Sydney Travel Forum

Hey locals :)

I've been to Palm Beach once a few years back. It was highly recommended.

They were refurb'ing the RSL, so there was nothing to eat/drink while at the beach, and I thought the beach was just a big, sprawling mass with not much to it after 20 minutes. I was a bit disappointed to be honest.

What am I missing? Is it that I need to do a weekend with a group of mates in a holiday house for a peaceful weekend away?

What's the appeal of Palm Beach?

I also think it's highly over-rated. It's a place to buy expensive real estate but that's about it. There are plenty of much better beaches with much better facilities and easier access.

Hiya Michael & Colin. I have a good memory of Palm Beach and that's surf. We sat and watched this fella on a surf ski that was brave enough to go out in huge waves and all the surfers and us were sitting on the beach watching. I tell you, this fella was carving up the waves like you wouldn't believe!! :o)

I agree with previous VTer, Palm Beach and its real estate is merely a status symbol for those who can afford it and good luck to them, I wish I was one of them! Sure it's a great place for a quiet weekender, but apart from that, it wouldn't be high on my list of destinations if coming from out of town, particularly given its location.
If it's a group of mates looking for a great weekend, I'd head south down to Wollongong or even further to Mollymook with both having beaches, plenty of attractions and numerous bars and nightclubs. Or even head the other side of Broken Bay from Palm Beach to the central coast and try Avoca or Umina. You'd get more bang for your buck at these places and beaches to die for.
For Beaches in Sydney, I have to admit I'm partial to Manly, Cronulla or Coogee where when you get bored with the beach, there are hundreds of other things to do and a plethora of eateries!

Yeah you're pretty much right. I guess the only real attraction is to have you photo taken in front of the Summer Bay signs if you're a Home & Away fan.

I'd rather visit Whale Beach, the next beach down, as it's a lot smaller, and prettier. They have a nice restaurant/kiosk there too.

Apart from that. It's really a place to go if you want to go to the beach.

I still like it up there.

The happening place up there is the Newport Arms Hotel, they have a great beergarden overlooking the water. Very nice.

Avoca. Now you're talking Matt :o) I used to live a Kincumber and the beaches around there are great! Avoca, Copacabana & MacMasters as welll as Kilcare & Boudi National Park. MacMasters was my favourite :o)

So you don't like my home town beach, eh Ann?

I knew it...just knew what you were going to say Colin haha....and yes Terrigal is fantastic for...food! ;o)

Actually I agree Ann :-)

The beach is as good as the others, but too crowded and I don't really like beaches in built-up areas. North Avoca is my favourite.

Haha Colin. You and I are on the same wave length ;o)

Yes, it's a beautiful location (aka my photos of Palm Beach) but not much to do really. I love driving there and relaxing, but I just love driving anywhere relaxing! :)

Some great ideas above... Central Coast or even the South Coast. I'd recommend one of those places also.

Good luck with the planning! :)