Avalon, NSW 2107

Situated 36 kilometres north east of the Sydney CBD is the suburb of Clareville in the local government area of Pittwater Council. It is also part of the Northern Beaches region.

Its position is magic – nestled right on the shores of Pittwater. To the north are Palm and Whale Beaches to the east are Avalon and Bilgola and to the south is Taylors Point.

Due to its position and magnificent views over the water, house prices are high, often over $5,000,000.

Apart from the summer, Clareville is a very tranquil part of Pittwater. There is a nice restaurant - Clareville Beach Kiosk – which offers intimate and romantic dining. Be sure to book!

It comes alive in summer with many Sydneysiders and holiday makers flocking to the area. Clareville Beach provides good safe swimming for families, especially with small children as it is not a surfing beach. It has good facilities, providing toilets, electric barbecues and picnic areas. I can remember being taken to Clareville Beach as a small child and having loads of fun making sand castles and paddling.

The beach has become a popular place as a wedding venue – imagine the wonderful backdrop to the photos!

Clareville – a very nice part of the world!

A fabulous place to visit or live!

Whale Beach is situated 40 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD in the local government area of Pittwater Council and is part of the Northern Beaches. It is bordered by Palm Beach to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, Clareville and Avalon to the south, and Careel Bay to the west.

Whale Beach is a very prestigious area of the Northern Beaches with houses prices usually well over $2 million.

It is a quiet area during the colder months but summer is a different story when many holiday makers flock to the area. There is a lot of accommodation available but most of it is quite pricey. Probably the most luxurious and exclusive place to stay is Jonah’s which also has a wonderful restaurant. It is the only Relais & Chateaux (the most prestigious hotel association in the world) hotel in New South Wales. It is possible to get to Jonah’s from Rose Bay (in the eastern suburbs) by a 12-minute seaplane flight – what an experience that would be! I remember a very romantic dinner with my now husband at Jonah’s about 30 years ago.

There is a Surf Life Saving Club which was established in 1937. It is unusual in that the Clubhouse is owned by the members and not by the Council. The beach is relatively small at 850m long. At the north end is the area known as the “Wedge” which is a favourite surfing spot.

Whale Beach – a fabulous place to visit or live!

Avalon is a beautiful beachside suburb, bounded on the north by Palm Beach and the south by Bilgola. East is the Pacific Ocean and west is Pittwater, the home of the famous Pittwater yacht Club. When travelling near the Pittwater it is impossible to miss the many up-market yachts. Their colour adds a certain lustre to an already beautiful scene.

In 2006 Avalon boasted a population of just over 10,200 who were mainly commuting professionals and managers. It is a suburb where nearly a third of the population is under 24. Over 10% of the population have come from England and Great Britain.

To date the only ways to travel to Avalon are by road or sea. There is a seaplane service close by.

Avalon Golf Course is bordered by Old Barrenjoey Road to the west and Barrenjoey Road to the east. Eating and entertainment for residents and visitors is provided by cinemas, shops, an RSL club, 14 restaurants and cafes, as well as bowling and sailing clubs. The Surf Lifesaving club, Soccer Club, Junior Rugby League Club, and Avalon Netball Club provide an outlet for those who are interested in sport.

For me, I prefer lounging on the beach and working on my tan.