Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon, NSW 2107

Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade are at the heart of Avalon. Over recent years there have been a number of (re)developments that have significantly improved the appeal of the area.

The majority of housing in this central location comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units making it ideal for young couples, downsizers or small families. Living in Old Barrenjoey Road means you are close to shops, cafes and public transport. The beach is also only a 3 minutes walk away.

For people considering apartment living and who desire a central location then Old Barrenjoey Road is certainly worth consideration.

In times past, this road (and the intersected Avalon Parade) was the crux of a fairly sleepy village lifestyle on the route to the posher and more expensive Palm Beach. A beautiful beach, a few café’s, a small Woollies, library, large primary school, and not a lot else.

In recent years however, this area has boomed and Old Barrenjoey has become one of the central hubs of the far ends of the Northern Beaches and the Pittwater Peninsula.

As a result, many more gift stores, designer clothing shops, and of course cafés and restaurants have sprung up. Many of these are of course welcome (there is now even a Subway, which is popular amongst the teens), but there does seem to be something of a glut.

A few years ago, when The Cook’s Larder (a café with deli like produce) began trading, it was a welcome addition to the road. But now, it is almost impossible to get a table on a Sunday morning, and if you are ‘lucky’ enough to do so, you may wait a long time for your coffee – albeit very good when it does arrive.

One of the problems occurs, as summer hits. It’s not just The Cook’s Larder of course – but the whole area. As summer arrives, so do the tourists, the kids are off school… the area transforms. Unfortunately this means no parking spots, too many crowds. Not so bad if you live in walking distance, but otherwise some locals tend to steer clear of Old Barrenjoey Rd in Avalon at this time of year.