Palm Beach
It may be a (relatively) remote outpost in the Sydney scheme of things, but Summer Bay’s alter ego is worth the trek north.
AS THE FINAL sandy stretch of the Northern Beaches, hugging the wisp of a peninsula that separates Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from the Pacific, Sydney’s outermost suburb is not the easiest neighbourhood to reach. And yet, while it’s well over an hour’s drive from the CBD, the time invested to reach this stunning coastal community pays dividends.
Do this
Since 1988, Palm Beach has provided the backdrop for one of Australia’s most successful television exports, and fans can make the pilgrimage to the fictional seaside town of Summer Bay on Seven’s Official Home and Away Tour (www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au. $135). True devotees should take the trip Mondays or Tuesdays for the best chance to witness filming.
It’s not just televisual drama Palm Beach has to share. Thrilling ocean swells have made this seafront one of Sydney’s go-to surfing destinations. Manly Surf School runs lessons for beginners from Palm Beach’s southern end, where the breakers are more forgiving (www.manlysurfschool.com. $70-$110). If you prefer your waters calmer still, take a dip at the Palm Beach Rockpool (1 Rock Bath Rd), a sheltered saltwater swimming spot with excellent north-facing views. In search of even more impressive panoramas? A trip to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a must. Either hike the two-kilometre looped walking trail up to West Head Lookout, or take the weekly lighthouse tour to learn more of this heritage-listed monument’s history (1199D Barrenjoey Rd. www. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do. Sun 11am. $5).
Eat this
If your dining experience doesn’t come with ocean views, are you even eating in Palm Beach? Early risers should stop by the Boathouse (Governor Phillip Park. www.theboathousepb.com.au) an easy, breezy wharfside café serving beautifully executed breakfast staples like housemade bircher muesli loaded with fresh fruit and oh-so trendy floral garnishes. For a more upmarket brunch experience, head to Dunes (1193 Barrenjoey Rd. www.dunespalmbeach.com.au). Treat yourself to lighter-than-air soufflé pancakes with mascarpone and maple syrup, or one of Dunes’ specialties, a rich, complex omelette of warrigal greens with fermented chilli and blue swimmer crab.
Book this
If you want to extend your stay in style, the easy elegance of Jonah’s beckons. This luxury retreat, perched on the higher ground south of Palm Beach, looking out over Dolphin Bay, pairs timeless chic with a beachy vibe, equipped with all the high-end trappings you’d expect from a five-star resort. Ensure your visit includes a cocktail on the private lawns and a slap-up meal at Jonah’s seafront restaurant, overlooking Whale Beach (69 Bynya Rd. www.jonahs.com.au). ■