Palm Beach Headland

About

Palm Beach Headland is located on the outer edge of the Sydney region and the northernmost tip of Palm Beach, Australia. The designated area comprises Governor Phillip Park and Barrenjoey Headland. Named by Governor Phillip, it offers beach activities, picnics, hikes to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and access to Pittwater for small boats. Known as Summer Bay from the TV show “Home and Away,” it hosts events by the North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, including carnivals and training. The Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP) covers 62 hectares and incorporates Governor Phillip Park and Barrenjoey Headland which is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. 

Palm Beach Headland is highly esteemed by its community as an iconic location surrounded by the ocean, offering stunning views of the night sky. The Northern Beaches Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are enthusiastic about certifying it as Australia’s first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP). This certification aims to enhance environmental protection of the area. It serves as a model for responsible lighting practices in Greater Sydney, ensuring public safety while preserving the integrity of the night sky. 

Light pollution is common in urban areas and causes impacts to quality of life, night sky visibility, and alters wildlife behavior. A lighting management plan (LMP) has been prepared for the Palm Beach Headland that provides the principles, guidelines, and standards for the use of artificial outdoor lighting installations in the Palm Beach Headland. All outdoor lighting has been upgraded to comply with the LMP. 

The designation as a UNSP, the first in Australia and the southern hemisphere, will help the Council to preserve the night sky, protect biodiversity, showcase and promote good lighting design, and create opportunities for stargazing and astronomy education within our community. 

Governor Phillip Park is always accessible to visitors. Public access to the Barrenjoey Headland is from sunrise to sunset.

Area

.62 Sq. Km

Designated

2024

Category

Urban Night Sky Place

Address

Beach Road
Palm Beach, NSW, 2108
Google Maps

Contact

Alicia Undzillo

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports