[2025 Palm Beach Attraction] Travel Guide for Barrenjoey Lighthouse (Updated May)

#sydneytrip This place is amazing. I went in the morning. The view is amazing and the air is so fresh you'll feel it. Lovely place for a sort day trip.You can enjoy a guided tour up the Lighthouse for $10 per person and you get to go up the main tower.They have drinking water and also restrooms all the way up near the lighthouse. Tip: I recommend the easier way up and the steeper (shorter) way down. The easy path is an 800m, 15 minutes walk. The steep, harder path is 400m, 10 minutes of all steps.

#springitinerary Living in Sydney means incredible beaches and nature escapes are just a short trip away. Last weekend, I decided to ditch the city bustle and head out for a relaxing coastal retreat. Here’s how my dreamy weekend unfolded! 📍 Destination: Palm Beach (The Northern Beaches Gem) Distance from Sydney CBD: ~40 km (1-hour drive) 🚗 Getting There Instead of dealing with traffic, I opted for a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Palm Beach (with a quick bus transfer). The views of the Harbour and Pittwater were stunning—worth the extra travel time! 🏖️ Day 1: Beach Bliss & Lighthouse Views ☀️ Morning: Relaxing at Palm Beach • The golden sand and calm waves made it the perfect spot to unwind. • Surfing & Swimming: The northern end is calmer (great for swimming), while the southern side has gentle waves for beginners. • Coffee Fix: Grabbed a flat white from The Boathouse Palm Beach—a must-visit with dreamy water views! 🥾 Afternoon: Hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse • A short but steep 20-minute walk led to breathtaking 360° views of the ocean and Pittwater. • Pro Tip: Go late afternoon for golden-hour photos! 🍽️ Evening: Sunset Dinner at The Dunes • Enjoyed fresh seafood and cocktails while watching the sunset over Pittwater. 🌿 Day 2: Exploring Pittwater & Hidden Gems ⛵ Morning: Kayaking in Pittwater • Rented a kayak from Palm Beach Wharf and paddled around Scotland Island—so peaceful! • Spotted dolphins (lucky!) and explored secluded coves. 🍳 Brunch at The General Store • A cute, laid-back café with amazing avocado toast and smoothie bowls. 🚶♂️ Afternoon: Whale Beach & Respite • A quick 10-min drive took me to Whale Beach, a quieter alternative with soft sand and fewer crowds. • Bonus: Climbed up to Whale Beach Lookout for another epic coastal view. 🚙 Heading Back to Sydney • Took the scenic route via Avalon & Bilgola Beach—stopped for one last ocean gaze before returning to reality. 💡 Why Palm Beach Was the Perfect Escape ✅ Close enough for a weekend trip but feels worlds away from the city.
✅ Mix of adventure (hiking, kayaking) and relaxation (beach lounging, great food).
✅ Less touristy than Bondi/Manly but just as beautiful. Would I go again? Absolutely! Next time, I might even book a stay at Jonah’s Boutique Hotel for a luxury treat. 🌊 Final Thoughts Sydney’s surrounding beaches are pure magic. If you’re craving a quick escape, Palm Beach delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Have you been to Palm Beach? What’s your favorite Sydney weekend getaway spot? Let me know in the comments! 📸 P.S. Follow my Instagram for more travel snaps!

Palm Beach is located in northern Sydney, about 40 km from the city center and about a 1- to 1.5-hour drive. Drive directly to Palm Beach Public Parking, and then hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. The scenery from the top of the lighthouse is superb, and the scenery along the hiking trail is also beautiful. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, take sun protection measures, and bring your own water and food.

Palm Beach is located at the northernmost tip of the North Shore of Sydney. It is a narrow peninsula with a shape similar to a mushroom on the map. The peninsula is only about 400 meters wide, with beaches on both the east and west sides, collectively known as Palm Beach. At the top of the peninsula is a mountain range nearly 100 meters high, which is the famous Barrenjoey Headland. Here stands the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's cottage. Due to the rain, we did not climb to the top of the lighthouse and could not enjoy the panoramic view of Palm Beach. We only took a few photos on the beach, which was a bit regretful!

交通攻略：自駕or公車or火車 必去景點：North Palm Beach Parking 推薦飯店：Palm Beach Bed and Breakfast 必吃美食：Pronto Creative Foods（很好吃） 購物指南：Palm Beach Wine Co 經過海岸、沙灘跟一連串的山路，終於到達山頂，古老的燈塔很有歷史，望下去的海岸風景真的美得說不出話，還可以走到岬角尖端享受大海，一定會再來一次的地方 A must to visit in Sydney, NSW. Built in 1881, this heritage lighthouse is an iconic Sydney attraction offering stunning views of palm beach and ocean. A great option to explore nature and enjoy time with family or friends. Pay park is available (starting 8$ for 1 h and costing 1$ per each extra hour). 25 min from car park. Take smugglers track to reach to the lighthouse. Its shorter and offers amazing views to take incredible photos. Highly recommended!!! Across the mountain along the coast and the beach, finally reach the top of the mountain, the ancient lighthouse is very historical. The coastal scenery that you look down is really beautiful, you can keep though to the peek of the land to enjoy the sea. I will definitely come again. #新年好去處 #本地遊 #familytravel #親子好去處 #beaches #foodie