Newport, where going home feels like a holiday

Newportis quintessentially Northern Beaches. The beaches are beautiful, the locals arelaidback, and the suburb has more of a village vibe. It’s the kind of placewhere neighbours spot each other in the street and say hello. Since it’s apeninsula, there’s nature as far as the eye can see – think lush greenery,rugged headlands and sparkling seas on three sides – and it brings a sense ofcalm to the area. On weekends, life slows down, and residents spend their daysbetween the surf and sand, and soaking up their town’s holiday feel.

Thesuburb boasts two beaches, both as stunning as each other. Newport Beach has along stretch of sand, great waves, a saltwater lap pool and rockpool. Surferslove it, as do families and those who just want to laze in the sun. On thenorth end of the beach, there’s a walking trail that winds up to Bilgola Heads,and it’s buzzing with people trotting up and down it every morning. The reward:sweeping views of the coastline.

Thesecond beach, Bungan Beach, is a local treasure, and one of Sydney’s bestsecret beaches. To get there, you have to go down a steep private driveway onMyolda Road. The beach itself is small and secluded, and made even morespectacular by the sandstone cliffs on either side. And if you spot a castle,you’re not imagining things – Newport has its very own castle, which sits atopBungan Head. Plus, the waves here are even better, making it a top spot forlocal surfers – and that’s a pretty big call! If you’re in the mood to lie onthe grass, Bungan Reserve offers the same great views without the stroll downthe slope.

Beachesaside, there’s Pittwater: a calm waterway that’s perfect for boating. It’s alsothe location of the suburb’s most bustling bar, The Newport, which offersalfresco dining and waterfront views, and is oh-so-Sydney.

Therelaxed Newport lifestyle extends to the village, home to a string of shops,cafes and restaurants. Locals really don’t need to leave – but why would theywant to?

Visit the Newport suburb guide here.