Experiences

The culture at this end of the Peninsula tends to revolve around healthy living, the outdoors and wellbeing. It’s where people connect over their chai, check out the waves, silently reflect in yoga,... or get lost (in the best possible way) on walking tracks. Added to this outdoor sunshine lifestyle, this end of the beaches has also long been known for its bohemian lifestyle — a gathering place for artists, creatives and thinkers to virtually ‘drop out’ of mainstream living and thrive in an almost parallel universe, contrasted against the stress of the big smoke. This enclave is known as ‘around the bends’ (north past the winding bends of Bilgola) — and locals and holidaymakers wouldn’t have it any other way! Yogis on holiday may enjoy the opportunity to drop into a casual yoga class. Try Palm Beach Yoga which is located above The Boathouse and overlooks Pittwater. You can also try The Avalon Yoga Co-op which also welcomes casual visits and is a collaboration between a number of northern beaches yoga teachers. On the fourth Sunday of every month between 9am and 3pm, Palm Beach hosts markets at Governor Philip Park where you can shop beneath the shade of beautiful Norfolk Pines for clothing, jewellery, handcrafted items and homewares.  Try a snack or meal on offer from various food vendors. If you bring a picnic rug, take the short stroll over to either the ocean or Pittwater side where you can feast overlooking the water, or stay close by to hear the live music featured each market day. The market has been running since 2008 and is open each month of the year.  

Avalon Beach RSL Club is an RSL with a refreshing difference. The venue boasts a range of offerings and activities to members and guests of all demographics. Our restaurant, Bistro 61, is open 7 days and... offers house made fresh modern Australian cuisine with relaxed alfresco seating available. The venue also has a large playground just for the kids. There are two bars over two levels with 20 beers on tap, an extensive wine selection and creative cocktails. Weekly promotions and entertainment include live music, poker, giveaways, raffles, pool tables, meal offers, huge outdoor TV, trivia, all live sport, TAB facilities and more. If you’re after live music, Surf Lounge Sessions take place every Saturday night at Avalon Beach RSL Club, where live musicians perform. Dress regulations apply so please check the website for the dress code and also to see who is performing.

Conveniently located just a short stroll from Palm Beach Wharf, the local RSL at Palm Beach has a bistro as well as Tab and Keno. The beer garden and bird aviary is a great place in summer to kick back... with friends over a drink or two.

Running since 1955, Avalon cinemas provide a fabulously retro and old-fashioned movie experience. Red letters on a white billboard above the entrance display the day’s films, showing in either of the... two theatres. The cinema is a contrast to the mega complexes found in high-traffic urban locations. There are usually about six films showing throughout the week and they tend to be arthouse or indie genre films rather than the mainstream blockbusters.

Whale Beach is said to be named following a whale beaching here. It’s a 600m stretch of beach and tends to be a lot less busy than Palm Beach, although it can still draw a crowd in the peak of summer. Facilities: ... Disabled toilets Picnic area Playground Public toilets Rockpool Showers

Station Beach has to be one of the prettiest places on the Peninsula. It’s also known as Barrenjoey Beach, extending between the northern side of Observation Point and Barrenjoey Head. The Palm Beach... Golf Course runs alongside the beach. It runs for 1.5km and from here you can access the popular café ‘The Boathouse’, and if you walk to the northern end, you will find the track to the lighthouse. This beach is not patrolled. It has calm waters and is ideal for lazing about or playing with kids. Facilities: Barbeques Picnic area Public toilets

Seen as the jewel in the crown, this is Sydney’s northernmost beach at the end of the northern beaches Peninsula. As well as its palms, it is famous as being home to the fictional ‘Summer Bay’ –... the beach featured in the popular TV series Home and Away. Facilities: Disabled toilets Pay and display parking Picnic area Public toilets Rock pool Showers

At the east-facing northern end of Palm Beach, there’s a 600m stretch of coastland with a dramatic rock cliff as a backdrop, on which Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits. This end of the beach also features sand... dunes with natural vegetation. Facilities: Barbeques Disabled toilets Electric BBQ Picnic area Playground Public toilets Rock pool Showers Surf lifesaving club

North Avalon, also referred to as ‘Little Av or LA’ by locals, breaks along the north headland and a nearby sandbank, attracting lots of surfers. Facilities: Disabled toilets Parking Public... toilets Showers

Great Mackerel Beach is located on the western foreshore of Pittwater and is accessed by a ferry service from Palm Beach. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to another world here. As well as the calm... beach side, there’s a lagoon section where kids can wade (under supervision). There are no shops here so you need to bring all your own supplies.

This calm bay on the Pittwater side of the Peninsula is accessed off Delecta Avenue and is a popular place for families and couples – lunch picnics or to watch the sunset over the still waters of Pittwater.... Parking is limited so plan ahead. Facilities: Barbeques Disabled toilets Parking Picnic area Picnic tables Public toilets Showers Viewing platform

Tucked away in a tropical enclave, Bilgola Beach is somewhat off the beaten track, accessed by a road known as the Bilgola Serpentine. This surf beach is 500m long and faces south east. Parking is limited.... There is a café here but no other shops. Facilities: Canteen Disabled toilets Public toilets Rockpool Showers