Why not make a weekend out of it? Treat yourself to a night or two at Jonah’s if you’re feeling fancy, less than 10 minutes drive from Avalon and overlooking the breathtaking Whale Beach.

Barrenjoey House has some great accommodation options too, as well as a waterfront location and bustling eatery. For a different experience, check out Lily Pad Palm Beach for the ultimate secluded getaway, or potential perfect proposal location! 

Live like a local, there are plenty of Airbnbs in and around Avalon which is a really great option to not only be by the beach but be walking distance from all that Avalon has to offer.

Where to start? So many options and you can’t really go wrong! Head to Sneaky Grind for the best coffee (especially almond milk flat white) as voted by all of us here at NMJ. They also make a great breakfast. Our team also love Girdlers Avalon for a special weekend breakfast. 

If you’re an early riser, or just need a good coffee to get going, a little local gem is Classic Coffee. Take a quick stroll up the headland at the beach end of Avalon Parade, until you see a combi van serving coffee. Or maybe you are a lover of French pastries? Check out La Banette for a sweet treat, we are obsessed with their almond croissants!

Some other local favourites between Newport and Palm beach of ours are: Zubi Café, Rusti Fig Café, and Nourished Café and Lounge. Enjoy!

We always love a good walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, on a clear day you can see all the way up the coast, spot whales during migration season and get a mini work-out in! The walk is short but steep. Reward yourself for your efforts by stopping off at The Boathouse on the way back to Avalon for a drink. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hop on the ferry across to The Basin. A perfect day trip location, pack a picnic and spend a day swimming in the beautiful water and enjoying the empty secluded beaches. If you are up for a scenic cruise, jump aboard the Fantasea Whale Watching cruise from Palm Beach, which is an unforgettable opportunity to see a whale or two up close whilst enjoying the scenic coastline!

Why not walk along the Pittwater shoreline from Bayview to Church Point, along here you could hire some kayaks, or stop at one of the many places for lunch and a drink. Finally, our beaches! Any of our beaches are absolutely beautiful. A couple of favourites are Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach, Whale Beach, or South Palm Beach.

Once you’ve had your NMJ fix, some of our favourite local shops are Bookoccino (coffee and books – perfect combo), Haven & Sarah (glorious florals and homewares), Mamapapa (clothing and home, true Avalon style), Beachwood (Hampton’s-style homewares) and Freckles (for the little people in your life) - just to name a few. 

If you are looking for the perfect outfit, head to Bassike and fall in love with not only their beautiful clothes but their sustainable ethos. Or maybe you are after an artisanal gift for a loved one or just want to treat yourself, at Nash and Banks you can find many ethical and luxurious goods (from candles, to prints and clean beauty products).

A few other favourites just a step out of Avalon are: Pony Rider (for all of your cushions, organic bedding and home accessories), Splice Boutique (home to all of our favourite brands) and Knap Store ( for those vintage finds and statement pieces)