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Day Trips/ Hikes in NSW, Australia

Palm Beach

The perfect day trip from Sydney, approximately 1hr 15m drive from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Things to do around Palm Beach:

1. Hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse

The Lighthouse 113 metres above sea-level, the highest point of the Barrenjoey Headland.

It’s very short but steep steps / hill up depending which route you decide to take.

We always go up the steps and come down the other side in a loop. I recommend you do the loop so you can take full advantage of the different view points.

It’s not the longest, toughest hike but the beautiful panoramic costal views & the lighthouse make it a must do!

2. Take a picnic to the beach

Pack your swimmers & a sandwich. After you finish your walk around the lighthouse set up for a chill afternoon on the beach.

3. Home & Away Set

Palm Beach is famously known as Summer Bay in Australian TV Show Home & Away. The outdoor set includes the beach area, the outsides of some of the houses, the exterior of the Surf Club and Alf’s Bait Shop.

Filming takes place Mondays, Tuesdays & sometimes Wednesday’s. If you go on at the beginning of the week there’ll be a high chance of seeing the cast, production & filming.

You could also book onto a tour if you’re a super fan! The Tour departs from Sydney, the guide will share all the inside knowledge & facts about the show whilst taking the scenic route to Whale Beach, Avalon Beach and Bilgola Lookout. All while passing famous filming locations and beautiful costal views.

4. Surfs up!

Take surfing lessons at the southern end of Palm Beach. This end of the beach is sheltered, calm and provides constant gentle waves making it one of the best spots around Sydney to learn to surf.

5. Ride the ferry to Ettalong from Palm Beach Wharf

Take the ferry from Palm Beach to Ettalong, a pretty beach town. The ferry departs hourly from Palm Beach Wharf and takes 25 minutes, passing between Barrenjoey Headland and Box Head.

6. Pittwater Discovery Kayaking Tour

Just a 15 min drive from Palm Beach you can rent kayaks and go to remote beaches. You can opt for a half or full day guided tour exploring bush & beaches.

7. Newport Arms Hotel

We always stop in here for food on the way home from Palm Beach. It offers a variety of different cuisines throughout the venue, from wood fire pizzas, bar food, steakhouse, seafood.. there is plenty to choose from.

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10 Things in 10 days – Sydney

I often get asked to make up Sydney itineraries for you guys. Whilst I do try message you all back with individual suggestions based on your timeframes, I thought it best to do up a blog post of my top 10 recommendations.

Below you will find some of my favourite ‘must see & do’s’ around Sydney. Ofcourse you can tailor the itinerary to suit your needs/ budget. If you only have 10 days to see Sydney this is a good place to start!

1. Bondi to Coogee Costal Walk

This walk gives me goosebumps every time I do it! You can stop along the many beaches of the coast line for a dip in the ocean or beautiful photo opportunities. When you finish up the costal walk grab a beer or pizza in Coogee Pavilion and chill on Coogee beach.

2. Bondi Icebergs

You all know the photo of the beautiful Bondi Beach & ocean pool. That would be Bondi Icebergs. For $8 you gain admission to the ocean pool and sauna. You can do a few lengths or chill around the pool and sunbathe. When you get peckish Harry’s Bondi is a beaut brunch spot. Fancy an ice-cream, try Anita’s *drool*, or if you want to skip food and hit the fun juice have a drink in the Bucketlist.

3. Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge

THAT iconic view! Grab yourself a drink at the Opera Bar and take in your surroundings. Sit on the Opera House steps, take pictures in front of the bridge or take a walk around the near by Botanical Gardens.

4. Ferry to Manly

Taking the public ferry is an amazing/ cheap way to see Sydney’s iconic attractions without paying for a private tour. Hop on at the Circular Quay terminal, it’s just a 20 minute Fast Ferry ride (return ticket $18.90 must buy ticket at terminal as they don’t accept Opal cards). When you arrive in Manly you can paddle board, have lunch, relax on the beach or do part of the costal walk. You are free to return on which ever fast ferry you wish, try time it around sunset so you have the sunsetting over the Opera House & Bridge.

5. Blue Mountains (Day trip)

The Blue Mountains is a national park where you will be immersed in nature. Perfect for those who are adventurous or love a nature walk/hike. If you don’t have a rental car you can take the train from Central Station (1hour 50 mins) straight to Wentworth Falls. You will find the ‘Three Sisters’ at the Echo Point Lookout along with other stunning lookouts, waterfalls, and hikes to fill your day with adventure.

6. Palm Beach (Day Trip)

Palm Beach, or as Home & Away fans would know it ‘Summers Bay’, is just over an hour drive from Sydney. You can walk up the Barrenjoey Head to the Lighthouse for beautiful views over the ocean and the bay and when you finish grab some food in The Boathouse.

If you are an Avid fan of Home & Away you can do a tour checking out all the sights around Summers Bay. Or you could ride the ferry to Ettalong, which departs every hour from Palm Beach Wharf & takes 25 minutes passing between Barrenjoey Headland and Box Head.

After your day out at Palm Beach I highly recommend stopping by The Newport Arms en route home. This is one of my favourite places to have food and drinks, it really is such a cool vibe’n outdoor beer garden.

7. O BAR – 360 Bar & Dining

THE VIEWS! Get yourself up here for a cocktail and enjoy the 360 degree view of the Sydney. Go up and have a drink before a night out in the city, or have a liquid lunch towering above it all.

8. Taronga Zoo

Zoo with a View! Go to Circular Quay and hop on a 12 minute ferry to Taronga where you can see all sorts of beautiful animals including Kangaroos & Koalas!

9. Luna Park

The best way to get to Luna Park is by ferry to Milsons Point Wharf. This place is great for children & adults alike, not to mention the views of the bridge that surround it. The entrance is free and opened the whole year round. There are different passes you can purchase, always search online for the discounted ones. It’s fun to walk around and release your inner child!

10. Helicopter Ride

This is possibly my favourite activity!!! Niall and I done the Helicopter Tour back in January with Sydney HeliTours. It cost $220 per person. We saw Sydney city & the coast from the sky. Flying over Bondi was the highlight for me. Such a beautiful view from above, and a ‘pinch me’ moment that this is my second home!

Thanks for reading, let me know if you use my recommendations and as always, message if you want to know any further details.

Chat soon, Gem xx