Palm Beach, NSW

Sydney's northernmost beach — golden sand peninsula between the ocean and Pittwater, famous as the Home and Away filming location.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Monday 12 October is shaping up to be a beautiful day along our stunning coastline, with clear blue skies and a gentle breeze setting the tone for a fantastic day outdoors. The golden sand peninsula, nestled between the ocean and a picturesque waterway, is looking particularly inviting, with the historic lighthouse sitting proudly on the headland above. With a temperature of 19C already, it's going to be a great day to get out and enjoy all that our coastline has to offer.



The ocean conditions are looking perfect for a range of activities, with a wave height of 0.74m making for fun longboard conditions, and the water temperature a comfortable 19.9C, suitable for a spring suit or rashie. The tide times are also worth noting, with high tide at 10:02 am and low tide at 04:26 pm, so be sure to plan your beach activities accordingly. With the wind blowing at 11 km/h from the NW, gusting up to 22 km/h, it's a great day to get out on the water.



For all you surfers, runners, cyclists, and paddleboarders out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy your favourite activity. The calm conditions make it ideal for a leisurely paddle or a fun surf session, while the gentle breeze and clear skies make for perfect running and cycling conditions. Anglers, you're also in luck, with the calm seas and gentle wind making for great fishing conditions, so be sure to grab your rod and reel and head on out. Whether you're a serious athlete or just looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone along our beautiful coastline.



As we head into the afternoon, the conditions are expected to remain pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. With a low UV index of 0.2, you don't need to worry about special protection, but still be sure to slip, slop, slap, and seek some shade if you're planning on spending the day outdoors. With the air quality at a comfortable AQI of 52, it's a great day to get out and enjoy all that our coastline has to offer, so why not grab your friends and family and head on down to the beach for a fun-filled day in the sun.

About This Coastline

Palm Beach occupies Sydney’s narrow northern peninsula, with an open Pacific surf beach on one side and the calmer waters of Pittwater on the other.

What distinguishes the location is the way its natural geography remains visible despite decades of settlement and visitor use.

The Vibe

The area feels spacious and removed from the inner city, especially outside summer weekends.

Surfing and beach walks shape the ocean side, while boating, cafés and sheltered swimming belong to the Pittwater shore. The most rewarding experience often comes from moving slowly between beach, foreshore and town rather than treating the sand as an isolated attraction.

The Local Anchor

Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands on the headland at the peninsula’s northern tip and is reached by a steep walking track.

From above, the view explains Palm Beach’s geography, with Broken Bay, Pittwater and the Pacific converging around a remarkably slender strip of land. This local reference point gives the shoreline context and helps explain why the surrounding community feels different from neighbouring destinations.

The Landscape

The ocean beach runs in a long sweep beneath dunes and headlands, with stronger surf than the protected western side.

Rock pools and sheltered corners add variety, while Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park lies across the surrounding waterways. The coast may appear straightforward from a distance, but local currents, exposure and terrain create meaningful changes over short distances.

Together, the natural setting and local landmarks create a place with a clear and recognisable sense of coast.