Everything You Need To Know To Visit Palm Beach: Australia

Palm Beach is the northernmost suburb of Sydney (although it feels like you’re miles away from the city) and an extremely beautiful place to snap a photo, explore and admire the beautiful views.

On a sparkling Saturday in the midst on winter we decided we had waited long enough and it was time to visit Palm Beach, Australia!

Palm Beach, otherwise known as ‘Palmy’ to the locals, is a slice of paradise on Sydney’s northern beaches peninsula. On one side lies the gorgeously calm Pittwater, where the calm blue ocean meets the vibrant-green Ku-ring-gai National Park, while the east is lined by huge wild waves and surfers.

Palm Beach Aus is one hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD or around 2 hours by public transport. It’s the perfect spot to get away from the hustle of the city without having to drive too long to get there.

Palm beach has been made famous from the popular TV show Home and Away which has been filmed in Palm Beach since it started making it a popular trip for tourists!

If you’re planning some day trips from Sydney then you might also enjoying visiting Woy Woy in NSW.

Is Palm Beach a suburb of Sydney?

Palm Beach is a suburb in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Palm Beach is located 41 kilometres (25 miles) north of the Sydney central business district (CBD).

How to get to Palm Beach Aus

Sydney to Palm Beach by bus

Palm Beach may look far on the map, but it can only take 90 minutes by public transport from the city centre. Or, just 20 minutes by seaplane from Rose Bay.

To get the bus from Sydney to Palm Beach you can take the B-Line (City Wynyard to Mona Vale bus) from Wynyard Station to Warriewood (51 mins and $2.80). Then take the D200 On Demand – Northern Beaches to Palm Beach. The On Demand services needs to be booked which can be done via app, the standard fare is $3.10. For B-Line bus timetable see here.

When deciding how to get to Palm Beach Australia we opted for the budget option but didn’t realise that you could book an on demand service. Instead we headed to Sydney Central train station and hopped on the 9:05 to Wynyard then the 190X to Palm Beach. You can find the bus stop opposite the train station. The journey in total took around 2hrs30 and cost $15.50 return.

Sydney to Palm Beach by car

This quickest way to get to Palm Beach Aus is via the M1 and then onto Warringah Road onwards to Wakehurst Parkway, Pittwater Road and finally Barrenjoey Road. You could also take the A8 and follow the coast along Pittwater Road for most of the way. There isn’t much difference in the two routes so it’s purely a preference towards which route you prefer.

What to see at Palm Beach Australia

Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk

The main thing to do in Palm Beach is the Barrenjoey lighthouse walk. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk is a short bush walk that offers amazing views over North Palm beach and Station Beach. During the winter and in early spring you can also spot whales in the distance.

• Distance: 3km return (1.4 miles)
• Time: About 30 minutes up to the lighthouse. Allow same time for return.
• Track Conditions: Marked track. Some uneven natural stone steps.

There are two routes to take to the top; the more gentle Access Trail or the shorter, but steeper, Smugglers Track. To take the easier route up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse start on the western, Pittwater side of the peninsula, rather than the Palm Beach side. At the far northern end of Governor Phillip car park, is a signed walking track for the Barrenjoey lighthouse walk. The track is well-marked.

We took the steeper route. To get here head towards the lighthouse on Station beach side here there is a sign post with two options on it to take to reach the viewpoint. We opted for the path over the steps. The path was steep but short, we both have a moderate level of fitness and took lots of breaks.

Views over Palm Beach

When you picture Palm Beach you probably have one view in mind. The incredible views of Palm Beach to the left, and Broken Bay to the right, is the most photographed viewpoint of the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk. There is a rock platform just off to the side, about halfway up Smugglers Track, which is the perfect place for this view and the spot where we took the photo below.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Barrenjoey Lighthouse was built in 1881, this heritage-listed structure offers not only a fascinating glimpse into maritime history but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Built from sandstone quarried on site. There are no toilets at Barrenjoey lighthouse or a cafe. The main thing to do here is the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach Australia itself is beautiful and definitely worth saving a couple of hours to enjoy it, even in the winter! Relax and watch the surfers or grab a cup of coffee and relax whilst taking to the sounds of the ocean.

Where to stay in Palm Beach

If you don’t fancy going and coming back from Palm Beach in just one day then there are plenty of options to stay overnight.

Palm Beach NSW is the name of the peninsula as well as the name of the eastern beach where people love to surf. The other side of the isthmus is Pittwater.

If you’re looking for a budget friendly hotel then the Barrenjoey House is a great option.

The Palm Beach Bed & Breakfast is also a fabulous option in an incredible location right at the tip of Palm Beach.

Finally, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable stay then the Tree House Palm Beach is simply gorgeous. Complete with panoramic views and multiple bedrooms, you’ll be in for a treat.