Australia is home to over 10,000 beaches. In fact, the University of Sydney has tallied the number at 10,685. It wouldn’t surprise me if some beaches remain undiscovered, tucked away in places few have explored. My own trip was brief, so I managed to see only a handful. I never tire of beach visits, although I’m not there to tan I’ve been blessed with naturally dark skin. Instead, I love feeling the sun’s warmth and soaking up vitamin D. The ocean sounds help me feel in tune with nature, offering a moment of calm far from the frenzy and pollution of any city. Here, I’m focusing on a particular beach in the northern part of Sydney.
Palm Beach, Manly, Sydney
Our trip to this stunning beach took about an hour and a half. We began by taking the Manly ferry from Circular Quay, a 20-minute ride showcasing magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. After hopping off the ferry, we caught a bus to Palm Beach that took around an hour. I enjoy taking the bus since it lets me see the city from a local’s perspective.
Despite the lengthy journey, it’s well worth it once you arrive in this affluent area, where the median home price is about $2.6 million. Fun fact: the long-running Australian TV series Home and Away is filmed here.
Palm Beach sits along the Tasman Sea, part of the South Pacific. I visited on a December afternoon when the sky was a bit overcast, but still sunny enough to lounge without risking a burn. The ocean’s temperature and tide were perfect for riding the waves, and we splashed around with each one. Nearby surfers were catching bigger breaks beyond the swimmer’s boundary. A quick reminder for anyone visiting Australian beaches: always stay between the red and yellow flags, which mark the lifeguard-patrolled safe zones. Conditions can change quickly, and nature can be unpredictable.
At one end of the beach, you’ll find a public pool that wasn’t very crowded when I was there. That spot also features large rocks you can wander over, marveling at nature’s beauty.
Palm Beach is one of my favorite beaches worldwide and I have many more yet to explore! As always, I’m grateful to be able to travel.
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