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Insiders’ Guide to The Best Things to Do in Avalon Beach
Discover where to eat, drink, shop and play like a local with the best things to do in Avalon Beach.
A natural utopia, Avalon Beach is surrounded by lush bushland that flows down to the calm bays of Pittwater on one side and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean on the other.
Avalon Beach is at the heart of this Northern Beaches pocket with its rich surfing culture, intimate cafes and shopping village. It’s a captivating lifestyle centred around the beach, pottering about barefoot, healthy living, and a tight-knit community. Little wonder this charming suburb keeps locals here for the long haul!
So, if you’re planning a day trip from Sydney or a longer escape, keep reading as we break down the best things to do in Avalon Beach.
Best Things to Do in Avalon Beach: Eat & Drink
Pocket Pizza
When it comes to out-of-the-box pizzas that are not only hilariously named but next-level yum, Pocket Pizza knows how to deliver on both fronts.
The cool and intimate venue is the ultimate location for a date night or a catch-up with friends. Be sure to order the Gordon Hamsey and finish your meal with a serving of their mouth-watering tiramisu.
1 Simmonds Lane, Avalon Beach
Casa De
Part cafe, part wine bar, Casa De has become a staple in the local hospitality scene. Serving up St Ali coffee and Tuga pastries in the morning, before moving to wines, cocktails and small plates – it’s the kind of place locals just keep returning to.
Casa De boasts an impressive, curated wine list, inventive cocktails and an addictive list of snacks. Our favourites? We’ll always go for a glass of skin contact wine, and you just have to try their mini buttermilk chicken burger. Just trust us…
50 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Alma
Did somebody say Taco… Wednesday? Alma mixes it up in Avalon with a menu of finger lickin’ good Mexican dishes.
Housed inside a cosy cottage, a leisurely weekend lunch or boozy dinner here is one of the best things to do in Avalon Beach. Come summer, choose to sit outdoors and watch the world go by as you enjoy your tacos, and in winter, it’s hard to resist enjoying the salted caramel churros whilst snuggled up by the fire.
Did we mention there are five margaritas to choose from? We’ll meet you there!
47 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon
Bar Elvina
Providing good vibes and great wines, Bar Elvina is one of Avalon’s most popular spots for a sunset bev, and don’t get us started on the stunning interiors.
This gorgeous little bar brings together an eclectic menu focusing on seafood, craft beers, an interesting wine list, and carefully curated cocktails – Beaches-based locals can’t get enough!
50 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Bistro Boulevard
Bistro Boulevard brings the charm of a classic French bistro to the Northern Beaches. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu brimming with French classics, this eatery is perfect for a cosy dinner or a special night out. Menu highlights include the perfectly cooked steak frites, the mouth-watering French onion soup and the indulgent crème brûlée. Paired with an excellent French wine selection, Bistro Boulevard is a true local treasure.
40 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
Classic Coffee
Sitting pretty on top of South Avalon Headland, Classic Coffee parks it’s van up there every morning, and it has become a centrepiece of the community in Avalon. Simply serving takeaway coffees and a stripped-back breakfast menu, it’s uncomplicated and lets the magic of the headland speak for itself.
Whether it’s a sun-drenched weekend, an early morning sunrise or a midweek catch-up, Avalon locals gravitate to the headland—coffee in hand—to sit on the grass and enjoy a ritual that feels effortlessly their own.
South Avalon Headland, Surfside Ave, Avalon
Hungry Ghost
Tucked away in Patterson Lane, Hungry Ghost is Avalon’s best-kept secret for top-notch coffee, golden jaffles, and brunch bites that hit the spot. This cute hole-in-the-wall gem keeps it local and ethical, serving up seriously good brews daily. No frills, just great vibes and even better coffee.
Patterson Lane, Avalon Beach
Royal Avalon Clubhouse
A renovated golf course clubhouse, The Royal Avalon, is one of the newer additions to the local hospitality scene. The brainchild of many locals, including Andy Emerson (Bar Elvina) and Brad Jacobse (Avalon Brewery), they’ve kept the building’s old school charm while breathing new life into the space.
With a pub-style menu, classic cocktails and local beers on tap, it’s truly a community affair. Sit out on the green or cozy up inside during the cooler months – it’s a golf clubhouse like you’ve never seen before.
32 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
La Banette
A buzzing French patisserie in the heart of town, there’s always a line of eager customers getting their fresh break on the weekend. From buttery croissants to decadent éclairs and savoury quiches and, every bite is pure bliss.
26 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
Best Things to Do in Avalon Beach: Shop
Peggy Concept Store
Peggy Concept Store in Avalon Beach is more than a retail space; it’s a hub for creativity, inspiration and connecting the community.
Named after the original curator, Peggy Guggenheim, the Peggy Concept Store has a uniquely European jet-set feel with a nod to the relaxed Australian lifestyle.
Take your time to browse the curated edit of designer clothes from Deiji Studios, Gucci, Nagnata, St. Agni, Prada and many more.
62 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Deesse Boutique
If swoon-worthy jewellery, luxe fashion (for grown-ups and minis!) and divine beauty and lifestyle treats speak to you, then make a beeline to Deesse Boutique.
While it’s hard to resist the beauty in this lovely shop, we’re eyeing the gorgeous ranges from Nude Lucy and Porter Jewellery in store.
Shop 3/72 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Bassike
Whether it’s a crisp white tee or perfectly tailored pants, Sydney-based Bassike’s (pronounced “basic”) cool and casual threads are far from ordinary.
Where sustainability and wearability meet, co-founders Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan are big on everyday pieces that won’t just sit at the back of your wardrobe.
A one-stop shop for everything from swimwear to outerwear, Bassike’s innovative interpretation of classic pieces makes the perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe.
41 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
Lee Matthews
Located in the bustling centre of Avalon Beach, Lee Mathews is a must-visit for timeless style. This boutique showcases the Australian designer’s timeless silhouettes, natural fabrics, and understated luxury. From beautifully crafted wardrobe staples to elevated pieces for special occasions, this thoughtfully curated space is always delivers.
40 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
Mamapapa
Mama Papa is a beautifully curated boutique with dreamy clothes for women and children, as well as artisanal homewares, stunning pieces of jewellery and unique handcrafted pieces. From party dresses to vintage-inspired ceramics, every item is thoughtfully sourced and designed to inspire.
11/20 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
Knapstore
One of the newer additions to the scene in Avalon, Knapstore is a vintage lovers dream. Hidden inside the Cinema Arcade in the heart of Avalon village, it feels like an ‘if you know you know’ vibe. Stocking cult favourite cool-girl brands such as Paloma Wool and Miaou, along with a range of thoughtfully curated vintage – it’s a one stop shop for fashion lovers.
Their range of vintage Levi’s jeans is what draws people in. Sourced from all over the world, their shelves are almost over-flowing with vintage denim waiting to be tried on and sorted through until you find your perfect pair. Oh… and did we mention it’s also a hair salon?
Shop 4/37 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Best Things to Do in Avalon Beach: Wellness
Feels Pilates
Feels Pilates offers dynamic reformer Pilates classes with a focus on form. The Northern Beaches-based studios are all about being inclusive, meaning anyone at any level is welcome to join.
The Avalon studio offers daily Beginner Feels, All the Feels and Circuit Feels (HIIT Pilates) classes, with Strength Feels and Stretchy Feels classes each week.
Finish off the sweat sesh in the state-of-the-art Sunlighten Infrared Sauna to unwind after your class.
46 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Heat by TSC
A boutique pilates and yoga studio, Heat By TSC is a wellness lovers dream. Offering a range of different classes, from infrared hot yoga, mat pilates, HIIT to guided meditation, there is almost guaranteed to be something for everyone.
Set within an infrared studio that is instantly calming, it’s the range of classes that make this studio so unique. They’ve also announced that they’ll be expanding and opening a reformer studio next door towards the end of the month, so watch this space…
Shop 3 42-44 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Paradise Yoga
Paradise Yoga provides a tranquil haven for sensitive souls and open minds to embrace gentle yoga practices to reduce stress and anxiety.
The studio boasts one of the best views in town, situated in the lush, gum-tree-lined bush looking out onto Pittwater, allowing you to relax upon arrival.
Behind the Owl Door, 75A Riverview Road, Avalon Beach
Sauna Amalfi
When a European holiday isn’t on the cards, why not carve out a little time to revel in Mediterranean wellness experiences without leaving Sydney?
The Northern Beaches is home to a luxury sauna and cold plunge studio, Sauna Amalfi, and it’s become a much-loved institution for locals. You can expect grandeur from the get-go with serene interiors, luxe details and state-of-the-art facilities.
2 Simmonds Lane, Avalon Beach
The Heal Zone
As the name suggests, The Heal Zone is a blissful escape serene dedicated to relaxation and wellness. This boutique sauna and spa offers infrared saunas, ice baths, and holistic treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. You’ll float out of there a whole new person.
70 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon
Best Things to Do in Avalon Beach: Explore
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
When you’re spending a few days exploring Avalon Beach, a visit to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a must. This incredible park is perfect for outdoor lovers, offering stunning bushwalks, scenic views, and even Aboriginal rock art to discover along the trails.
Whether you’re up for a hike or prefer to lay by the water on a secluded beach, this beauty has it all. It’s the ideal spot for a day out in nature, adding a dash of adventure to your beach trip.
Avalon Beach
There’s a reason Kelly Slater lived in Avalon for well over a decade, this is one of the best surf beaches in Australia. Whether you’re chasing the perfect wave or just after a stunning beach to call home, it’s an alluring slice of Northern Beaches paradise.
At the southern end of the beach, the ocean pool attracts young families while the adventurous take to the rocky ledges to jump into the deep blue sea.
Avalon, NSW
Clareville Beach Reserve
Just a short walk from Avalon, Clareville Beach Reserve is where locals come to splash in the shallow waters and relax with a picnic under the leafy treetops.
The beautiful beach runs from Taylors Point in the south and north along the Pittwater foreshore. There’s also a grassy area with a barbecue ideal for picnics with the family.
Delecta Avenue, Clareville
Loved our edit of the best things to do in Avalon Beach and after some Northern Beaches gems to unearth? Check out our round-up of the best walks in the Northern Beaches, then it’s time for some TLC with the best beauty salons on the Northern Beaches.
