Palm Beach: Coast, Rockpool and Lighthouse

Palm Beach brings together beaches, coastal scenery and a distinctive cultural heritage. The area is surrounded by Pittwater, the Pacific Ocean and Broken Bay. When looking for a hotel in Palm Beach, the kind of days you have planned can be a deciding factor: would you like to swim, surf, explore the coastal heritage, or combine views with activities on the water? The places and differences below will help you assess which side of the destination suits your stay.

Lighthouse and protected coastline

Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach was built in 1881. Barrenjoey Lightstation and its surroundings are highly significant within a group of lighthouses: they combine the natural values of a rugged coastal landscape with the cultural value of a distinctive landmark.

Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve covers about 30 hectares, including the rocky shoreline around Barrenjoey Head. It extends from the northern end of Palm Beach around Barrenjoey Head to the northern end of Station Beach, reaching up to 100 metres offshore.

Swimming and surfing at the beach

The northern and southern ends clearly differ when it comes to a day at the beach: the south has gentler waves and a sheltered swimming area in a seawater pool; in the north, surfing conditions are excellent. Palm Beach Rockpool has changing rooms and toilets. As the availability of facilities can change, check before your visit to see whether they are open.

Views, picnics and gardens

Bible Garden is at the southern end of Palm Beach; admission is free. From there, you can look north over crescent-shaped Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Headland, Pittwater Estuary and Broken Bay. Picnic spots beneath the pines at Palm Beach offer another way to take a break outdoors.

Bible Garden can be booked for suitable small, simple weddings and similar events. A booking is required, and the event may have no more than 40 people. So if you plan to include a celebration in your trip, keep the booking requirement and limited guest numbers in mind.

Activities and cultural connections

Activities at Palm Beach include kayaking and sailing. Palm Beach also serves as the setting for Summer Bay, the fictional beach in the television series Home and Away; for fans of the series, this is an additional cultural connection to the destination.

Getting there and excursions on the water

A scenic 30-kilometre drive leads from Manly to Palm Beach; alternatively, you can take the bus. Palm Beach Public Wharf is located in Palm Beach. A regular ferry service runs to the western shores and the Central Coast. It is worth checking the timetable before travelling for specific departure times.

Currawong is close to the destination and can be reached from Palm Beach Wharf by ferry in 25 minutes; alternatively, you can book a barge or water taxi. Check the exact travel times before setting out. The seaplane flight from Rose Bay to Palm Beach takes 20 minutes. Before planning your trip, check whether this service is available on your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Lane Cove, North Ryde, Hornsby, Manly, Camperdown, Campbelltown, Bass Hill, Blacktown City

For the main travel overview: Sydney.