Holiday rentals in Palm Beach

Dining at Palm Beach

According to most Australians, Palm Beach is the go-to destination for the best fish and chips in Sydney. While this delicious seaside treat is sold in almost every loal eatery, Palm Beach Fish and Chips has garnered a special name for itself. People have been flocking here since the 1930s to dig into those fluffy beer batter coated portions of hake served with freshly fried crunchy chips, lemon and salad greens. The Boathouse is another eatery which is known for its fish and chips. The Boathouse’s burgers and brunch are also quite popular. For seafood, Barrenjoey House is a popular choice and, as well as their steak, the chocolate pudding is one of the most recommended items on their menu.

Activities with children

Palm Beach is a great family spot with several parks, open green spaces and playgrounds. Visitors with families are often spotted enjoying flying kites, playing cricket or football. Older children also indulge in boogie boarding on a dedicated surf beach. This sheltered beach is ideal for swimming and sea bathing for kids of all ages.

West of Palm Beach and across from Pittwater, the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is worth a visit. Known for its important history and scenic beauty, the park is a popular school excursion. Bring along the kids to explore its several walking and hiking trails. One of the preferred ways of getting to the park is by ferry or boat. It is a treat to watch the wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, goannas and other wild animals in their natural habitat in this national park. History lovers especially enjoy the Aboriginal Heritage walk with enchanting rock art and engravings by the West Head Guringai tribe.

The Basin has been a popular spot for camping for over 100 years now. Complete with restrooms, picnic tables and BBQs, it is also an ideal picnic spot for families. The deep water lagoon makes the perfect swimming pool. Bobbin Head is also a popular picnic spot. Other activities to enjoy inside the park include cycling, paddle boating, canoeing, fishing and bushwalking.

Yet another noteworthy place nearby to visit with the kids is Bilarong Reserve on the shores of the Narrabeen Lake. With a dedicated enclosed playground for toddlers, sand grotto and large climbing net, it is the ultimate zone for kids’ recreation. The seated BBQs, picnic tables and open green spaces are set against a backdrop of beautiful sandstone carvings and make the perfect setting for a family day out. Visitors flock here for kayaking, windsurfing, trail-walking, sailing and fishing.

Nightlife and going out

Close to Palm Beach lies the Newport Arms Hotel famed for housing the country’s largest waterfront beer garden. People come here to enjoy live music, events and scenic views of Pittwater. Yet another place worth a visit nearby is Avalon, a charming village with a laid-back feel. Come here to shop and have a good time in one of its several nice cafes.

Excursion destinations in the area

A short walk from Palm Beach are the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse and keepers’ cottages. Dating back to 1881, the cottages and the lighthouse were made from Hawkesbury sandstone. Climb 91 metres above sea level to reach the site. While an easy one kilometre walk kicks off from the car park, adventurers can alternately hike the challenging 600m Smugglers Track. The track was built in 1850 by smugglers transporting contraband into Broken Bay. One important point on the site is the first Lighthouse keeper’s grave, located just near the top.

Scale the lighthouse for a rewarding 360-degree view of the scenic surroundings which feature the Ku-ring-gai National Park, Pittwater, Broken Bay, Hawkesbury River and the Central Coast. Come during spring to witness migrating whales. On Sundays visitors can also opt for guided tours to the lighthouse.