Skip to main content

If you are looking for a day trip from Sydney or Manly, head north to the beautiful Northern Beaches suburb of Palm Beach.

Palm Beach is approximately 30km (18.6 miles) north of Manly and 45kms (28 miles) from Sydney’s CBD. Palm Beach is easy to reach, either by a scenic drive or bus. For the more adventurous, why not take a 20-minute spectacular flight by seaplane from Rose Bay, arriving underneath the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

Palm Beach was first made popular by starring as “Summer Bay” in the long running Australian TV series, Home and Away.  People now flock to Palm Beach to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, the beautiful scenery or in the hope of spotting a Home and Away star.  Dive into one of the many experiences Palm Beach has to offer.

Please contact the business for the most up to date information.


Things to Do

What to do in Palm Beach
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

No visit to Palm Beach is complete without walking up to the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Only a 1km (0.6 miles) walk to the top where you will enjoy panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai National Park, the Northern Beaches and the Central Coast.  On the way down, make sure you stop to photograph the magnificent views back across Palm Beach with the calm waters of Pittwater on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

Between the months of May and November, keep your eyes peeled for breaching humpback whales. The whales migrate up and down the New South Wales Coast.

Home and Away

The Australian TV show, Home and Away has been filmed in Palm Beach for over 30 years and to many fans, it has become a dream to visit the key sights of ‘Summer Bay’.  If you are hoping to watch filming of the show, the best days to see the crew in action are between Monday and Wednesday.

Take a “Home and Away Tour” to view all the filming spots in one day. You’ll visit the Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bait Shop and the iconic rock pool.  The tours depart from Sydney on a daily basis and during the summer months, you will need to book in advance to ensure you secure a seat.

Go whale watching (May to November)

Fantasea Cruising offers guests an unforgettable opportunity for a scenic, educational and up-close encounter with our favourite charismatic creatures of the sea, the ‘humpback’ whale. With whale watching cruises departing from Palm Beach most weekends of both the Northern and Southern Migrations. Now is the perfect time to book your whale watching cruise. So get on board, the whales are waiting for you.

Enjoy the local beaches

Whilst you are in Palm Beach, be sure to take a dip at one of the local beaches, either in the waves at the Surf Beach or relax in the calm waters of Pittwater. Located on the other side of the narrow peninsula.  The north end of Palm Beach is a popular surf spot, whilst the south end and the 50m rock pool is more popular with swimmers and families.

Catch a ferry

If you want to spend the day on the water, Palm Beach has a small wharf and an iconic ferry that will take you to small-secluded spots on Pittwater or various small beachside villages on the Central Coast.  If you wish to experience Australian animals in the wild, ferry across to The Basin. You can spot Tree Goannas, native birds and even wild wallabies. You can also camp here overnight.

Sailing on Pittwater

Discover the highlights of Pittwater’s scenic bays and beaches. You can escape overnight or just for a few hours on a luxury day cruise or overnight stay. Enjoy 360° waterfront views of Pittwater whilst relaxing on deck with a glass of your favourite bubbly. Michael of Taylor Made Escapes will accompany you to skipper the boat, ensuring there’s nothing for you to do except enjoy your experience.

Kayak around Pittwater

Kayaking around Pittwater is the perfect way to spend a morning out on the calm waters.  Join a tour with Pittwater Kayaking Tours to enjoy the breath taking views of Ku-Ring-gai National Park, Palm Beach and Barrenjoey. They offer either an early sunrise tour or a three-hour morning tour to enjoy the beauty of Palm Beach.  If you choose the morning adventure tour, you will also stop for a bushwalk at Resolute Beach.

Palm Beach Market

If your trip coincides with the fourth Sunday of the month you can’t miss the iconic Palm Beach Market open to tourists and locals alike who all stream to the attraction and idyllic setting of this outdoor market. The market offers customers a choice of high quality homewares, fashion and jewellery. Along with speciality food items to make your tastebuds tingle in delight. Palm Beach Markets are the perfect day out to mingle with local artisans, shop for delicious foods and even fit in a walk or swim at the beach.


Eat + Drink

 

Image courtesy of Destination NSW

With a plethora of fabulous restaurants, Palm Beach offers great eateries to enjoy before exploring its famous sites. No matter which side of Palm Beach you are on, you can find a restaurant or café to suit your needs.

The Joey is a delightful place for lunch. Sit on the deck and enjoy panoramic views across Pittwater to Ku-ring-gai National Park.

Dunes provides a beachy vibe with fresh seafood and picturesque surroundings, making it an ideal spot for lunch.

Enjoy a meal and a drink at Hole in one Café, ideally situated next to the golf course. Located across from the beach, 2108 Espresso is a sunny retreat by the sea. Enjoy acai smoothies and avocado sourdough on the veranda.

For something a little more upscale, Barrenjoey House is a historic restaurant, bar and guesthouse offering lunch or dinner. Stay for happy hour and enjoy the incredible views of the setting sun. Finally, Coast Palm Beach is a true slice of paradise. Savour their menu of local, seasonal delights and Campos coffee in a coastal setting with white and blond décor. The alfresco area, shaded by rattan umbrellas, is perfect for a sunny breakfast. Don’t miss their corn fritters with avocado, roast tomato, halloumi, tzatziki, and beetroot relish.

If you plan to stay for the whole day, head over the headland to Whale Beach for either lunch or dinner at the award-winning restaurant Jonah’s. Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine with an Italian influence while admiring stunning views over the ocean and Whale Beach.

For the ultimate coastal dining experience, a scenic road trip to idyllic Palm Beach should be on your weekend to-do list.


Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Sydney
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Looking for somewhere to stay? Palm Beach has plenty of options for you to enjoy from high-end hotels and holiday houses to relaxed bed and breakfasts.   Jonah’s has 11 luxuriously appointed ocean-retreat rooms. Another great option is Barrenjoey House which overlooks the serene Pittwater and Palm Beach wharf. There is a choice of seven beautifully designed guest rooms available. With an upstairs shared lounge, exclusive to Barrenjoey House guests.

If you want to catch a ferry and stay offshore, you can either stay in a rustic cottage at Currawong Beach Cottage or camp at the Basin Campground located in Kur-Ring-Gai National Park.


How to get there

How to get to Palm Beach
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Palm Beach is 30km (18.6 miles) from Manly and 45km (28 miles) from Sydney’s CBD.

Travelling on Public Transport?

  • Catch a 199 bus from Stand B in Manly.
  • Catch a B1 bus from Wynyard in Sydney CBD to Mona Vale. Change to the 199 bus to Palm Beach.