At the northern tip of the Barrenjoey Peninsula, Palm Beach is a strip of sand bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and Pittwater to the west. Known to Australians as the setting of the television series Home and Away, it also offers a heritage lighthouse, calm waters for kayaking and coastal walking trails with sweeping views across both waterways. It's one of the most northerly beaches of Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Quick reference guide

• Access: by car from Sydney (approximately 1 hour via Mona Vale Road) or seasonal ferry from Manly/Circular Quay to Palm Beach Wharf.
• Entry: beach and walking trails are free. Access to Barrenjoey Lighthouse is paid (guided tours on weekends).
• Recommended duration: half day to full day.
• Swimming: monitor the safety flags; the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the season.
• Parking: limited in peak season; arrive early in the morning.

What to see

The main beach stretches for approximately one kilometre facing the ocean. To the north, the Barrenjoey headland is crowned by a lighthouse built in 1881, visible from the beach. To the west, Pittwater offers calm waters ideal for kayaking and sailing. Luxury homes cling to the wooded slopes of the peninsula.

History and context

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is one of the oldest in New South Wales. Built by the colonial government, it guided ships entering Broken Bay. The site is now managed by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Palm Beach itself developed as a seaside resort from the early twentieth century, attracting wealthy Sydney families.

Highlights of a visit

Climbing to Barrenjoey Lighthouse

A marked walking trail climbs from the Barrenjoey Road car park to the lighthouse in around twenty minutes. The panorama from the summit encompasses Broken Bay, Pittwater and, on clear days, the Blue Mountains on the horizon. Guided tours of the lighthouse are organised on weekends by National Parks volunteers.

The beach and surfing

The ocean-facing beach receives a consistent swell, appreciated by intermediate surfers. The local surf club, Palm Beach SLSC, is one of the oldest in the region. Rock pools at the northern end of the beach provide sheltered swimming.

Pittwater

The western side of the peninsula overlooks Pittwater, a calm estuary bordered by national parks. Kayak and stand-up paddle board rental operators work from the wharf. Ferries service isolated communities accessible only by water.

Photography tips

Morning light is ideal for photographing the ocean-facing beach, with the lighthouse in the background from the south. In the late afternoon, Pittwater reflects the colours of the sunset. The lighthouse trail offers several intermediate viewpoints for capturing the peninsula from overhead angles.

Location and access

Palm Beach is located at the northern tip of the Northern Beaches, approximately 50 km from Sydney's CBD. By car, allow one hour from the city centre outside peak times. Sydney Buses services connect Manly and Mona Vale to Palm Beach (line L90 and connections). A seasonal ferry service from Circular Quay via Manly is available on certain weekends and public holidays — check schedules with Transport for NSW. Parking is free but fills quickly on summer weekends.

Nearby attractions

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — adjacent national park, featuring Aboriginal rock engravings and hiking trails.
• Manly Beach — another major Northern Beaches beach, accessible by ferry from Circular Quay.
• Whale Beach — quieter beach a few kilometres south, popular for its peaceful atmosphere.
• Avalon Beach — seaside village with cafés and local market, on the route back to Sydney.