Palm Beach sits at the very tip of the Barrenjoey Peninsula, a forty-minute drive north of Sydney’s CBD. It’s a bit of a trek, but the reward is a slice of shoreline that feels a world away from the city’s rush. The vibe here is effortlessly relaxed, like a permanent long weekend.
The show has filmed here since 1988, meaning the local spots are etched into the cultural memory of millions. Fun fact: The exterior shots of the Summer Bay House are actually a private residence, so be respectful and snap your photos from the sand, not the driveway. It’s a real home, after all.
You’ll also spot the iconic surf club, the pier, and the general store that fans will instantly recognize. Don’t expect a theme park; expect a living, breathing beach town that just happens to be a TV star.
The Home and Away Tour Experience
Several local operators offer guided tours that run about three hours, and they are worth every penny for the inside scoop. Your guide—often a retired actor or a local historian—will spill tea on classic episodes and behind-the-scenes mishaps. One guide told us how a rogue seagull once stole a vital prop mid-scene.
You’ll visit the famous Summer Bay Beach (the northern end of Palm Beach), the diner location, and the school where the drama unfolds. The tour is surprisingly active, involving gentle walks and plenty of standing, so wear comfy shoes—even if you are just watching.
For the DIY traveler, grab a map from the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club. You can easily self-navigate to key spots like the lighthouse, the rock pools, and the exact patch of sand where characters have had their iconic lifeguard conversations.
