Avalon Beach Archives

Babylon House Claims Prestigious Interior Architecture Award

Babylon House, an Avalon home nestled between Pittwater and Avalon Beach, has received one of Australia’s most prestigious interior architecture awards, recognising a remarkable transformation nearly a decade in the making.

Babylon House was awarded the Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2025 National Architecture Awards ceremony held at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra on Thursday, 6 November.

The property, perched on the ridge between Pittwater and Avalon Beach, represents an extraordinary collaboration between Casey Brown Architecture and its owners, who purchased the home in 2015. What followed was a nine-year journey to restore and reimagine a unique piece of local architectural history.

Originally constructed in 1953 to a design by architect Edwin Kingsbury, the home’s distinctive curved forms, stonework and unconventional character earned it the local nickname “The Castle”. After decades of neglect, the building has been meticulously repaired and thoughtfully transformed while preserving its eccentric spirit.

The jury praised the project’s attention to detail and experiential qualities. “Every space and detail has the heart of the architect and client in it,” the citation noted, highlighting features including integrated rock ledges, bathrooms accessed via a floor hatch, bespoke patterns in floor treatments, crafted handrails, hand-finished timbers, and even a stage in the lounge room.

The home’s design respects its modernist roots while adding contemporary elements. The living areas sit beneath a 320-square-metre kidney-shaped roof with no right angles, all featuring soaring ceilings over four metres high. Mysterious corridors and passageways wind through the property, leading to an expansive 80-square-metre free-span dining room that opens onto a substantial patio with sweeping Pacific Ocean and Pittwater views.

The renovation extended the original design language using materials including black timber, terrazzo, pickled timber panelling and dichroic glass louvres. Salvaged materials were reused throughout, and asymmetrical skylights now cast shafts of light across restored stone walls.

Practical improvements were carefully integrated without compromising the home’s character. A new driveway and cable car now provide step-free access to the property, while a new kitchen and laundry have been discreetly tucked beneath the existing roof. The new master suite wraps around the southern edge of the main living space, threading carefully between sandstone boulders and mature angophoras.

The jury described Babylon House as feeling “ancient and contemporary all at once” and commended it as “a truly beautiful example of working with the essence of an existing building and bringing it back from the brink.”

The project team included Casey Brown Architecture principals Rob Brown, project architect Thomas Monahan, and project lead Ryan Western, with construction by David Campbell Building and stonework by John Wittey.

Earlier this year, Babylon House also won two awards at the NSW Architecture Awards: the John Verge Award for Interior Architecture and the award for Alterations and Additions.

The Emil Sodersten Award is one of the highest honours for interior architecture in Australia, recognising projects that demonstrate excellence in the design and execution of interior spaces.

Published 6-November-2025

Avalon Beach Among Sydney’s Cleanest in 2025 Beachwatch Report

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Avalon Beach ranks second overall among Sydney’s cleanest beaches, according to the 2025 Beachwatch report, confirming its excellent water quality, consistently low levels of enterococci bacteria, and minimal stormwater runoff.

Clean Waters for Avalon

The 2025 Beachwatch report assessed 249 swimming sites across New South Wales. The report found that 95 per cent of ocean beaches across the state had “very good” or “good” water quality. Avalon Beach ranked second overall in Sydney, following Whale Beach, based on consistently low levels of enterococci bacteria.

Avalon’s strong result was supported by its natural conditions and limited stormwater inflow. Local residents noted that the beach’s lack of stormwater drainage contributed to its cleanliness compared to other coastal areas.

Avalon Beach cleanliness — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Report Findings and Statewide Overview

The Beachwatch report graded beaches from “very good” to “very poor” based on microbial water quality. Among Sydney’s top-performing beaches were Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Greenhills Beach, Palm Beach, The Basin, Wanda Beach, Shelly Beach (Sutherland), Elvina Bay, Bungan Beach, and Bilgola Beach.

The 2025 findings by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water attributed improved beach conditions to below-average rainfall, which reduced runoff and pollution in urban waterways. Statewide, 23 swimming locations recorded improved water quality over the previous year.

Sydney beaches — Photo Credit: Google Maps

How Avalon Compares

Avalon’s ranking placed it ahead of many of Sydney’s well-known beaches such as Bondi, Bronte, and Coogee. Bondi and Bronte received “good” gradings, while Coogee was rated “poor”. Beaches in the Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire dominated the top ten for water quality, reflecting lower population density and minimal urban runoff in these coastal areas.

In contrast, enclosed sites such as Foreshores Beach and Gymea Bay Baths received “very poor” gradings due to restricted water flow and higher contamination risk.

Beachwatch report — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Community Response

Social media users celebrated Avalon’s high ranking, attributing its success to its natural drainage and community care for the coastal environment. Comments from locals highlighted the absence of major stormwater outlets and the protection of dune systems as key reasons for the beach’s pristine condition.

Residents also praised neighbouring Bilgola Beach, which placed within Sydney’s top ten cleanest beaches, reinforcing the Northern Beaches’ reputation for maintaining strong environmental standards.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Access

The Beachwatch program continues to provide public access to real-time water quality data through its website. Environment Department officials advised swimmers to check Beachwatch updates before entering the water, particularly after rainfall, as urban runoff can temporarily affect water quality.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Careel Bay Takes Centre Stage in National Bird Count

Photo Credit: JJ Harrison/CC BY-SA 4.0

Avalon’s coastal bushland and tidal flats are more than a backdrop for weekend walks. They are a living stage for some of Australia’s rarest and most recognisable birds. This month, the suburb will once again find itself at the centre of a nationwide effort as locals join the Aussie Bird Count, recording the feathered life of backyards, headlands, and the sheltered waters of Careel Bay.

Bird Week Brings Community Together

The Aussie Bird Count, run by BirdLife Australia, is one of the largest citizen science events in the country. From 20 to 26 October 2025, Australians are encouraged to stop for just 20 minutes, anywhere they choose, and count the birds they see. Using the free app or website, participants contribute sightings that form part of an ongoing database used by scientists to track trends in bird populations.

For Avalon, participation is more than symbolic. The suburb’s wetlands and nearby bushland provide food and shelter for species of local and international importance.

At Careel Bay, shorebirds such as the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and migratory Bar-tailed Godwit can be seen during spring as they travel from breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. Each recorded sighting adds vital data to help monitor whether these long-distance travellers are surviving their journeys and holding onto their habitats.

Everyday Birds, Critical Information

While Avalon is home to threatened species, the Bird Count does not just focus on the rare. Familiar locals such as the Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, and Willie Wagtail are just as important to log. Shifts in their numbers can reveal much about the pressures of urbanisation, land clearing, and climate change.

BirdLife Australia notes that even a single observation contributes to science. When thousands of Australians join in, the collective data helps map population shifts across suburbs, towns, and entire states. This information informs conservation planning and guides councils on how to protect the natural spaces that communities rely on.

Avalon’s Link to Bird History

Avalon’s role in Australia’s birdwatching culture stretches back more than a century. Neville William Cayley, remembered as Australia’s first popular field guide author, made his home here. His 1931 book, What Bird is That?, offered full-colour illustrations and descriptions that opened the world of birdwatching to ordinary people.

Neville Cayley — Photo Credit: Public Domain

Cayley lived at “Ideal View,” a house on Marine Parade in Avalon, where he painted and wrote about the very species still common in the suburb today. His work bridged science and art, and laid the groundwork for a culture of everyday Australians participating in bird observation. The 2025 Aussie Bird Count continues that legacy, translating Cayley’s passion into a digital age where sightings from Avalon can be logged instantly via smartphone.

Why Avalon Matters in 2025

Conservation groups highlight Careel Bay as a key site on the Northern Beaches where community involvement has direct value. Tidal wetlands here provide feeding grounds for shorebirds that face global declines. Recording their presence, even in small numbers, helps track whether conservation measures are effective.

In recent years, residents and council initiatives have worked to maintain these habitats. Nesting platforms have been installed for Ospreys, while bushcare groups restore vegetation along foreshore areas. The Bird Count provides everyday residents with an opportunity to participate in this ongoing effort, whether by walking along the bay at low tide or observing the calls of lorikeets in street trees.

Getting Involved from Avalon

Joining the Aussie Bird Count is straightforward. Locals can register online at the official site or download the app via Apple or Google Play. Participants select a spot — whether in a backyard, at the beach, or along the Careel Bay foreshore — and spend 20 minutes observing. The app provides identification tools, making it easier for beginners to recognise common birds.

For Avalon residents, the Bird Count is not just about numbers. It’s a way to connect with local heritage, contribute to conservation, and deepen awareness of the living environment that defines the community. Every lorikeet, curlew, or magpie recorded becomes part of a much larger picture of Australia’s birdlife.

Published 2-Oct-2025

Search Continues For Avalon Beach Woman After Devastating House Fire

Emergency services are conducting an extensive search for a woman in her 70s who remains unaccounted for after a catastrophic house fire destroyed her Hilltop Road home in Avalon Beach during the early hours of Friday morning.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to the scene around 1am after neighbours heard concerning sounds and discovered the two-storey timber property ablaze. In an act of remarkable courage, one neighbour attempted to kick down the front door to reach the resident but was forced back as flames rapidly consumed the structure.

The intensity of the fire, combined with an unusually large amount of possessions stored throughout the property, created extreme conditions that prevented firefighters from entering the building. Parts of the structure were already collapsing when emergency services arrived, with flames erupting through the roof and engulfing the entire home.

More than 20 Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters responded from stations across the Northern Beaches, including Avalon, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Dee Why, Forestville and Lane Cove. The challenging terrain posed additional difficulties for crews, as the home was built on stilts on a steep hillside.

NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry explained the complexities faced by emergency responders. The elevated position of the home and significant structural collapse created substantial risks for firefighters, with concerns about personnel falling through damaged floors into the gully below.

Despite the challenging water supply in the narrow street, crews successfully brought the fire under control just before 2am. However, firefighters continued battling spot fires well into the morning as flames kept reigniting within stored materials throughout the property. Ausgrid was required to disconnect power to the street after crews encountered difficulties accessing the home’s electrical supply.

Northern Beaches Police Area Command officers, including Inspector Vanessa Robinson, established a crime scene and closed Hilltop Road to assist emergency services. Four NSW Ambulance crews attended the scene, treating the neighbour who had attempted the rescue for possible smoke inhalation.

The woman’s vehicle was found parked in the driveway, intensifying concerns that she may have been inside when the blaze erupted. Neighbours described the resident as someone who had lived at the property for several years and was known for being quiet but kind to those around her.

By Saturday morning, Fire and Rescue NSW’s Urban Search and Rescue teams had taken over operations, working to stabilise the severely damaged structure. Drones were deployed to conduct aerial assessments and searches of the scene, while an aerial ladder platform from Manly assisted with stabilisation efforts.

The Fire Investigation and Research Unit has been called in to determine the cause of the blaze, though their work has been hampered by the extensive structural damage and ongoing safety concerns.

Police investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Published 20-September-2025

Avalon Tree Battle Ends With Compromise As One Gum Tree Removed, Another Saved

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Poyt448 Peter Woodard

A contentious dispute over native trees in Avalon Beach has finally reached a resolution, with one 80-year-old Flooded Gum removed and another saved through pruning after a year-long community battle.

The saga began in June 2024 when local supporters formed a human blockade to prevent the removal of four large Eucalyptus grandis trees on public land at Ruskin Rowe.

The trees had been deemed hazardous following multiple incidents between October 2023 and May 2024, including reports of falling branches that damaged a vehicle, brought down power lines, and required after-hours emergency services to restore street access. Two trees were successfully removed before the protest action prevented work on the remaining pair.

The decision was based on assessments from multiple qualified arborists, including internal and external experts at Australian Qualifications Framework levels 5 and 8, all concluding the trees posed safety risks and required removal.

However, Cr Miranda Korzy (Greens) challenged these findings, commissioning her own expert assessment from a level 8 arborist with an environmental law degree, who disputed the original risk evaluation methodology.

A challenge was raised to these findings through an independent expert assessment, commissioned from a level 8 arborist with an environmental law degree. This arborist disputed the original risk evaluation methodology.

The dispute proved costly for ratepayers, with questions on notice revealing the council spent approximately $20,000 to reschedule contractors and a further $14,000 in additional arborist consulting fees.

After obtaining further independent expert advice, council determined that while both remaining trees posed risks of dropping significant branches, only one required complete removal. The tree located on public land in the turning circle at the end of Ruskin Rowe could be preserved through strategic pruning.

Contractors returned on 30 July 2025 to complete the work. The arborists also removed an estimated an 80-year-old specimen that could have lived another 15 years.

Community members reflected on the outcome. They voiced ongoing concerns about the conflicting conclusions reached by different arborists throughout the process, and called for state regulation of the arboricultural industry.

The resolution coincides with Northern Beaches Council’s adoption of a comprehensive new Tree Management Policy in July 2025, which replaces five existing tree-related policies from the former councils and aims to increase tree cover by enhancing protection measures, promoting new or replacement planting, and improving the retention and long-term survival of healthy trees.

The importance of the region’s urban forest was highlighted, with the Northern Beaches home to an estimated 12 million trees – the greatest tree canopy coverage in metropolitan Sydney. Since 2019, tree coverage has increased by 485 hectares, with more than 5,000 trees planted annually.

“Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of our community, and this policy ensures we continue to protect and grow our tree canopy, benefiting both current and future generations,” the statement read.

The new policy recognises the multiple benefits trees provide, including air quality improvement, soil protection, water quality enhancement, carbon sequestration, energy conservation, noise reduction, urban cooling, and wildlife habitat provision.

Further details about the Tree Management Policy, including guidelines for tree removal and pruning on private land, are available on Northern Beaches Council’s website.

Published 12-August-2025

Babylon House Wins Top Architecture Awards After Stunning Renovation

Photo Credit: Casey Brown Architecture

Babylon House, an Avalon castle that has captured imaginations for more than seven decades, has claimed two prestigious awards at the recent NSW Architecture Awards, cementing its status as one of Sydney’s most extraordinary homes.

It won two awards: The John Verge Award for Interior Architecture and the award for Alterations and Additions, recognising the masterful restoration and expansion that has brought this iconic structure into the modern era.

The property, which locals have long dubbed ‘The Castle’ due to its fortress-like appearance, sits dramatically on Bilgola Plateau between Pittwater and Avalon Beach. Built in the early 1950s by architect Edwin Kingsberry, the house was originally christened Götterdämmerung – a reference to Wagner’s Ring Cycle that reflected the opera-loving architect’s theatrical sensibilities.

The property’s colourful past reads like something from a novel. It was the opera devotee architect Edwin Kingsberry’s idea, who sold the land on the condition he could build exactly the house he envisioned. The arrangement became more complicated when Kingsberry began a relationship with the buyer’s wife, adding an element of scandal to the home’s early years.

During the 1960s and 70s, the house gained notoriety as a bohemian gathering place, with the owners’ son – a member of the Bilgola Bop Band – hosting legendary parties that attracted Sydney’s creative crowd. Among those who climbed the property’s distinctive stone steps during this era was interior designer Fiona Spence, who would decades later become the home’s current owner.

Spence and her husband, former concert production manager Morris Lyda, purchased the deteriorating property in 2015. Despite its neglected state, they recognised the potential to restore its unique character while adapting it for contemporary living.

The couple engaged Casey Brown Architecture’s Rob Brown to lead the restoration, which proved to be an exercise in balancing respect for the original architecture with practical modern needs. The project required sensitive handling of the building’s eclectic mix of styles – combining modernist elements with what architectural circles term the ‘Sydney School’ approach.

The restoration began with essential infrastructure improvements, including the installation of a cable car system to ease access from a new solar-powered carport and the careful restoration of the property’s dramatic stone steps with handcrafted wrought-iron handrails.

The existing three-storey structure, complete with its unusual trapdoor entrance to a basement bathroom, underwent comprehensive renovation. Workers repointed the sandstone walls, restored the central fireplace, and replaced the extensive roof system that spans multiple wings and outdoor areas.

Among the most striking new elements is a four-metre pivoting wall in the east wing and a guillotine-style steel shutter that dramatically separates the bar area from the terrace. However, the project’s most significant addition was an entirely new southern wing housing bedroom, ensuite, walk-in robe, study and powder room.

This new section showcases perhaps the most innovative aspect of the renovation – its integration with the natural landscape. Rather than removing the site’s massive boulders and established trees, the architects built around them, allowing living rock to extend into the interior spaces.

The flooring throughout the new areas represents a particularly personal touch from Spence, who designed intricate terrazzo surfaces embedded with recycled marble and granite pieces. Drawing inspiration from Canberra’s Monster Kitchen and Bar and the original bathroom, she arranged the stone elements like an abstract artwork before the terrazzo was poured around them.

The material palette throughout celebrates both old and new, featuring black-painted ceilings and Tasmanian blackwood walls that Spence treated with a custom vinegar-and-steel-wool solution to achieve a distinctive ‘pickled’ finish.

Now called Babylon is a residential property built over four levels on a sheltered promontory west of Avalon Beach, and the completed renovation has attracted significant attention from the architecture community. Beyond its recent NSW Architecture Awards success, the project has also been shortlisted for this year’s Houses Awards in the alteration and addition under 200 square metres category.

The recognition reflects not only the technical achievement of the restoration but also the way it has preserved and enhanced a building that has long held a special place in the Northern Beaches community’s imagination.

For residents of Avalon and the broader peninsula, Babylon House represents both a connection to the area’s creative past and an inspiring example of how thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into architecturally significant buildings while respecting their essential character.

The property’s journey from Kingsberry’s operatic vision through its bohemian heyday to its current incarnation as an award-winning family home demonstrates the enduring appeal of bold architectural choices and the importance of owners who understand the responsibility that comes with stewarding such unique properties.

Published 11-July-2025

Avalon Beach Residents Reject Careel Shopping Village Plans

n the corner of Careel Head Road in Avalon Beach, the small, much-loved Careel Shopping Village has become the centre of a local storm. Plans to knock down the ageing cluster of shops and replace them with a two-storey building, featuring a Dan Murphy’s on the ground floor and a childcare centre just above it, have stirred up a wave of opposition among residents who say this is not what Avalon needs.

The plan, officially lodged as DA2024/1091, is still under review, with submissions open until 28 July. But for many locals, the debate isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about what kind of place Avalon should be.

One Village, Two Stories

For decades, Careel Shopping Village has been a quiet stop for locals. It’s a place to grab a coffee, chat with neighbours and support small, family-run shops. Many residents say they were open to the idea of an upgrade. But when they heard that part of the plan included a 500-square-metre Dan Murphy’s liquor store right beneath a new early childhood education centre, the mood shifted quickly.

Locals worry that families dropping children off at daycare will now have to walk past racks of alcohol signs and delivery trucks unloading boxes of spirits and wine.

One resident wrote to Council, saying it just doesn’t make sense to mix young children and alcohol in one building. He’s not alone. Dozens of Avalon Beach residents have sent similar messages, urging the Council to reject the plan.

Dan Murphy's building — Photo Credit: DA2024/1091

Safety and Traffic at the Heart

Others fear the change will push the quiet corner into chaos. They talk about the intersection where Careel Head Road meets busy Barrenjoey Road — already known to flood when it rains and clog with cars during beach season. With parents dropping off children, delivery trucks for the bottle shop and more cars fighting for parking, some say the streets could become dangerous for kids and pedestrians alike.

A traffic report backs this up. The Council’s own engineer stated that the current traffic plan doesn’t adequately mitigate risks, particularly when delivery trucks and family cars share the same narrow driveways.

Health Experts Warn of Long-Term Harm

While residents argue over traffic and parking, health experts are focused on what the kids inside the centre might see. NSW Health’s Northern Sydney Local Health District says the plan is a step backwards for community health. Avalon Beach already has higher rates of alcohol-related harm than other parts of NSW. Placing young children so close to daily alcohol advertising, they warn, could normalise drinking at an early age.

Their report points out that there are already four other bottle shops within Avalon Beach, so adding another big outlet doesn’t make sense if the goal is to reduce alcohol harm.

Design Panel Echoes Community Fears

The Council’s design panel took a close look at the project, too. They agreed that the plan doesn’t protect families enough. They raised alarms about flood risks to the basement car park meant for childcare drop-offs. They also pointed out that the building’s layout does little to separate the bottle shop from the childcare entrance, something they say must change to make it safer for families.

Careel Bay Shopping Village Dan Murphy's — Photo Credit: DA2024/1091

A Local Identity at Risk

Many residents say the issue goes beyond just this site. Avalon is known for its small shops, surf breaks and a strong sense of local character. People here say they’re not against change; they just want change that fits. For them, the idea of dropping their kids off at daycare and walking past a major bottle shop feels wrong and out of place.

Careel Bay Shopping Village environment — Photo Credit: DA2024/1091

The developer insists the childcare centre will have a separate lift and entrance to keep kids away from the bottle shop. They say they are following all planning rules because the alcohol is sold packaged, not drunk on site.

But the pushback shows no signs of fading. Residents and health experts are still lodging submissions, hoping Council will hear their message: Avalon wants improvements, but not at the cost of its community feel.

Published 3-July-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 2107

We’ve combed Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach, Bilgola Plateau, Clareville, and Whale Beach for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

1. Bistro Boulevard

About Bistro Boulevard
4.7 Google Rating

40 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

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Haruna J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Such a nice vibe and friendly staff!
They serve amazing batch brew and hand-drip coffee as well.
The food and desserts were super tasty!
See you soon!

Juliana A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a very nice family brunch here. The latte art was spectacular (give extra happiness 😊), and the Balinese kwe tiau goreng was especially delicious. Great service and friendly atmostphere! Highly recommend 👍

Flora N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good food, great atmosphere and friendly staff for a Friday brunch!

2. The Clareville

About The Clareville
4.8 Google Rating

27 Delecta Ave, Clareville NSW 2107

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Jo-ann
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 star. We had a luncheon with friends, table for 4, end December. Such a beautiful experience on the eye, the palate & the surrounds. Delicious. I used to come here 20 years ago, same place, different hosts now. It lived up to its reputation of a gorgeous & humble place to dine. The stylish service was excellent, friendly & knowledgeable. The wine list has a simplicity of selection, yet a good selection & perfectly paired with the menu. Lovely to stroll on Clareville Beach after lunch. A treat for us to finish off the end of a year & bring in a new one.

Linda M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon enjoying the degustation menu with wine pairing.
Absolutely outstanding! Cooper’s menu is original and exquisite.
All the staff are very knowledgeable about the menu and wines. We suspect they’re all sommeliers.
Fantastic place for a celebration or an intimate meal.
Highly recommend this wonderful little restaurant.

Dean J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Went to the Clareville for a Saturday lunch and could not have enjoyed it more. Staff were amazing, the food was delicious and the wine was perfect. Went for a walk along the beach afterwards and head home feeling very relaxed. Can’t wait to find an excuse to do it again.

3. Alma

About Alma
4.3 Google Rating

47 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

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Danielle M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The most amazing, authentic Mexican food you will ever try. Staff are so lovely and friendly, always making sure you’re happy. Not to mention that the atmosphere is lively and has a traditional Mexican style. The guacamole, empanadas, barramundi tacos and birria tacos MUST be tried! We will definitely be returning soon.

Jorge U
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was my first time at this Mexican Restaurant. It was for my wedding anniversary and I must say that I got very impressed with the quality and tasty food. It was beyond my expectations. We had a 5 course meal tasting and the dishes were so well presented and tasty that it completed change my mind about Mexican Food in a good way. All the flavours mixed in such way that made a perfect balance. You can’t miss this amazing Alma Restaurant at Avalon Beach. I don’t have enough words to describe it. And what about the staff??? Simply unsurpassed!! Really friendly staff. The atmosphere and decoration invites to enjoy this great experience. Very well located at the heart of Avalon Beach. Opens till late. I will definitely come back again soon.

Axel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great place for a special occasion, food was lovely and prices were reasonable. Service was great, table was given a free desert because of a birthday. Would recommend reserving as there is limited seating options

4. SUNSET DINER

About SUNSET DINER
4.5 Google Rating

41 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

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Michael S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nice place in Avalon! Food was nice flavour, and staff were friendly. Food looked good….

Sabina U
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sunset Diner was a great find. The burgers were delicious and the staff were warm and attentive. They even offered us a complimentary drink while we waited, which was a really nice touch. Would happily come back next time we’re in the area.

Kaz N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A big shout out to the new manager, Yasmin, who really made our experience so nice. Big smiles with a ‘can do’ attitude who moved tables so we could all sit together outside. She is positive, passionate and professional. A real credit to herself and to the Sunset Diner.

5. Fernando’s Peruvian Rotisserie

About Fernando’s Peruvian Rotisserie
4.6 Google Rating

5/1 N Avalon Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

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Krishna S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really nice place with great food. We had the chicken tacos and they were so tasty. Everything on the menu looked good too. If you’re nearby, this is definitely the place to stop and eat. We’ll be back for sure! 💯

Chica & Lavalle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hola 👋 Fernando!!! Absolutely amazing food. Worth every penny and driving from The Hills to Avalon!!! I tried the Pan con Chorizo plus the Chimichurri sauce and Huancaina sauce delicious 😋 definitely coming back🤩Gracias Fernando!!!

Bruno S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everything from the coffee to the food is perfect. Delicious coffee, bacon and eggs in the morning, the best burgers and salads for lunch. A local legend. This guy is the real deal!

Local Reaction Over Avalon Beach Filming Puts Spotlight on NSW Film Fee Rules

Despite widespread local belief that authorities make substantial profits from ‘renting’ public spaces, government regulations strictly limit the fees councils can charge film productions, a reality brought into focus by recent disruptions at Avalon Beach.

The partial closure of the beach in April for filming ignited heated community discussions, revealing a divide over the balance between public access and economic benefits.

The Avalon Beach Incident

On Wednesday, 23 April 2025, the northern end of Avalon Beach was partially closed to accommodate filming for ‘Place to Be’, an indie drama by Hungarian filmmaker Kornél Mundruczó. Local residents attempting to access sections of the beach or the north Avalon car park were reportedly turned away by security personnel employed by the production crew.

This restriction angered some locals, who voiced accusations of foreign movie producers “abusing Aussie generosity” and concerns that Council was making “huge money” from public spaces.

Community Reaction Divided

The incident sparked strong reactions both locally and online. Some residents expressed deep frustration, asserting that the beaches belonged to the community and criticising the inconvenience, including reports of film trucks occupying parking spaces near a Montessori school, which some viewed as posing a safety risk for children.

Conversely, other community members dismissed the complaints as overreactions, suggesting that a partial closure for just one day was a minor inconvenience and that those upset were acting like “spoilt rich overprivileged brats.” Many welcomed the film crews, highlighting the jobs created within the performing arts sector and the overall contribution to the local economy.

Council’s Stance on Filming Fees

Northern Beaches Council has clarified that it cannot use film productions as a major source of revenue. Council reported earning approximately $230,000 from about 400 photography and filming applications in the 2023/2024 financial year, which excludes charges for parking or traffic management.

Under NSW’s Local Government Filming Protocol, the act of filming itself does not attract a fee; instead, councils can only recover specific costs such as application processing or traffic management plan assessments, typically ranging from $100 to $300. Council also stated that exclusive use of public venues is rare, granted only under strict conditions with extensive notification.

For the ‘Place to Be’ production, Council confirmed that while screens and security were approved for the northern section of the beach due to the sensitive nature of filming, the rest of Avalon Beach remained accessible, and pedestrian access paths from the car park were maintained. Residents and businesses in the vicinity were notified about the temporary restrictions.

State Push for Film Production

The NSW government actively promotes increasing film production across the state. Regulations include a presumption that councils will grant rather than reject film project approvals, with rejection only permitted under “exceptional circumstances.” NSW Arts Minister John Graham last year indicated a desire to cut red tape to make NSW more appealing to producers, aiming to streamline logistics, improve traffic management, and ease road closure processes.

The protocol stipulates that councils cannot charge fees for the use of open space itself, and higher fees cannot be imposed for frequently filmed locations. However, if public land use extends beyond three days or significantly disrupts public access, film productions are expected to provide some form of compensation to Council.

Local Filming History and Benefits

The Northern Beaches area has a long history as a popular filming location, having hosted productions such as 1979’s ‘Tim’ starring Mel Gibson, Bryan Brown’s ‘Palm Beach’ in 2019, and more recently US productions ‘The Fall Guy’ and ‘Anyone But You’. The local soap opera ‘Home and Away’ has filmed at Palm Beach since 1988.

A notable past controversy involved a proposal in the late 1990s by producers of the US surf soap ‘Baywatch’ to film extensively at Avalon Beach, which was strongly opposed by residents and ultimately did not proceed. Council acknowledges that production companies filming in the area support the local economy, promote the region, and generate funds directed towards projects that benefit local residents. Council’s aim is to balance the impact of filming on residents with these wider community advantages.

Published Date 11-Jun-2025

Tree Crashes Into Avalon Family Home

A large gum tree crashed into a home at Avalon Beach last Thursday evening, forcing a family to flee their residence during stormy weather.

Emergency services were called to Buyuma Place, Avalon Beach, off Catalpa Avenue, just after 7:15 PM on May 1. NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station, and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Warringah/Pittwater Unit responded to the incident, navigating wet conditions to reach the property located at the end of the cul-de-sac backing onto Stapleton Reserve.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered significant structural damage to the house caused by the fallen tree. Six people were inside the home when the incident occurred, including two elderly and infirm residents.

Firefighters assisted all occupants from the damaged structure to the street, where paramedics assessed them. Despite the severity of the incident, the residents sustained only minor scrapes, with none requiring hospitalisation or further medical treatment.

Authorities deemed the badly damaged house too dangerous for the residents to return. The displaced family was collected by relatives and taken to stay in a nearby home.

SES volunteers were unable to remove the large fallen tree in the dark and stormy conditions but secured the area to ensure the tree posed no additional threat to neighbouring properties.

The incident occurred during a period of wet weather in the Northern Beaches area, with more rain expected in the coming days according to weather forecasts.

Published 2-May-2025

Clean Waters for Avalon

Report Findings and Statewide Overview

How Avalon Compares

Community Response

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Access

Bird Week Brings Community Together

Everyday Birds, Critical Information

Avalon’s Link to Bird History

Why Avalon Matters in 2025

Getting Involved from Avalon

One Village, Two Stories

Safety and Traffic at the Heart

Health Experts Warn of Long-Term Harm

Design Panel Echoes Community Fears

A Local Identity at Risk

1. Bistro Boulevard

About Bistro Boulevard4.7 Google Rating

Google Reviews

2. The Clareville

About The Clareville4.8 Google Rating

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3. Alma

About Alma4.3 Google Rating

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4. SUNSET DINER

About SUNSET DINER4.5 Google Rating

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About Fernando’s Peruvian Rotisserie4.6 Google Rating

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The Avalon Beach Incident

Community Reaction Divided

Council’s Stance on Filming Fees

State Push for Film Production

Local Filming History and Benefits

About Bistro Boulevard
4.7 Google Rating

About The Clareville
4.8 Google Rating

About Alma
4.3 Google Rating

About SUNSET DINER
4.5 Google Rating

About Fernando’s Peruvian Rotisserie
4.6 Google Rating