapped by the tranquil waters of Pittwater.

The affluent, leafy suburb that has grown up around Palm beach may be somewhat familiar to TV viewers around the world. That’s because it is actually “Summer Bay” the setting for the iconic Australian soap Home and Away. If you are a fan, or just curious, there is an official Home and Away Tour which leaves from downtown Sydney and takes in well known filming locations such as Alf’s Bait Shop on the Rock Pool cafe.

Whilst a fair few visitors to Palm Beach do end up here through soap inspired curiosity many come for the stunning scenery and to relax on the beach. As an added excursion you might want to hop onto the ferry over to Ettalong; Palm beach may be the abrupt end of the North Shore, but just a 25 minute ferry ride takes you across to the start of the Central Coast and the attractive beach town of Ettalong.