Things to do in Palm Beach

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 about 30km north of Manly and 45km from Sydney’s CBD. It is 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 historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

Palm Beach was made popular internationally by starring as ‘Summer Bay’ in the long-running Australian TV series, Home and Away. People now flock to this suburb to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and beautiful scenery, or in the hope of spotting a Home and Away star.

But Palm Beach also has many other experiences to offer. Read on to discover!

Things to do

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

No visit to Palm Beach is complete without walking up to iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. It’s only a 1km walk to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai Chase 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 as they migrate up and down the East Coast.

Home and Away

The popular Australian TV show Home and Away has been filmed in Palm Beach for more than 30 years, and to many fans it has become a dream to visit the key sights of ‘Summer Bay’. If you’re hoping to watch the show being filmed, 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 Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bait Shop and the iconic rock pool. The tours depart from Sydney on a daily basis. During the summer months we recommend you book in advance to ensure you get 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. Whale watching cruises depart from Palm Beach most weekends during both the northern and southern migrations.

Enjoy the local beaches

Be sure to take a dip at one of the local beaches, either in the waves at the surf beach or in the calm waters of Pittwater, located on the other side of the narrow peninsula. The northern end of Palm Beach is a popular surf spot, while the southern end and the 50m rock pool are 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, take the ferry across to The Basin, where you can spot goannas, native birds and wild wallabies. You can also camp there overnight.

Sailing on Pittwater

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

Kayak around Pittwater

Kayaking around the calm waters of Pittwater is the perfect way to spend a morning. Join a tour with Paddlecraft to enjoy the breathtaking views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Palm Beach and Barrenjoey. 

Palm Beach Markets

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

Eat + Drink

Palm Beach offers a plethora of great eateries to enjoy before exploring its famous sites.

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

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

Enjoy a meal and a drink at Hong’s Hole in One Café, ideally situated next to the golf course.

Opposite Palm Beach is 2108 Espresso, a sunny retreat by the sea where you can 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 the 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. Bet known for gourmet burgers such as stacked, slow-cooked lamb, lettuce, tomato, haloumi, fried egg, BBQ sauce, tzatziki and fries.

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 beach.

Where to Stay

Palm Beach has plenty of accommodation options, 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 Palm Beach Wharf on serene Pittwater and offers a choice of seven beautifully designed guest rooms and an upstairs shared lounge exclusive to Barrenjoey House guests.

If you’re looking for something a little more rustic, stay offshore in a rustic cottage at Currawong Beach Cottages or camp at the Basin Campground located in Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park.

How to get there

Palm Beach is 30km from Manly and 45km 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.