Did you know, one
of Sydney’s most popular sights isn’t in Sydney at all? Summer Bay is only an
hour from Sydney, meaning fans of the popular television show Home and Away can
easily visit the bay on a straightforward daytrip from Sydney.
Along with
Neighbours, Home and Away is one of Australia’s most successful exports. The
program has been following the exploits of Summer Bay locals for almost 30
years, with viewers tuning in from all around the world.
Home and Away is
filmed at Palm Beach, a seaside town 45 km north of Sydney. So visitors won’t
find signs saying ‘Summer Bay’ as the town is fictional. Indoor scenes are
filmed in a studio in Sydney, but there are plenty of familiar outdoor sights
to visit.
The Beach
The main beach at
Palm Beach is a beautiful beach. It has great surf and lovely soft sand. Fans
can stroll between the Norfolk Pines that line the shore, keeping a lookout for
their favourite characters and enjoy great views across the beach from the
grassy areas.
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| Checking out the Summer Bay life saving club buggies, Palm Beach, NSW, Australia |
Summer Bay Surf
Club
Arguably one of
the busiest spots in town, Summer Bay Surf Club, stands above the beach, with
the famous beach path leading down to the sand. The colourful Bali flags that
line the beach fence, and the outdoor tables and chairs are set outside. They
make a great spot to enjoy a cool drink or an ice cream fro the surf club shop.
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| Alf's Bait Shop, Summer Bay, Palm Beach, NSW, Australia |
Alf’s Bait Shop
If you’re after
some bait, or want to hire a boat, Alf’s Bait Shop is a functioning bait shop
and offers this and more. The bait shop is at the northern end of Palm Beach,
past the golf course. Keep an eye out for the framed photo of Alf Stewart that
stands proud on the counter. They also sell a range of Summer Bay themed souvenirs.
Just to the left of the bait shop entrance is a small deck area, with a corner
table and bench that has been the scene of many an important discussion.
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| Summer Bay, Palm Beach, NSW, Australia |
Jetty
The scene of many
a heart-to-heart, Summer Bay’s characterful jetty with the string of lightbulbs
stands behind Alf’s bait shop. It extends from a restaurant, but it is not the
diner, for which scenes are filmed in a studio.
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| Summer Bay jetty, Palm Beach, NSW, Australia |
Summer Bay
Lighthouse
For spectacular
views across the bay, visitors can make the short climb up to Palm Beach
Lighthouse from the car park by the bait shop and the jetty.
Visit on weekdays
during winter if you want to see filming taking place. If you play your cards
right you might even be able to meet some of the actors once they’re finished.
