Avalon

Avalon occupies a central position on a narrow neck of land on the northern tip of the Warringah Peninsula. To its east, the Pacific Ocean rolls in, while to the west are the sheltered waters of Pittwater. Avalon and neighbouring Newport, Whale and Palm Beach are the northernmost links in Sydney's renowned chain of northern beaches.

The original Avalon, of course, was the mythical island paradise to which the mortally-wounded King Arthur was transported. While there is nothing mythical about Sydney's Avalon, it loses little in comparison with its namesake of Celtic legend.

Certainly, the northern peninsula is as close to Eden as many of Sydney's rich, famous and powerful and their guests want to be, and a stroll along the local beaches is likely to lead you to close encounters with the cream of the jet set who keep substantial and secluded weekend pads on the local version of millionaire"s row.

Thankfully, however, the superb beaches remain an essential part of the public domain.