Palm Beach Sydney. New South Wales
The whole area from Whale Beach to Barrenjoey Headland was a grant of 400 acres to Naval Surgeon John Napper on March 16 1816
by General Macquarie. Named for the indigenous cabbage tree palms, Palm Beach boasts some of the most spectacular views
in Sydney and his home to many of the rich and famous.
The ferry wharf across from the shops, is the loading point for journeys toe The Basin in Kur-ing-gai National Park, and the western shores
of Pittwater. The calm waters on the Pittwater side of Palm beach are a popular spot for windsurfing and sailing, having easy access
and plenty of parking.
Beaches
Palm Beach stretching 2km to Barrenjoey Headland is the Peninsula's best known beach. Tall Norfolk Island Pines line the
south half of the beach complimenting the large sand-dunes at the northern end which are last which still to exist on the Northern Beaches.
The southern corner is well protected
from southerly winds and swell and is often the safest beach to swim at being named affectionately by
locals as "kiddies corner".
The rock baths in the corner command and a million dollar view over Palm Beach and the Central Coast.
The beach is only patrolled at the southern end in summer, the long stretch of beach to Barrenjoey is not patrolled and therefore usually uncrowded.
Whale Beach has a character all its own, snuggled beneath hills and headlands and lined with palms. Whale is easily
accessible with a car park virtually on the sand. A popular beach with surfers, "The Wedge" being one of the top waves spots.
The beach is patrolled during the summer months and has good wind protection.
Fishing
The Ovens, south from Whale Beach are one of the more popular fishing spots.
The very deep water off these rock shelves produce a wide variety of fish including; yellowfin, northern bluefin and mackeral
tuna, plus big kingfish and even the prized marlin. Access is by walking around the rocks from Whale Beach(2km) or climbing down
the cliffs by rope.
Little head has easy access via a short walk down the cliff or from North Whale Beach. There are many good deep water
spots which can provide a wide variety of fish including kingfish and snapper.
The excellent protection at South Palm Beach makes this a good spot during big southerly swells
Barrenjoey Headland can be fished on all sides and is best fished in calm seas.
The ledges on the eastern side offers some of the best spinning for small surface fish in Sydney.
The Pittwater side can produce snapper, bream, luderick and jewfish, while on the sea side bream, tailer,
drummer and luderick can be caught.
Palm Beach Wharf is a top spot for squid during the evening.
