Newport Archives - Avalon News

Final Works underway on Newport to Bilgola Shared Path

Work on the new shared path linking Newport to The Serpentine at Bilgola Beach is progressing well, with the project on track for completion in September 2026, weather permitting.

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Construction began in September 2025, and the latest update from Northern Beaches officials showed crews are now working through the final stages of the project. The new off-road shared path will connect Newport with Bilgola via Eric Green Reserve and is designed for a range of users, including walkers, bike riders and people using mobility scooters.

Scope of works (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)

Among the works now underway are the installation of the final fibreglass reinforced plastic platforms on elevated sections, concrete being poured for the last sections of on-ground path, and the installation of balustrades and handrails.

Crews are also completing the connection to the existing Bicentennial walkway at the Newport Beach car park, along with line marking and signage. While the path includes features such as handrails and a non-slip surface, Council says a fully accessible path with a compliant gradient cannot be provided throughout the entire route because of the natural terrain and space constraints.

Raised threshold takes shape

Coast walk raised threshold (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)

At The Serpentine, crews are also completing a raised threshold where the new shared path ends. The threshold is designed to provide a transition for bike riders onto The Serpentine and for walkers heading towards the existing walkway down to Bilgola Beach via the stairs.

The work requires a stop-go arrangement and part road closure, with traffic control in place to help people move safely around the work area.

Once the construction work is complete, contractors will largely demobilise from the site compound at the Newport Beach car park and continue with landscaping works. Low-impact lighting will also be incorporated along the route, while the path features a non-slip surface and handrails.

Northern Beaches officials said the project is intended to provide a safer, smoother connection between Newport and Bilgola away from traffic and steep terrain.

Night works scheduled

Further work is scheduled along Barrenjoey Road during the week beginning August 31. Four night shifts are planned from 8pm to 5am on Monday, August 31, Tuesday, September 1, Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4, weather permitting.

The overnight work is needed to safely backfill the length of the shared path along Barrenjoey Road using trucks and excavators. A stop-go slow closure of the southbound lane on Barrenjoey Road will be in place, with traffic management operating around the work area. Contractors have said they will minimise noise and disruption where possible.

If weather prevents the work from proceeding, the night shifts will be moved to the next available clear-weather window.

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The Newport to The Serpentine section is part of the broader Coast Walk project. Council is also finalising designs for future Bilgola works, including a connection between the beach car park and Allen Avenue, as well as a footpath and stairs linking the top of the Allen Avenue stairs to the roundabout on Barrenjoey Road.

Construction of those elements is anticipated to begin in 2027-28. Other proposed sections, including connections from The Serpentine towards Surfside Avenue, Surfside Avenue to Avalon Beach, and Whale Beach to Palm Beach via Whale Beach Road, still require revised designs, further consultation, and significant funding.

Published 29-August-2026

Avalon Public Safety Round-Up: 30 May to 5 June Incidents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police, fire, ambulance and surf lifesaving crews dealt with a series of reported incidents across Avalon Beach, Palm Beach, Bilgola Beach, Bilgola Plateau and Newport from Saturday, 30 May to Friday, 5 June, according to reports received by authorities.

Disorder Reports

A disturbance involving an intoxicated person was reported on Riviera Avenue, Avalon Beach, just after 12:30am on Sunday, 31 May. NSW Police attended the area.

Another disorder matter was recorded shortly after 8:00pm on Friday, 5 June, when NSW Police received information about a group of youths gathered near Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.

Assault Report

NSW Police attended Plateau Road, Avalon Beach, shortly after 9:30am on Sunday, 31 May, after a person was reportedly assaulted.

Theft And Break-In Matters

A reported break-in on Central Road, Avalon Beach, was referred to NSW Police shortly after 11:00am on Sunday, 31 May.

In Newport, police received a report shortly before 1:30pm on Sunday, 31 May, that goods had been stolen from a store on Barrenjoey Road.

Police were also sent to Livingstone Place, Newport, just before midday on Tuesday, 2 June, following a reported break-in.

A vehicle parked on Bardo Road, Newport, was the subject of a property theft report made to NSW Police just after 5:00am on Thursday, 4 June.

Traffic Incidents

On Ocean Road, Palm Beach, NSW Police and firefighters from Avalon Station responded just before 12:30am on Saturday, 30 May, after a single vehicle hit a parked car. No injuries were reported, and the vehicles were later towed.

A separate collision report was made to NSW Police just before 9:45am on Saturday, 30 May, on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach.

In Avalon Beach, NSW Police received a report just before 4:30pm on Wednesday, 3 June, about a motor vehicle collision on Elouera Road.

Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station and NSW Ambulance attended Plateau Road, Bilgola Plateau, shortly after 1:00pm on Monday, 1 June, after a vehicle hit a parked car. A man in his 80s was assessed by paramedics for a chest injury and taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

On Barrenjoey Road, Newport, near Bramley Avenue, NSW Ambulance came across a two-car collision shortly after 6:00pm on Thursday, 4 June. No injuries were reported.

Fire And Hazard Responses

Firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station were called to Bilgola Beach just after 10:15am on Sunday, 31 May, after a fire was reported in the sand dunes. Crews found a campfire and put it out with sand.

A gas leak was reported on Queens Parade, Newport, just before 9:00am on Monday, 1 June. Fire and Rescue NSW Mona Vale Station attended and found that street works had damaged a gas line. The road was closed until Jemena arrived to carry out repairs.

Later that day, just after 4:00pm, Fire and Rescue NSW Mona Vale Station responded to smoke reported at a Grandview Drive property in Newport. Firefighters found a small section of bush alight near a home and extinguished it using a hose reel from their truck.

Beach Reports

A Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrol detected a two-metre shark off the southern end of Bilgola Beach just after 11:30am on Monday, 1 June. No swimmers were at risk, and the beach was not patrolled at the time.

Another shark sighting was recorded just before 2:00pm the same day, when a Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrol identified a one-metre shark about 100 metres off the northern end of Bilgola Beach. No swimmers were at risk, and the beach remained unpatrolled.

Authorities responded to each reported matter according to the circumstances, with further inquiries continuing where required.

Published 6-June-2026

Avalon Pet Owners Warned as Tick Cases Triple in Early Season Surge

Photo Credit: Pexels

Families in Avalon are being urged to check their pets daily after reports confirmed that life-threatening tick paralysis cases have tripled across the region.

The Invisible Intruder

Veterinary clinics on the Northern Beaches have reported a worrying trend where the number of pets affected by these parasites has tripled compared to this time last year. The surge is driven by unseasonably warm weather and high humidity, creating perfect breeding conditions earlier than usual.

While many owners assume their animals are safe if they stay inside, experts at Sydney Animal Hospitals, which operates in Newport and Avalon, warn that fences and walls are no longer enough protection.

Dr Ben Brown, a vet at the hospital, explained that ticks are incredibly opportunistic. He noted that staff members are seeing cats that have never left their property succumb to tick paralysis. These parasites easily hitch a ride indoors on human clothing, other household pets, or local wildlife. Dr Brown stressed that it takes only a single tick bite to cause severe paralysis, making vigilance essential even for animals that spend their days on the couch.

A Close Call for Tiggy

The danger became all too real for Newport resident Lily Hewitson and her eight-year-old tabby cat, Tiggy. The family rushed Tiggy to the hospital after she became lethargic, disoriented, and struggled to breathe. Ms Hewitson later recalled realising something was wrong when her cat refused food and could not walk properly the next morning.

Upon arrival, the veterinary team quickly located and removed a large paralysis tick near the cat’s shoulder blade. Tiggy required oxygen therapy and overnight hospitalisation to survive the ordeal. Ms Hewitson admitted that Tiggy had missed just one prevention tablet, which was all the opportunity the tick needed. She expressed relief at having her pet home and hoped her experience would remind others that tick prevention is vital for all pets, not just those who roam the bush.

Recognising the Signs

Time is the most critical factor when dealing with tick paralysis. Dr Brown advised owners to watch closely for early warning signs, such as wobbliness in the back legs, a change in the pet’s bark or meow, vomiting, or laboured breathing. He stated that immediate veterinary treatment is necessary, often involving antiserum and oxygen support.

To keep pets safe, the veterinary team recommends consistent use of preventative measures like monthly chews, topicals, or collars. Dr Brown mentioned that dog owners can also ask about a yearly injection that offers continuous protection. To help the community stay ahead of this early season spike, Sydney Animal Hospitals is currently offering free lump checks throughout November.

Published Date 24-November-2025

Around the Bends: Avalon Beach’s Iconic Swim Challenge Returns

Avalon Beach SLSC is gearing up for the return of Around the Bends, the annual swim challenge from Newport to Avalon. This year’s event, however, will have a few changes but it will still be a fun workout for adults and kids with the beautiful Northern Beaches as the backdrop.

Set for Sunday, 21 March 2021, Around the Bends will start at Newport at 8:00 a.m. with the 2.5 kilometres swim challenge to Avalon, whilst another competition will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a shorter distance of 1.2 kilometres.

Participants must take note of the courses:

DISTANCE	ROUTE
Newport to Avalon (2.5km)	– Starts at the northern end of Newport Beach – Head out around the headland, past Bilgola Beach, then past another headland into Avalon
Avalon (1.2km)	– Starts at the northern end of the beach – North Avalon Express – Head out to southern headland to around the middle of the beach and then straight in towards the clubhouse

The Newport to Avalon route is open for swimmers above 13 years old, whilst the journey off Avalon Beach is perfect for 10-year-old kids and above.

Parents who are swimming with minors will need to fill out an online entry for their children before the event. Due to the pandemic threats, this year’s Around the Bends will be strictly registered. Swimmers who have not submitted their online confirmation by Saturday, 20 March 2021, at 3:00 p.m., will not be allowed to join on race day.

A special division will be opened for Back of the Pack, for groups who want to enjoy a more relaxing time in the water as their time won’t be recorded. The Back of the Pack won’t be eligible for prizes at the end of the event.

Around the Bends has a $40 entry fee, whether participants are swimming in one or both challenges. Register online to join.