Suburb Profiles
Overview
@theboathousegroup INSTAGRAM PALM BEACH
Palm Beach, NSW
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Area Overview
Palm Beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Sydney, located 41 km north of the Sydney CBD in the Northern Beaches region. Made famous as the setting for the long-running TV show “Home and Away” (where it serves as the fictional town of Summer Bay), this exclusive peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides: Pittwater to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and Broken Bay to the north.
The suburb curves 2.3km from Little Head to Barrenjoey Head at Sydney’s northernmost seaside point. The iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the headland, offering spectacular views of the coastline. The narrow peninsular geography creates a unique environment where residents can enjoy both the energetic surf beaches on the eastern side and the calm, protected waters of Pittwater on the western side.
Palm Beach combines natural beauty with exclusivity, making it one of Sydney’s most prestigious addresses. The area features a mix of permanent residents and holiday homes, with property ranging from modest cottages to grand estates owned by some of Australia’s most affluent people.
According to the Australian Taxation Office statistics for 2016-2017, Palm Beach was the wealthiest suburb in Australia, with an average taxable income of $230,000. This affluence is reflected in the quality of local amenities, dining options, and the overall lifestyle the area offers.
2. Property Sales Data (January-March 2025)
Recent Sales Analysis
The following table presents properties sold in Palm Beach during the first quarter of 2025 (January to March):
| Address | Sale Date | Price | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Car Spaces | Land Size | Property Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 Norma Road | 27 Mar 2025 | $6,950,000 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 816m² | House |
| 68 Bynya Road | 18 Mar 2025 | $3,700,000 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 910m² | House |
| 6 Mitchell Road | 05 Mar 2025 | Price Withheld | 2 | 1 | – | 695m² | House |
| 812 Barrenjoey Road | 04 Mar 2025 | Price Withheld | 3 | 2 | 4 | 898m² | House |
| 826 Barrenjoey Road | 24 Feb 2025 | $2,320,000 | – | – | – | 1625m² | Vacant land |
| 145 Pacific Road | 06 Feb 2025 | Price Withheld | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1252m² | House |
| 17 Bynya Road | 03 Feb 2025 | $5,000,000 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 796m² | House |
| 1159 Barrenjoey Road | 31 Jan 2025 | Price Withheld | – | – | – | – | – |
Price Trends & Property Sales
The property market in Palm Beach during Q1 2025 showed strong performance in the premium segment. Properties with disclosed prices ranged from $2.32 million to $6.95 million, with an average sale price of approximately $4.5 million for properties with disclosed prices.
Property Type Distribution
Houses dominate the Palm Beach market, accounting for most of the sales in the first quarter of 2025. There was also interest in vacant land, indicating potential for new development in the area.
Key Observations:
- Premium properties on Norma Road and Bynya Road commanded the highest prices
- Properties with ocean or Pittwater views typically achieved premium prices
- Land size varied significantly, from 695m² to 1625m²
- The majority of sold properties featured 3-5 bedrooms
- Multiple bathrooms and car spaces are common features in Palm Beach properties
3. Demographics Analysis
Palm Beach has a distinct demographic profile that sets it apart from both state and national averages. The following analysis is based on the 2021 Australian Census data.
Occupation Distribution
The occupational profile reflects the affluent nature of the suburb, with Professionals (33.1%) and Managers (25.6%) accounting for nearly 60% of the workforce. This is significantly higher than state and national averages.
Income Comparison
Income levels in Palm Beach are substantially higher than state averages:
- Median personal weekly income: $1,295 (59% higher than NSW median)
- Median family weekly income: $3,327 (52% higher than NSW median)
- Median household weekly income: $2,807 (53% higher than NSW median)
Housing and Household Information
- Total private dwellings: 1,177
- Average household size: 2.3 people
- Median monthly mortgage repayments: $4,000
- Median weekly rent: $895
- Average motor vehicles per dwelling: 2.1
Summary
Palm Beach has a distinctly affluent, older demographic profile compared to state and national averages. The suburb has a median age 19 years above the state median, with nearly half the population aged 60 or older. Income levels are substantially higher than state and national averages, with median household income 53% higher than the NSW median. The area has a high proportion of professionals and managers, with significant employment in real estate, architectural services, and hospitality. The high percentage of people working from home (45%) indicates a flexible, likely professional workforce. Housing costs are also high, reflecting the premium coastal location and affluent resident profile.
4. Lifestyle Guide
Dining & Cafes
Palm Beach offers an excellent selection of dining options, from casual cafes to award-winning restaurants:
The Boathouse Bakery
1 Beach Road, Palm Beach NSW
Contact: +61 2 8076 7578
Open 7 days a week 7am – 1:30pm
Offers a delicious array of breakfast & lunch time treats in a picturesque beachside setting.
Barrenjoey House
1108 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach NSW
Phone: (02) 9974 4001
Heritage guest-house with dining, renovated and reopened in 2018.
Open for lunch and dinner, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated experience.
Jonah’s Resturant
69 Bynya Road, Palm Beach NSW
(02) 9974 5599
Award-winning restaurant offering excellent Contemporary Australian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Federico Tidu.
One of the most prestigious dining destinations in the Northern Beaches.
Jonah’s Resturant
69 Bynya Road, Palm Beach NSW
(02) 9974 5599
Award-winning restaurant offering excellent Contemporary Australian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Federico Tidu.
One of the most prestigious dining destinations in the Northern Beaches.
Dunes Restaurant
Address: Cavill Avenue, Palm Beach
Phone: (02) 9974 3332
Located in the heart of Palm Beach, offering a relaxed, breezy eatery with ocean views, serving Modern Australian dishes in leafy surrounds.
2108 Espresso
Address: 3/24 Ocean Rd, Palm Beach NSW
Phone: (02) 9974 5695
Fantastic cafe nearest to the Palm Beach ocean pool and Kiddies Corner.
Club Palm Beach (Palm Beach RSL)
Address: 1087 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach NSW
Phone: (02) 9974 5566
Conveniently located just a short stroll from Palm Beach Ferry Wharf.
Features bistro, outdoor garden and live music.
Recreation & Attractions
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
- Historic sandstone lighthouse with scenic walks and stunning coastal views.
- Located at Sydney’s northernmost seaside point.
- Follow the trail to heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse which boasts splendid views of the coast.
Palm Beach
- The 2.3km beach curves from Little Head to Barrenjoey Head.
- The northern end is popular with surfers, while the southern end offers a protected area for swimming in the ocean pool.
- Pretty picnic spots under the pine trees.
Ocean Pool
- Located at the southern end of Palm Beach
- Protected swimming area ideal for families and less confident swimmers.
Pittwater
- The calm waters of Pittwater on the western side of the peninsula are perfect for boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Adjacent to Palm Beach, offering bushwalking trails and natural beauty.
Transportation
Palm Beach Ferry
- Connects Palm Beach to various locations around Pittwater and the Central Coast.
- Destinations include Ettalong, Central Coast, Basin campground
Public Transport
- Bus services connect Palm Beach to Sydney CBD and other Northern Beaches suburbs
- Limited public transport options make having a car advantageous
Annual Events & Entertainment
- Palm Beach Market (monthly)
- Various sailing regattas and water sports competitions
- Summer beach events
- Club Palm Beach offers regular live music and entertainment
Film Location
Palm Beach is famous as the filming location for the long-running Australian TV soap opera “Home and Away,” where it serves as the fictional town of “Summer Bay.”
5. Market Insights and Conclusion
Current Market Trends
The Palm Beach property market continues to demonstrate resilience and strong performance in the premium segment. The first quarter of 2025 showed consistent demand for high-quality properties, particularly those with water views or unique features. The median price for houses with disclosed prices was approximately $4.5 million, reflecting the exclusive nature of this prestigious suburb.
Investment Potential
Palm Beach offers excellent long-term investment potential for the following reasons:
- Limited supply of properties due to geographic constraints
- Consistent demand from affluent buyers seeking premium lifestyle properties
- Strong rental yields, particularly during peak holiday seasons
- Ongoing infrastructure improvements in the Northern Beaches region
- The suburb’s established reputation as one of Sydney’s most prestigious addresses
Future Outlook
The outlook for Palm Beach remains positive, with several factors likely to support continued property value growth:
- Increasing work-from-home trends benefiting lifestyle locations (45% of residents already work from home)
- Continued appeal to high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive coastal properties
- Limited development potential ensuring scarcity value
- Ongoing appeal as both a permanent residence and holiday destination
Conclusion
Palm Beach represents one of Sydney’s most prestigious and desirable coastal suburbs. Its unique combination of natural beauty, exclusive amenities, and limited supply of properties continues to attract discerning buyers seeking a premium lifestyle. The demographic profile indicates an affluent, professional population with high disposable income, supporting the local economy and property values.
For potential buyers, Palm Beach offers not just a property but a lifestyle choice that combines luxury with the relaxed charm of coastal living. The suburb’s established reputation, combined with its physical beauty and range of recreational options, ensures it will remain one of Sydney’s most coveted addresses for years to come.