Palm Beach
About the Beach
Palm Beach is Sydney's northernmost ocean beach, about 41 km from the CBD. The sand runs 2.3 km between Barrenjoey Headland to the north and rocky Little Head to the south. Locals call it Palmy, and the village feel is genuinely laid-back.
The surf is a consistent beach break that works at all tides. Head to the northern end if you're an intermediate surfer; the southern corner, known as Kiddies Corner, is calmer for beginners. Rips are the main hazard here, so stick between the flags.
At the southern end you'll find a free 50-metre ocean rock pool, open around the clock. You reach it via a staircase from Ocean Road, so it's not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. There's no lifeguard at the pool itself.
The peninsula setting is what makes Palmy different. Walk a few minutes west and you're on calm Pittwater, good for paddleboarding or a relaxed swim. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk is worth the effort for the views. Parking runs $8-10/hr depending on season and cafes are pricey, so come on a weekday to avoid the squeeze.
Conditions at 10:26 am
Clean southerly winds around 6km/h with a moderate 0.8m swell from the east. A cool 19°C in the air with comfortable 21°C in the water, and a falling tide. Clear skies with a minimal UV index of 1.
Includes weather data from Google
Getting There
Palm Beach, 2108, NSW
About an hour from Sydney CBD by car, with paid parking along Ocean Road and Park Road (around $8/hr off-peak or $10/hr peak (Oct-Apr), 7am, 7pm). The Governor Phillip Park car park fills fast on weekends, so arrive early or come on a weekday. By bus, take the B-Line to Mona Vale then the 199, but budget around 90 minutes each way from the city.
Parking available nearby