The Perfect Day Trip North of Sydney

Palm Beach is less than hour's drive north from Sydney yet feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city; it really is the perfect day trip.

Plus, driving up along the coast, towards Palm Beach you'll pass through countless other beaches that reside in the beautiful Northern Beaches region - Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach, Mona Vale Beach - to name but a few.     

Arriving in Palm Beach you'll soon see why so many uber-wealthy Sydney-siders decide to invest their fortunes into real estate up here. There are so many houses, that one can only dream of one day owning, hanging precariously on the cliffs overlooking the water.   

Depending on when you arrive, before or after lunch you must make the effort to walk up to Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse, which offers stunning ocean views. After following the beach up to the bottom of the hill you'll be greeted by a sign which provides you with two options for making it up to the lighthouse. Smuggler's Track (400m, Grade 3, 10mins) or alternatively Access Trail (800m, Grade 2, 15mins). Although longer, I would definitely advise taking the Access Trail, at least upwards, as the other track is simply too steep for most.

There is only really one place to eat at Palm Beach and that's The Boathouse, owned and operated by the renowned Boathouse Group, who also has establishments in Manly and Balmoral in Sydney (also must visits). Although a wait, especially on the weekends is inevitable - and you are unable to make reservations - the food and outlook are well worth patiently waiting for. There is nothing better than on a sunny, cloudless winter's day sitting on the verandah, built over the water and basking in the glorious sun; with a chilled beer in hand, of course.

Before embarking on the trip back to Sydney, make sure you pay a visit to the uber-luxe and highly exclusive Jonah's Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, located atop the cliffs of the area known as Whale Beach. Treat yourself to a cocktail or glass of bubbly (only one - remember you have to drive back) as you watch the sunset on a perfect day.

 

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Visit, New South Wales / AUS, AustraliaJarred ReinkePalm Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia