Heritage 

Avalon was originally part of a 1200 acre grant which was awarded to Rev. JJ Therry in 1833. Apart from a failed coal mine, there was little development until 1920. AJ Small purchased the land, subdivided and named it Avalon. He established Palmgrove Park, the golf course and planted the Norfolk Island Pines along the beachfront. He saw Avalon as a retreat similar to that of King Arthur at Avalon, Glastonbury, England.

Plants

The North Avalon Headland supports primarily a Coastal Scrub vegetative community on shale. It is comprised of Coast Banksia, Coastal Teatree and Coast Wattle. Amongst these are a ground layer of grasses, vines and grass-like plants including Kangaroo Grass and Sea Rush.

On the southern end of the reserve is a small pocket of Coastal Scrub on Sandstone. This is made up of Scrub She-Oaks and Coast Banksias with a ground layer which is generally sparse. Spiny Mat Rush, Common Maidenhair and Weeping Meadow Grass are the more common species.

Animals

St Michael’s Cave is a very significant fauna habitat as it is used for roosting by several hundred Common Bentwing Bats and some Large-eared Pied Bats, both of conservation significance.

The reserve is also prime habitat for a variety of sea-birds and raptors. The Sooty Oystercatcher is often sighted foraging on the rock platforms below. It feeds on a wide variety of prey including mollusc, crustaceans and sea worms.

Avalon is known to be home to the few remaining koalas in Pittwater. Although there have been no sightings of Koalas in the reserve, the reserve is vegetated with suitable food tree species and in the future could be a possible feeding and refuge area.

Aboriginal heritage 

Avalon Headland is home to a number of Aboriginal heritage sites. It is known that there is at least one shelter site, one art site and at least one midden.  Further sites may be discovered in the future. These show that the area played an important part in the lives of the local Guringai people.

Special interest 

Avalon Headland features a number of vertical doleritic dykes including St Michaels Cave. St Michaels’s Cave is a magnificent geological feature that extends up to 110 metre into the cliff face. The original owner, Rev. John Therry had plans to deliver lectures with in the Cave and even build a church above it.