Palm Beach is a tranquil destination, perfect for those seeking a chilled getaway. It’s a peninsula split between the crashing waves from the vast ocean and the soothing waters of Pittwater, with plenty of tastes and experiences to explore.
Apart from the local celebrities and the handfuls of favourite spots to grab your morning coffee fix, Palm Beach offers so much more. Encapsulating a divine mix of ultimate luxury, cruisy coastal lifestyle and experiences like no other; if you’re seeking the outdoors whether that be in a form of a bushwalk or splashing across the water in a ferry or kayak, Palm Beach is home to plenty of things to do that are bound to keep you busy and relaxed.
How far is Palm Beach from Sydney?
Located at the northern most part of Sydney’s northern beaches, from the CBD it takes approximately just over one hour to get to Palm Beach by car. If time permits we recommend stopping through Collaroy and Mona Vale.
Where to Eat in Palm Beach, New South Wales:
The Boathouse Palm Beach
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- Jetty leading to The Boathouse Palm Beach, Sydney. Image: Destination NSW
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- The Boathouse Palm Beach. Photographed by Rebecca Magro. Image supplied via Hunter and Bligh
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- The Boathouse Palm Beach. Photographed by Rebecca Magro. Image supplied via Hunter and Bligh
The Boathouse Palm Beach is also known as Alf’s Bait Shop in the Australian-made Home and Away TV series. It’s also the one of the best places to have breakfast, brunch or lunch in Palm Beach. Think fancy yet relaxed seafood dining with a stunning view of the calm side of the peninsula and overlooking onto West Head. Specialising in hearty breakfasts and filling lunches, The Boathouse Palm Beach also serve up a nice selection of drinks to wet your lips. Whilst you’re here, be sure to to indulge in the Buttermilk Scones ($12) served with jam, cream and fresh strawberries – you won’t regret it.
The Boathouse Palm Beach – Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, NSW 2108
Dunes Palm Beach
Dunes Palm Beach is both a popular wedding venue and is a cruisy dining spot. This iconic, white-washed, open-air venue shares a stunning backdrop of Palm Beach and beyond, serving up classic cafe-style meals and drinks. Think burgers and chips matched with an iced coffee – or for a more heartier feed, keep an eye out on Dunes’ website for upcoming specials to dig into like their $30 Sunday Night Roast. It’s an Instagram-worthy destination to say the least.
Dunes Palm Beach – Governor Phillip Park, 1193 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach, NSW 2108
Bert’s Bar and Brasserie
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- Bert’s Bar and Brasserie Newport. Image supplied.
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- Bert’s Bar and Brasserie Newport. Image supplied.
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- Bert’s Bar and Brasserie Newport. Image supplied.
Under a 20-minute drive west out of Palm Beach; if you’re in search of one of the best restaurants in Sydney’s northern beaches, you cannot look past Bert’s Bar and Brasserie. Residing in Newport and operated by Sydney’s most prestigious dining group, Merivale, Bert’s has converted this venue into a masterpiece reminiscent of a grand hotel dining room from the 1930s. With seafood at the forefront of their venue and let’s not forget their in-house oyster bar, Bert’s is the ideal spot from lunch through to dinner and even a late-night fix for a tippled concoction. For your visit we’d recommend the Tagliolini egg pasta with lobster, white wine and garlic ($129) that pairs seamlessly with the freshly shaken Bee’s Knees ($20) cocktail.
Where to Drink in Palm Beach, New South Wales:
Kave Bar
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- Kave Bar Newport. Image: Supplied
When all you want is a nice drink with friends, Kave Bar is where it’s at. Tucked away in Newport, a few suburbs below Palm Beach, Kave Bar shares a decadent vibe, connecting itself within the local culture, from music to culinary tastes. The stylish interior will bring you to a lavish mood as you sip on your fancy cocktail.
Club Palm Beach
If you’re looking for the best place to grab a hearty lunch or an afternoon drink, Club Palm Beach will have all of this and more. Every weekday comes with the perfect lunch special, from Monday roast to Friday fish and chips, with all dishes easily matched with a nice brew or wine. And, if you’re looking to work off that gastronomic feed, head to the nearby Snapperman Beach Reserve for an afternoon stroll or swim.
The Newport
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- The Newport. Image supplied
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- The Newport. Image supplied.
The Newport serves up a quaint selection of food matched with a wide range of drinks. Think signature cocktails like a Pina Colada, Espresso Martini or a Negroni. Or, for a coastal concoction we’d recommend the Riot Spritz ($14.50) made with Riot Rose, blood orange and botanicals. Finish off your afternoon with a few bites from their delectable menu including Fresh Prawns ($33) by the bucket, a Spicy Chicken Roll ($19) or even a two-hander burger from The Shack.
What to Do in Palm Beach, New South Wales:
Official Home and Away Tour
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- Alf’s Bait SHop, Home and Away set. Photographed by katacarix. Image via Shutterstock
No trip to Palm Beach is complete without witnessing where it all happens for the internationally recognised Australian TV soap opera, Home and Away. A family-friendly activity with tours running Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s, guests will have the opportunity to embark on a five-hour tour of Summer Bay where you may even have the opportunity to meet and greet with an actor or even catch a glimpse of seeing filming take place.
The Best Beaches in Palm Beach
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- Stand up paddleboarder catches a morning wave at Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern suburbs. Image supplied by Destination NSW.
Of course, you cannot visit Palm Beach without exploring a beach and, thankfully, if you’re looking for the best beaches or places to swim in Palm Beach, we’ve got you covered. There’s a generous selection around the area, including the Main Beach and Barrenjoey. Across the water in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are some wonderful secluded beaches, including Resolute Beach and Pugnose Point Beach. Getting back to nature and basking in some sun has never been made easier!
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
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- Couple enjoying a scenic coastal hike on the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk in Palm Beach, Sydney. Image: Destination NSW
It’s hard to miss when you’re driving into Palm Beach. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is not just a destination, it’s a journey too. Take a stroll up from the beach along the Barrenjoey Track, witnessing the stunning scenery. When you reach Barrenjoey Lighthouse, marvel at the 19th-century sandstone landmark either outside or inside. And, for some more information on this icon in Sydney’s northern beaches, every Sunday the owners share a guided tour of the interior.
Pittwater Kayak Tours
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- Friends kayaking on Pittwater near Boathouse Restaurant and Palm Beach Lighthouse. Image: Destination NSW
What better way to enjoy the calm waters of Pittwater than kayaking over the top with a group of like-minded people. Pittwater Kayak Tours will show you the wonders of this magical part of the world by kayak, which includes a safety demonstration before you begin. And to help you finish your day in style, head on over for a drink at Club Palm Beach that’s conveniently located just a two-minute walk away.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
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- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photographed by Camila Se. Image via Shutterstock
Palm Beach is nice, but it’s nothing like Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There’s plenty of bushwalks to undertake, plenty of sights to see and beaches to visit. Catch a ferry over from Palm Beach or take the car around and drive up to West Head Lookout for a picturesque view of Palm Beach. The most popular trek is the Resolute Loop Track, taking you on a trip to the quaint beach.
Where to Stay in Palm Beach, New South Wales:
Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
When you’re seeking the ultimate in luxury, Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel has you covered. It houses 11 spacious rooms, each room featuring a beautiful view of Dolphin Bay and the South Pacific Ocean beyond. Equip with over 350 on-demand movies, WiFi, automated curtains, a minibar, a spa bath and high-pressure walk-in showers – for a taste of luxury in Palm Beach, Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel will certainly appease your taste and style.
Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel – 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach, NSW 2108
Barrenjoey House Palm Beach
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- Barrenjoey House accommodation. Image: Supplied
Barrenjoey House is a restaurant, bar and hotel all rolled into one. Their guest houses are simple and either come with a view of the ocean or of their pretty garden, all having access to the courtyard and a shared lounge area. Each room comes with its own ensuite and simplistic decor. And, better yet, if you’re looking for a place to eat in Palm Beach, finding a nearby restaurant has never been made easier.
Iluka Apartments
Iluka Apartments shares 27 bed and breakfast-style guest houses to really give you complete privacy from the tourists. These are especially perfect for families, where most rooms come with more than one bed, sometimes up to five. Each guest house comes with all the facilities you need to look after you and the family for your weekend getaway in Palm Beach.
Iluka Apartments – 39 Iluka Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108
If you’re wanting to experience more of the great outdoors on your next getaway, start by visiting Shoalhaven – a three-hour drive south of Sydney. Or for something that’s more off the grid, tiny in size but big on comfort, these six, Top Tiny Holiday Homes across Australia will be the cosiest stay you’ve ever endured.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Kuring-gai Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
From Home and Away to your newest favourite weekend coastal getaway.