North Palm Beach

Welcome to North Palm Beach

Found just over an hour’s drive from the centre of Sydney, Palm Beach is home to the city’s most northerly stretch of sand, nestled on a landmark peninsula, the beach is blessed with a unique contrast of lush green bushland. Sweeping south from Barrenjoey Head, the beach’s golden sands and sparkling blue waters are ideal for relaxing, strolling, swimming, surfing and sailing. Surrounded by stunning homes on the headland at one end and Barrenjoey Lighthouse on the other. Fans of the TV show Home & Away will recognise parts of the beach as 'Summer Bay', with North Palm Beach SLSC (aka Summer Bay Surf Club) as the backdrop for a lot of the show. Visit the Boathouse Café, Alf’s Bait Shop, Palm Beach Rock Pools and you may see some filming of the show.

Palm Beach is 2.3 km long east-facing beach that curves in an arc between the prominent 100 m high, lighthouse capped, Barrenjoey Head to the sandstone rocks of Little Head in the south. North Palm Beach extends 1.4 km south from Barrenjoey. It is home to North Palm Beach SLSC (founded in 1945) (aka Summer Bay Surf Club) which is located 1 km south of the head in the center of a large beachfront park and car park, with the Palm Beach golf course behind on the western side of the peninsula. 

The north end of Palm beach is ideal for surfing with larger and better surf conditions. Whereas the middle and southern ends provide a more protected and sheltered area for those looking to swim in calmer conditions.

Facilities

The northern section of Palm Beach boasts great surfing conditions, while the southern end of the beach offers a protected environment for swimming with an added 35m ocean pool ideal for laps or paddling with children in the shallow end.. Whilst the western (bay) side has much calmer waters and a walking trail up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. In between you will find a reserve with a playground, BBQs and picnic tables. Metered parking is available car parks found by the beach and on the eastern side with unlimited parking in surrounding streets.

Visit the Summer Bay Kiosk that is part of our surf club to purchase food/drinks and Summer Bay merchandise.

List of general facilities: Golf course, barbecues, disabled toilets, electric bbq, picnic area, playground, pool, public toilets, rockpool, showers, surf lifesaving club.

Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse Walk

Follow a scenic trail to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse and keeper’s cottages to enjoy picturesque views across neighbouring suburbs and out to sea. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands tall and proud on the highest point of Barrenjoey Headland, the most northern tip of the Palm Beach Peninsula, part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The heritage listed sandstone lighthouse, at 113 metres above sea-level, was built in 1881 and has been an iconic Sydney attraction for many years.

Starting on the western shore of the peninsula it will take you roughly 30 minutes each way to walk the trail up to the lighthouse. More information can be found here.

Surf Awareness & Beach Safety

To make your next trip to the beach safer, be aware of some of the main hazards and follow these simple tips:

  • Always swim between the red and yellow flags

  • Read the safety signs

  • Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for safety advice

  • Swim with a friend

  • If you need help, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm above your head

  • Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs

  • Wear sunscreen, seek shade and stay hydrated

  • Boat skippers and rock fishers should check the local forecast, seek advice from NSW Maritime and always wear a lifejacket

  • If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police

For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the BeachSafe website or download the mobile app.

Leave only footprints

There is a saying ‘when you leave the beach the only thing you leave behind is your footprints’ More information here.

Fishing

There are extensive rock platforms around the base of Barrenjoey and Little Head, together with the persistent rip gutters along North Palm Beach. Gutters are less frequent down the beach, however the easily accessed southern rocks tend to be more protected and popular. Please ensure you wear full protective clothing including life jacket when going on these rock platforms.