Palm Beach has sprawling golden dunes, contrasted with thick scrubland on Barrenjoey head. If you’re up for a spot of bush-bashing, a wild little trail leads through it up to Palmy’s heritage-listed landmark, the Barrenjoey Head lighthouse.

In the water, conditions are ideal for both swimming and surfing. The beach is patrolled by lifesavers year-round, who keep their eyes on the occasional rips forming at the north end.

Palm Beach’s biggest claim to fame is its status as the setting for long-running Australian soap opera, Home And Away. In a show that casts its characters on a revolving-door basis, Palm Beach has remarkably stood the test of time.