New South Wales
Palm Beach & Central Coast
3 Days
Found on the most northerly point of Sydney’s Northern Beaches region, Palm Beach has a lot to offer whether for a day trip or a weekend away. Best known as the set for the Home and Away TV show, it boasts an impressive coastline as well as several national parks that take you to New South Wales's Central Coast.
Overview
01
Palm Beach & Barrenjoey
02
Bouddi National Park
03
Ku-ring-gai Chase
National Park
Travel Route
01
Palm Beach & Barrenjoey
Morning
Only an hour's drive from Sydney, we arrived at our accommodation which was towards the top end of Barrenjoey Road. With limited options available it’s best to book early.
We headed for breakfast at Coast Café Palm Beach before parking at the Palm Beach Ferries car park. From here we set off for the famous Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, the northernmost part of Palm Beach. Although you can drive close to, and start from, the base of the summit (approx. 3km return), we decided to make it slightly longer, walking the length of Barrenjoey and Station beaches (approx. 2.5km), before ascending to the summit of the lighthouse for views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (west), Broken Bay (north) and the coastline north of Sydney (east).
North Palm Beach
Afternoon
We made the most of the great weather by opting for a relaxing afternoon on North Palm Beach watching the surfers. Although we didn’t drop in this time, Dunes Palm Beach, looked like a great lunch spot. On the way back, we followed the coastline down steep narrow tracks and popped into Whale Beach and Avalon Beach.
Evening
Evening drinks and dinner were at Bar Alma in nearby Avalon. The town had a bit of a buzz about it and there were quite a few bars for those wanting to extend their night out.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Accommodation: Air BnB Palm Beach.
02
Bouddi National Park
Morning
Next morning we headed to the Central Coast. Easy to reach from Palm Beach; just grab the Ettalong ferry (approx. 30 mins). In Ettalong we grabbed a local taxi and made our way to Putty Beach, our starting point for the Bouddi Coastal Walk (approx. 8km, 4hrs one way). One of the most impressive coastal walks we’ve done in Australia, the track weaves across beaches, bush, and gravel tracks as you make your way towards McMasters Beach, passing Gerrin Point Lookout, Maitland Bay and Bullimah Beach.
Afternoon
It is possible to keep walking to Box Head and the Bouddi lookout, but we instead caught an earlier ferry back from Wagstaffe in time for a late lunch at Barrenjoey House (just opposite the ferry stop).
Although not part of our trip, for those wanting to explore more of the Central Coast I’d recommend stopping at Terrigal. Whether you opt for a few drinks at the Beach House or simply wander along the boardwalks to the Skillion (approx. 3.5km) it’s a seaside town worth a visit.
Accommodation: Air BnB Palm Beach.
Avalon Beach
Bouddi Coastal Walk
03
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Morning
After two days of taking in the views of Ku-ring-gai from across the water, it was time to head over to the National Park. The ferry crosses from Palm Beach to Great Mackerel Beach, but we decided to drive to the West Head lookout for a bit more flexibility.
We followed the Resolute Track to West Head Beach and Resolute Beach. Both were deserted, so we decided to spend a few hours here. If you fancy going further, you can pick up the Mackerel Track to Great Mackerel Beach; a one-way track that with no stops will take you approx. 2.5 hours, 6.5km.
West Head Lookout
Afternoon
On your way back through the national park, there are some great swim spots; Lovetts Pools, Elvina Falls and Upper Gledhill Falls. All have short access walking tracks. A short drive away at Akuna Bay, The Shed Restaurant is a great pit stop and they even do a Sunday roast!
Evening
If the sun is out, an early dinner and drinks at The Newport overlooking Pittwater goes down a treat.
Accommodation: Air BnB Palm Beach.
