Things to do in Palm Beach

There is no shame in admitting it – sometimes city life gets the best of us all. No matter how sunny, the need to escape the high rise buildings, public transport and “unusual” members of the population can get so much that escaping for a few days is the only option.

Fortunately for you lucky Sydney-siders, Palm Beach or the so-called “Jewel of the Northern Beaches” is just a 90 minute bus ride from the CBD. In next to no time you can be free from the shade of those buildings, the fumes from the vehicles and enjoying your own mini-break without having to board a plane or drive for days on end.
For those of you who define yourselves as aficionados of Australian soap operas, the mere mention of Palm Beach will have those ears pricking up in delight. Yes readers, Palm Beach is also known by another name – Summer Bay – the setting for ‘Neighbours’ arch nemesis of the soap opera world, ‘Home and Away’.

Set on a peninsula, Palm Beach juts out into the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean and is blessed with a unique contrast of golden sands and evergreen bush land. The relaxed suburb is home to environmentally aware, financially privileged folk and an abundance of options for ways to get active, dine in style or simply lie down and relax away those woes.

Getting there

If you are the proud owner of some wheels – the journey time for you will be around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
The best option public transport-wise is to hop on the L90 bus from Wynyard Station and you will be there in 90 minutes. If you aren’t in a rush, you can always hop off and explore some of the other charming suburbs en route – Avalon Beach and Newport are worth a wander.
If your cash is burning a hole in your pocket you can catch a sea plane from Rose Bay via Sydney Harbour. This cuts the journey time to just 15 minutes but will set you back €185 per person.

What to do?

Many visitors to Palm Beach are only there for one thing – to pretend that they are in Summer Bay. If you are a hard-core fan, I must warn you that what you might remember as a quaint seaside town linked by sandy, country lanes that all either lead to the caravan park or the Surf Shack is in actual fact little more than a beach! You will however be able to purchase some memorabilia and if you’re lucky, see some filming.

Palm Beach is known for its excellent scuba diving and there are some great dive sites for you to explore just off the coast. Whether you wish to spend the long weekend obtaining your Padi qualification or just re-familiarising yourself with the colourful delights of the underwater kingdom – pop into Atlantis Divers in Governor Phillip Park and their experienced dive masters will be more than happy to take you out. The best dive sites are Magic Point – home to – don’t freak out – a colony of grey nurse sharks, as well as some beautiful caves which house sting rays, cuttlefish and the wonderfully named weedy sea dragons! Shelly beach is another great, sheltered dive spot perfect for beginners.

If you have yet to join the barefoot, sun- bleached-blonde brigade who know how to show a wave who’s boss – now could be your time to learn. The seasoned-pros at Palm Beach Surf School will be able to guide you through the basics and have you standing on a wave by the end of the day no matter what! If you are already pretty adept at manoeuvring whatever the ocean tries to throw up, you can bring your board and explore for yourself or book on to a great value surf day which teaches you a little history, feeds you, helps you hone your technique and transports you between the northern beaches best surf beaches including Dee Why, Collaroy, Manly and Newport.

Linking the mainland to Barrenjoey Headland is Governor Phillip National Park. As well as affording you ample green space to enjoy picnics and bbq’s, there is also the opportunity for a little hiking. A favourite choice amongst keen walkers is to embark on the 20 minute, relatively steep walk out to Barrenjoey Lighthouse which marks the northernmost point of Sydney’s northern beaches. Although it might sound a lot like hard work, the 180 degree views over Palm Beach, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury will most definitely be worth it. Alternative activities offered in the park include sailing, fishing, swimming, wind-surfing, kayaking and canoeing and let’s not forget the real reason you came – relaxing on the beach.

Ku-Ring Gai Chase National Park is Australia’s second oldest national park and allows you to explore winding creeks, stretches of ocean, rainforests, mangroves, ancient Aboriginal sites as well as modern marinas and cafes to refresh in. Palm Beach may be known as the home of Alf, Angel and Pippa but in actual fact there is a wealth of things to do which make it a perfect weekend away.

Where to stay?

There aren’t an abundance of accommodation options in Palm Beach – but if you book ahead you shouldn’t find it hard to find somewhere to sleep.

If you’re the outdoorsy type – you can camp at The Basin in the Ku-Ring Gai Chase National Park or if you prefer a little more comfort without breaking the bank the Avalon Beach Hostel where dorm rooms will set you back little more than $20 per night.

If its privacy that you are after then the Palm Beach B&B offers double rooms for €200 per night and it is perfectly located close to Whale Beach and Avalon Beach and some of the rooms enjoy sea views.

If you are one of the lucky ones who decided to take the sea plane, you won’t think twice about booking a room at Jonah’s Ocean Retreat right on the beach. It will set you back €289 per person per night and if you are seriously committed to your relaxation you can pay a little more and treat yourself to an indulgence package which involves luxurious spa treatments.