Palm Beach, New South Wales
Encyclopedia
Palm Beach is a northern beachside suburb
of Sydney
, in the state of New South Wales
, Australia
. Palm Beach is located 41 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district
, in the local government area of Pittwater Council
, in the Northern Beaches
region. Palm Beach sits on a peninsula
at the end of Barrenjoey Road, between Pittwater
and Broken Bay
. Palm Beach is sometimes colloquially referred to as 'Palmy'.
Palm Beach is used for exterior filming of soap opera Home and Away
, as the fictional town of Summer Bay
.
to the north, the Tasman Sea
(within the South Pacific Ocean) to the east, Whale Beach
, Avalon
and Clareville
to the south, and Pittwater
to the west. Barrenjoey Headland
, which is in the north of the suburb
, is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
. The headland at the northernmost point rises quite sharply from the beach to over 100 metres above sea level, and features an operational lighthouse. The narrow sand spit linking the south side of the headland to the rest of Palm beach had extensive fencing and shrub planting undertaken during the 1980s to combat sand erosion.
of 1832. Palm Beach was later named after the Cabbage Tree palms livistona australis. Palm Beach, Barrenjoey
and most of Whale Beach
(400 acre
s) was granted to James Napper in 1816. During the 19th century, a few Europeans and Chinese lived at Snapperman Beach catching and drying fish.
In 1900 all land, except Barrenjoey Headland, which had been purchased by the government in 1881, was divided into 18 large blocks, listed as good grazing land, and offered for sale. None sold. In 1912, the land was offered again in smaller residential blocks, offering fishing, sailing, golf and rowing. Most houses were built from local sandstone, other materials were shipped in. Some were guest houses but most were second homes for those who could afford them.
Palm Beach wharf was the terminus reached by boat from Newport
or Bayview
. Hordern and Wiltshire Parks and Mackay Reserve were donated by RJ Hordern, who lived at Kalua, opposite the beach. Since World War II
the area has become more residential but still remains a secluded peninsula at the northern point of Pittwater
.
,hairdresser,beautician,pre- school and a number of cafes,restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
operate seaplane
services from Palm Beach to Rose Bay
in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs
, Cottage Point
and Berowra Waters
. Palm Beach Water Airport
is located at the north end of Governor Phillip Drive and Golf Drive, just south of the headland.
The Palm Beach Ferry
runs a ferry
service from a wharf in the town centre to Ettalong, Great Mackerel Beach
, Currawong Beach
, Coasters Retreat
and The Basin
.
Palm Beach and Hawkesbury River Cruises runs a ferry service from Palm Beach wharf to Patonga
. Barrenjoey Road
provides access by bus or car. Bus routes servicing Palm Beach, are operated by Sydney Buses.
, and the beach which gives the area its name. Careel Bay Ovals Sporting Complex includes facilities for rugby league, soccer and tennis.
Palm Beach has a golf club, sailing club, surf school and two surf lifesaving clubs. The North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, is a set for television soap opera
Home and Away
and has 'Summer Bay Surf Club' painted on the beach side. Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1921, is patrolled by paid surf lifesavers on weekdays during summer and by volunteers from the Palm Beach SLSC on weekends. The Surf Club is one of the biggest in NSW, with members coming from all over Sydney. The beach also attracts rock climbers, due to there being two sandstone boulders with highly featured vertical and overhanging features allowing for bouldering.
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, in the state of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Palm Beach is located 41 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district
Sydney central business district
The Sydney central business district is the main commercial centre of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It extends southwards for about 3 kilometres from Sydney Cove, the point of first European settlement. Its north–south axis runs from Circular Quay in the north to Central railway station in...
, in the local government area of Pittwater Council
Pittwater Council
Pittwater Council is a Local Government Area on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The suburbs which comprise the Pittwater LGA were detached from the Warringah local government area in 1993...
, in the Northern Beaches
Northern Beaches (Sydney)
The Northern Beaches is an informal term used to describe the northern coastal suburbs of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, located near the coast of the Pacific Ocean...
region. Palm Beach sits on a peninsula
Peninsula
A peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered by water on three sides but connected to mainland. In many Germanic and Celtic languages and also in Baltic, Slavic and Hungarian, peninsulas are called "half-islands"....
at the end of Barrenjoey Road, between Pittwater
Pittwater
Pittwater is a body of water extending south from Broken Bay, New South Wales, Australia parallel to the coast.The waterway was surveyed by crew members of HMS Sirius in 1788, and named Pitt Water after British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger...
and Broken Bay
Broken Bay
Broken Bay is a large inlet of the Pacific Ocean located about 50 km north of Sydney on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, and is the first major bay north of Sydney's Port Jackson.- Geography :...
. Palm Beach is sometimes colloquially referred to as 'Palmy'.
Palm Beach is used for exterior filming of soap opera Home and Away
Home and Away
Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that has been produced in Sydney since July 1987 and is airing on the Seven Network since 17 January 1988. It is the second-longest-running drama and most popular soap opera on Australian television...
, as the fictional town of Summer Bay
Summer Bay
Summer Bay is the fictional town featured in the Australian soap opera, Home and Away. Palm Beach, north of Sydney, is used for the show's exterior scenes in order to depict the Bay. Lane Cove River Tourist Park at Macquarie Park is the current location for filming of scenes involving the Summer...
.
Geography
Palm Beach is bounded by Broken BayBroken Bay
Broken Bay is a large inlet of the Pacific Ocean located about 50 km north of Sydney on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, and is the first major bay north of Sydney's Port Jackson.- Geography :...
to the north, the Tasman Sea
Tasman Sea
The Tasman Sea is the large body of water between Australia and New Zealand, approximately across. It extends 2,800 km from north to south. It is a south-western segment of the South Pacific Ocean. The sea was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, the first recorded European...
(within the South Pacific Ocean) to the east, Whale Beach
Whale Beach, New South Wales
Whale Beach is a northern beachside suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Whale Beach is located 40 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council, in the Northern Beaches region.At the northern end just off the...
, Avalon
Avalon, New South Wales
Avalon is a northern beachside suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Avalon is located 35 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council, in the Northern Beaches region....
and Clareville
Clareville, New South Wales
Clareville is a suburb in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Clareville is located 36 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council. Clareville is part of the Northern Beaches region.Clareville is bordered...
to the south, and Pittwater
Pittwater
Pittwater is a body of water extending south from Broken Bay, New South Wales, Australia parallel to the coast.The waterway was surveyed by crew members of HMS Sirius in 1788, and named Pitt Water after British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger...
to the west. Barrenjoey Headland
Barrenjoey, New South Wales
Barrenjoey is a locality in the suburb of Palm Beach, at the farthest northern tip of Pittwater. The headland is mostly made up of Hawkesbury sandstone which overlays Narrabeen shale. Around 10,000 years ago the headland was cutoff from the mainland due to the rising sea level; subsequent buildup...
, which is in the north of the suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
, is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 25 km north of Sydney located largely within the Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Warringah and Pittwater municipal areas. Ku-ring-gai Chase is also officially classed as a suburb by the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales...
. The headland at the northernmost point rises quite sharply from the beach to over 100 metres above sea level, and features an operational lighthouse. The narrow sand spit linking the south side of the headland to the rest of Palm beach had extensive fencing and shrub planting undertaken during the 1980s to combat sand erosion.
Localities
There are 5 localities at Palm Beach:- BarrenjoeyBarrenjoey, New South WalesBarrenjoey is a locality in the suburb of Palm Beach, at the farthest northern tip of Pittwater. The headland is mostly made up of Hawkesbury sandstone which overlays Narrabeen shale. Around 10,000 years ago the headland was cutoff from the mainland due to the rising sea level; subsequent buildup...
- Sand Point
- Careel BayCareel Bay, New South WalesCareel Bay is located in Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is within the suburb of Palm Beach.It has the largest stand of mangroves, one of the last bits of saltmarsh and the largest sea grass beds in Pittwater. Careel Bay is a fish nursery and is important to Pittwater and...
- Paradise Beach
- North Avalon
Landmarks
- Barrenjoey LighthouseBarrenjoey, New South WalesBarrenjoey is a locality in the suburb of Palm Beach, at the farthest northern tip of Pittwater. The headland is mostly made up of Hawkesbury sandstone which overlays Narrabeen shale. Around 10,000 years ago the headland was cutoff from the mainland due to the rising sea level; subsequent buildup...
- Palm Beach-Boanbong Water Reservoir
- Palm Beach-McKay Water Reservoir
- Palm Beach-Squaters Lodge
Origin of the name
The southern end of the Palm Beach is marked as Cabbage Tree Boat Harbour on a map of 1832. Palm Beach was later named after the Cabbage Tree palms livistona australis that were near Cabbage Tree Boat Harbour. The plant's species name gave origin to Livistona Lane, off Palm Beach Road.European settlement
The Southern end of the ocean beach is marked as Cabbage Tree Boat Harbour on a mapMap
A map is a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes....
of 1832. Palm Beach was later named after the Cabbage Tree palms livistona australis. Palm Beach, Barrenjoey
Barrenjoey, New South Wales
Barrenjoey is a locality in the suburb of Palm Beach, at the farthest northern tip of Pittwater. The headland is mostly made up of Hawkesbury sandstone which overlays Narrabeen shale. Around 10,000 years ago the headland was cutoff from the mainland due to the rising sea level; subsequent buildup...
and most of Whale Beach
Whale Beach, New South Wales
Whale Beach is a northern beachside suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Whale Beach is located 40 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council, in the Northern Beaches region.At the northern end just off the...
(400 acre
Acre
The acre is a unit of area in a number of different systems, including the imperial and U.S. customary systems. The most commonly used acres today are the international acre and, in the United States, the survey acre. The most common use of the acre is to measure tracts of land.The acre is related...
s) was granted to James Napper in 1816. During the 19th century, a few Europeans and Chinese lived at Snapperman Beach catching and drying fish.
In 1900 all land, except Barrenjoey Headland, which had been purchased by the government in 1881, was divided into 18 large blocks, listed as good grazing land, and offered for sale. None sold. In 1912, the land was offered again in smaller residential blocks, offering fishing, sailing, golf and rowing. Most houses were built from local sandstone, other materials were shipped in. Some were guest houses but most were second homes for those who could afford them.
Palm Beach wharf was the terminus reached by boat from Newport
Newport, New South Wales
Newport is a suburb in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Newport is located 31 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council, and is part of the Northern Beaches region....
or Bayview
Bayview, New South Wales
Bayview is a suburb in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Bayview is located 31 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region....
. Hordern and Wiltshire Parks and Mackay Reserve were donated by RJ Hordern, who lived at Kalua, opposite the beach. Since World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the area has become more residential but still remains a secluded peninsula at the northern point of Pittwater
Pittwater
Pittwater is a body of water extending south from Broken Bay, New South Wales, Australia parallel to the coast.The waterway was surveyed by crew members of HMS Sirius in 1788, and named Pitt Water after British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger...
.
Timeline of history
- Aboriginal inhabitants in area- Garigal clan of Guringai speaking people. Lands extended from Broken Bay to Port Jackson and to Lane Cove.
- 1770- Captain Cook names Broken bay.
- 1788-1789- area explored by Governor Arthur PhillipArthur PhillipAdmiral Arthur Phillip RN was a British admiral and colonial administrator. Phillip was appointed Governor of New South Wales, the first European colony on the Australian continent, and was the founder of the settlement which is now the city of Sydney.-Early life and naval career:Arthur Phillip...
and Captain John Hunter - 1788- Arthur PhillipArthur PhillipAdmiral Arthur Phillip RN was a British admiral and colonial administrator. Phillip was appointed Governor of New South Wales, the first European colony on the Australian continent, and was the founder of the settlement which is now the city of Sydney.-Early life and naval career:Arthur Phillip...
(1738 - 1814) 2 March 1788, named "Barrenjuee" (Little Kangaroo or Wallaby). Barrenjoey has had at least 9 different spellings. - 1789- SmallpoxSmallpoxSmallpox was an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, which is a derivative of the Latin varius, meaning "spotted", or varus, meaning "pimple"...
epidemic killed 50%-90% of local Aboriginal population. - 1806- A sole ship wreck survivor is rescued by Aboriginals in Broken Bay.
- 1816 Land grant 400 acres (1.6 km²) to Surgeon James Napper RN by Governor Macquarie (1761 - 1824) - Headland to Whale Beach,8/- pa.
- 1804- Pat Flynn had a large garden below Observation Pt (facing Pittwater south of golf course) to supply passing ships.
- 1825- John Howard, an emancipistEmancipistAn emancipist was any of the convicts sentenced and transported under the convict system to Australia, who had been given conditional or absolute pardons...
who arrived on the first fleet in 1788 lives at Barrenjoey in a cottage with two other fishermen. - 1843- Customs Station set up under John B Howard. Near ranger's cottage. Constructed Smugglers Track. Smuggling of rum, brandy, tobacco. Today drugs & narcotics.
- 1840- Albert Black (1840-1890) becomes customs officer and adopted grandson of merchant Simeon LordSimeon LordSimeon Lord was a pioneer merchant and a magistrate in Australia. He became a prominent trader in Sydney, buying and selling ship cargoes. Despite being an emancipist Lord was made a magistrate by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, and he became a frequent guest at government house. His business...
famous in early Sydney. - 1842- Four Convicts build a Customs House at Barrenjoey and build a track to the headland.
- 1855- A navigation light is established on the headland.
- 1863- A Chinese fishing settlement is established at Snappermans Beach.
- 1881- Government repurchased headland for £1250 from the Wentworth family.
- 1881- A stone lighthouse and three cottages are built according to the designs of Colonial Architect James Barnet.
- 1893- A school is established at Palm Beach.
- 1911- Palm Beach is subdivided and an extension to customs House is built.
- 1912- Telephone is connected to Palm Beach.
- 1916-1919 The oldest bungalows were built at Palm Beach during this period.
- 1976- Customs House burnt down.
- 1978- Mel GibsonMel GibsonMel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson, AO is an American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter. Born in Peekskill, New York, Gibson moved with his parents to Sydney, Australia when he was 12 years old and later studied acting at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art.After appearing in...
stars in the movie "Tim" filmed mostly at Barrenjoey Customs House (1911) - 1988-Present Palm Beach is the location of exterior scenes for Summer Bay, the fictional coastal town featured in the long running soap opera Home and AwayHome and AwayHome and Away is an Australian soap opera that has been produced in Sydney since July 1987 and is airing on the Seven Network since 17 January 1988. It is the second-longest-running drama and most popular soap opera on Australian television...
. - 2004-2005- Construction of a Museum and a Public Toilet next to the lighthouse.
Commercial area
Facilities in Palm Beach include a milk bar, a large RSLReturned and Services League of Australia
The Returned and Services League of Australia is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force ....
,hairdresser,beautician,pre- school and a number of cafes,restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
Transport
Palm Beach SeaplanesPalm Beach Seaplanes
Palm Beach Seaplanes is a seaplane airline based in Palm Beach , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.-Destinations:* Palm Beach Rose Bay* Palm Beach Cottage Point Inn* Rose Bay Cottage Point Inn* Rose Bay Berowra Waters Inn...
operate seaplane
Seaplane
A seaplane is a fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water. Seaplanes that can also take off and land on airfields are a subclass called amphibian aircraft...
services from Palm Beach to Rose Bay
Rose Bay, New South Wales
Rose Bay is a harbourside, eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Rose Bay is located 7 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government areas of Waverley Municipal Council and Woollahra Council .Rose Bay has views of both the Sydney...
in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs
Eastern Suburbs (Sydney)
The Eastern Suburbs is a general term used to describe the metropolitan area directly to the east and south-east of the Sydney central business district in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Eastern Suburbs can refer to the suburbs within the local government areas of Woollahra, Waverley, Dover...
, Cottage Point
Cottage Point, New South Wales
Cottage Point is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Cottage Point is located 38 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Warringah Council and is part of the North Shore region.Cottage Point is located in the...
and Berowra Waters
Berowra Waters, New South Wales
Berowra Waters is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Berowra is located 40 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Hornsby Shire and is part of the North Shore region...
. Palm Beach Water Airport
Palm Beach Water Airport
Palm Beach Water Airport is a Water Aerodrome used by seaplanes. It is located in the suburb of Palm Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
is located at the north end of Governor Phillip Drive and Golf Drive, just south of the headland.
The Palm Beach Ferry
Palm Beach Ferry
Fantasea Palm Beach is a ferry boat company which is based in Palm Beach, a northern suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The company operates scheduled ferry services, whale watching cruises and charters.-Fleet:...
runs a ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
service from a wharf in the town centre to Ettalong, Great Mackerel Beach
Great Mackerel Beach, New South Wales
Great Mackerel Beach is a locality 43 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of Pittwater Council, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
, Currawong Beach
Currawong Beach, New South Wales
Currawong Beach is a locality in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Currawong Beach is located 42 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council....
, Coasters Retreat
Coasters Retreat, New South Wales
Coasters Retreat is a locality in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Coasters Retreat is located 42 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council.-Location:...
and The Basin
The Basin, New South Wales
The Basin is a locality in northern Sydney, in the Australian state of New South Wales. The Basin is located 42 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Pittwater Council....
.
Palm Beach and Hawkesbury River Cruises runs a ferry service from Palm Beach wharf to Patonga
Patonga, New South Wales
Patonga is a suburb of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, located on the north bank of the Hawkesbury River, southwest of Woy Woy. It is part of the City of Gosford local government area.-Geography:Patonga is a small riverside community...
. Barrenjoey Road
Barrenjoey Road
Barrenjoey Road is an urban Main Road within the Sydney suburbs of Mona Vale, Newport, Bilgola, Avalon and Palm Beach. There are about 1150 houses along the road....
provides access by bus or car. Bus routes servicing Palm Beach, are operated by Sydney Buses.
Population
Palm Beach features everything from cottages to grand estates, owned by some of the country's most affluent people. Many affluent and famous people can also be found holidaying at Palm Beach in summer.Sport and recreation
Palm Beach has a number of parks, beaches, and sporting areas, including part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National ParkKu-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 25 km north of Sydney located largely within the Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Warringah and Pittwater municipal areas. Ku-ring-gai Chase is also officially classed as a suburb by the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales...
, and the beach which gives the area its name. Careel Bay Ovals Sporting Complex includes facilities for rugby league, soccer and tennis.
Palm Beach has a golf club, sailing club, surf school and two surf lifesaving clubs. The North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, is a set for television soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Home and Away
Home and Away
Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that has been produced in Sydney since July 1987 and is airing on the Seven Network since 17 January 1988. It is the second-longest-running drama and most popular soap opera on Australian television...
and has 'Summer Bay Surf Club' painted on the beach side. Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1921, is patrolled by paid surf lifesavers on weekdays during summer and by volunteers from the Palm Beach SLSC on weekends. The Surf Club is one of the biggest in NSW, with members coming from all over Sydney. The beach also attracts rock climbers, due to there being two sandstone boulders with highly featured vertical and overhanging features allowing for bouldering.
Clubs
- Pittwater Tigers AFLAustralian Football LeagueThe Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
Club - Palm Beach-Avalon Soccer Club
- Careel Bay Rugby Club
- Palm Beach Tennis Club
- Palm Beach Golf Club
- Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- Palm Beach Ice Fishing Club
- North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- Palm Beach Sailing Club