Barrenjoey Lighthouse, the real-life Summer Bay, Pittwater kayaking, and one of Sydney's most stunning coastal day trips — all at the northern tip of Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Palm Beach — known to locals as "Palmy" — sits at Sydney's most northerly point, surrounded by water on three sides: the Pacific Ocean to the east, the calm estuary of Pittwater to the west, and Broken Bay to the north. Named after the cabbage tree palms (Livistona australis) that once blanketed the area, it is home to the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, the real-life filming location of Home and Away's Summer Bay, and some of Sydney's most spectacular coastal scenery. Cooee Tours offers guided day trips combining the best of this exclusive Northern Beaches destination — including our dedicated Home and Away Summer Bay Tour.
From heritage lighthouses and TV-famous beaches to hidden kayaking trails and seaplane arrivals — Palm Beach rewards in every direction.
One of Sydney's most iconic heritage landmarks, Barrenjoey Lighthouse has stood at Sydney's northernmost point since 1881, built from sandstone quarried on site and left unpainted in its original stone finish. Positioned 91m above sea level, the lighthouse rewards walkers with 360-degree panoramic views — Pacific Ocean, Broken Bay, Pittwater, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and all the way to the Central Coast. Two walking tracks lead to the summit: the Access Trail (800m, Grade 2, gradual ascent — recommended for the views) and the Smugglers Track (400m, Grade 3, steep stone steps — quicker but harder). Allow 30 minutes each way. Guided tours inside the lighthouse are held every Sunday 11am–3pm. Entry to walk is free; only the interior requires a guided tour ticket. During whale migration season (May–November), humpbacks are regularly spotted from the headland.
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Palm Beach is internationally famous as the real-life Summer Bay from Home and Away, Australia's longest-running TV drama. The outdoor filming sets remain in place permanently, so visitors can explore them any time — including the Summer Bay Surf Club exterior, Alf's Bait Shop in Governor Phillip Park, The Boathouse (used for exterior shots), and the beachfront paths and headland walkways featured throughout the series. For the full experience, join Cooee Tours' dedicated Home and Away Summer Bay Tour, which includes 3–4 hours at Palm Beach, lighthouse walk, lunch overlooking the water, and behind-the-scenes filming insights. Filming typically occurs on weekdays during production — visit mid-week for the best chance of seeing the cast and crew in action.
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The calm, sheltered waters of Pittwater on the western side of the peninsula are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and leisurely ferry cruises. Take the Palm Beach Ferry across to The Basin — one of Sydney's only ferry-access-only campgrounds, nestled within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with turquoise water and ringtail possums. The ferry also connects to the secluded Mackerel Beach, where a superb hike leads to remote Resolute Beach. From the Central Coast, a ferry from Ettalong Beach crosses Broken Bay to Palm Beach Wharf. Pittwater Kayak Tours offer guided paddling experiences through the waterways and hidden coves of Ku-ring-gai Chase.
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West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park delivers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Sydney — a sweeping panorama of Pittwater, Barrenjoey Headland, Broken Bay, and the Hawkesbury River stretching to the horizon. The area is rich with Aboriginal rock engravings from the Guringai people, who have lived on this Country for tens of thousands of years. Multiple engravings are visible along short walking tracks — look for whale, shark, and human figures carved into the sandstone. WWII heritage is also present: concrete gun emplacements from the 1940s coastal defence network remain in the national park, a fascinating reminder of wartime Sydney.
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Palm Beach's 2.3km east-facing beach curves in a gentle arc from Little Head to Barrenjoey Head, with excellent surf breaks along its length. The 50m ocean pool at the southern end is ideal for laps and has a shallow section perfect for children — enjoy views of Barrenjoey Lighthouse in the distance. Learner surfers favour the southern end for gentler waves, while the centre and northern sections suit more experienced surfers. Board hire is available at Beach Without Sand. At the southern end, Kiddies Corner is a protected inlet on the Pittwater side, beloved by families for its calm shallow water. Palm Beach is patrolled by lifeguards during peak season.
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The most spectacular way to arrive at Palm Beach — by seaplane from Rose Bay, soaring over Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Manly, and the entire Northern Beaches coastline in just 20 minutes (versus 60 minutes by car or 90 minutes by bus). Sydney Seaplanes operates regular flights, and the landing approach into Pittwater with Barrenjoey Headland ahead is genuinely unforgettable. Seaplane experiences from Palm Beach itself are also available — a romantic sunset flight over the Northern Beaches and Sydney Harbour is a bucket-list moment. Ideal for special occasions, honeymoons, or simply experiencing Sydney from the best possible angle.
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A Palm Beach institution. Legendary fish and chips and waterfront brunch from a gorgeous timber deck overlooking Pittwater. Alf's Bait Shop — a famous Home and Away filming location — is in the same Governor Phillip Park building. No booking required; just turn up. The best seat in Palm Beach.
A hidden treasure — a botanical garden created in the 1960s by Gerald Hercules Robinson in memory of his wife, containing every plant mentioned in the Bible. Peaceful, beautifully maintained, and offering panoramic views over Palm Beach. A popular spot for weddings, proposals, and quiet reflection.
A scenic 9-hole golf course with ocean views, open to visitors. Surrounded by native bush with kookaburras perching on the fairways. A relaxed, unpretentious round that perfectly matches the Palm Beach lifestyle. Club hire available.
The monthly Palm Beach Market brings artisan vendors, local produce, handmade crafts, and food stalls to the village — typically held on the last Sunday of the month at Governor Phillip Park. A relaxed, community-oriented market with spectacular surroundings.
Palm Beach is Sydney's most exclusive address, with residents and frequent visitors including Nicole Kidman, the Olsen twins, and Chris Hemsworth. Wander the village, grab a coffee on the strip, and you never know who you might spot at the table next to you.
Australia's second-oldest national park wraps around Pittwater and Broken Bay, accessible by ferry or the scenic West Head Road. More than 800 Aboriginal rock engravings, diverse bushwalking tracks, secluded beaches, and extraordinary wildlife — all within 45 minutes of Sydney CBD.
By car: Palm Beach is approximately 40km north of Sydney CBD. Follow the Pacific Highway north to Mona Vale, then Pittwater Road to Palm Beach. The drive takes about 60 minutes (traffic dependent). Paid parking at Governor Phillip Park — arrive early on summer weekends.
By bus: The 199 bus departs Wynyard (and stops along the Northern Beaches) and runs direct to Palm Beach. Journey time approximately 90 minutes. A great option — no parking worries, and the coastal scenery on the drive is half the experience.
By seaplane: The most spectacular option — Sydney Seaplanes depart from Rose Bay in approximately 20 minutes, flying over Sydney Harbour, Manly, and the entire Northern Beaches coastline. Perfect for special occasions.
By ferry from Central Coast: If arriving from the Central Coast, a ferry service from Ettalong Beach crosses Broken Bay directly to Palm Beach Wharf — a lovely scenic crossing taking about 35 minutes.
Cooee Tours guided day trips: The easiest option — we handle all transport, route planning, and logistics. Book your Palm Beach day tour with hotel pickup from Sydney.
Peak season — ideal for swimming, surfing, and Pittwater ferry cruises. The ocean pool is at its best. Arrive early as parking fills quickly. The beach at full summer glory is extraordinary. Longer daylight hours allow more activities.
Comfortable temperatures (19–25°C), fewer crowds, and excellent conditions for the lighthouse walk and West Head. Whale season begins in May — watch for humpbacks from Barrenjoey Headland as migration begins.
Clear skies and crisp air deliver spectacular lighthouse views and dramatic coastal photography. Peak whale watching season — humpbacks frequently pass close offshore. Weekdays are delightfully uncrowded. The Boathouse is cosy and warm.
Wildflowers in Ku-ring-gai Chase, warming water, and excellent kayaking on Pittwater. Home and Away filming is typically active in spring and summer. Bible Garden is stunning. A wonderful shoulder-season escape.
Dedicated Summer Bay filming tour with beach time, lighthouse walk, and lunch.
Three Sisters, Scenic World, and ancient rainforest — 90 minutes from Sydney.
Beaches, theme parks, surf, and hinterland — the classic Queensland coastal escape.
Australia's most easterly point — lighthouse, The Pass surf, and bohemian village life.
Expert local guides, comfortable transport, and the best of Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Summer Bay, Pittwater, and Sydney's Northern Beaches — all in one perfect day trip.
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