Itineraries · Sydney

Bilgola, Palm Beach and Barrenjoey

Day trip · Sydney. A day by B-Line bus or car, 3 stops.

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Bilgola, Palm Beach and Barrenjoey
Duration
a day by B-Line bus or car (≈ 2 h 37 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
drive
Start
Bilgola Beach
Finish
Governor Phillip Park
Pace
moderate pace
Best time
morning, while the car park still has space
Budget per adult
paid parking at Governor Phillip Park; no national park entry fee at this spotPrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026

Getting there

The B-Line bus reaches Palm Beach. The lookout at Governor Phillip Park is easier by car, and that parking is paid.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Bilgola Beach~40 min at the stop

    The cove between Avalon and Newport, where the northern beaches swim. The lighthouse is a short coast road further on.

    Tip: Swim between the flags when a patrol is on. The B-Line bus continues to Palm Beach.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ drive · 12 min · 9 km

  2. 2. Palm Beach Wharf~20 min at the stop

    The wharf at the base of Palm Beach. A ferry crosses Pittwater from here. The lighthouse park is the last stop, on the headland.

    Tip: Lunch at Barrenjoey House, 1108 Barrenjoey Road: it takes both bookings and walk-ins, but the official website currently shows no hours, so call ahead. Then it is five more minutes by car or bus to Governor Phillip Park.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ drive · 5 min · 1.5 km

  3. 3. Governor Phillip Park~1 h 20 min at the stop

    The car park at the foot of Barrenjoey. Two tracks lead up to the 1881 lighthouse, built from sandstone quarried on the headland: the Barrenjoey track, about 1 km (roughly 30 minutes each way), and the steeper, shorter Smugglers track. Leave the car here: there is no road to the tower.

    Tip: The lighthouse interior is open only on NPWS guided tours on Sundays. Parking is paid. Skip the climb in strong wind, heavy rain or extreme heat.

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Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.