Sydney's imposing sandstone coastline, deeply indented bays, harbours and sun-bleached beaches need no introduction. They reach to the core of the city's spirit and its essential lifestyle.
Leave behind the postcard familiarity of Bondi or Manly and venture further up the coast to Sydney's northern beaches. Stretching from Manly to Palm
Beach, this 18-km coastline hosts booming white surf, shimmering seascapes and bucket-loads of relaxed beachside ambience.
Like a golden necklace, the North Shore will spoil you for choice. Freshwater, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Newport and Avalon are just some of the sandy nirvanas on offer. At Curl Curl - home to Sydney's favourite breakers - try your hand at surfing or simply admire the board riders from your beach towel.
Glitzy Avalon has fast emerged as a retail and hospitality hot spot for the smart set. Avalon Beach is gorgeous, and was being sized up as the new location for the Baywatch television series - until locals kicked up a fuss. Speaking of telly, many Kiwis will be acquainted with Palm Beach, the stomping ground for the Home and Away soapie. Serious fans should head up the coast to North Palm Beach to see the show's cast filming on-location. If the "Summer Bay" sign is hanging on the side of the surf club, the crew are shooting on the beach. Barrenjoey Lighthouse frequently makes an appearance on the show, and I highly recommend taking the short but steep walk from the beach up to the structure, built in 1881. There, magnificent coastal and ocean panoramas await you.
