Did this Sydney beach suburb inspire the hit TV series Big Little Lies?

Written by David E Kelley for the small screen, the Emmy-winning series is based on the novel by Liane Moriarty and stars, among others, Nicole Kidman and Reece Witherspoon as women dealing with careers, motherhood and school in a glossy beachside community.

Whilst the setting was in a “fictional” community, there are many parallels to the seaside suburb of Avalon with its sweeping ocean views, multi-million dollar real estate and high flying community – with or without the drama.

Real estate giant Domain has produced its own series on the suburb, Avalon Now, a parody of the lifestyle the residents live in the sun-kissed community, revealing “the true struggle of life on Sydney’s northern beaches.”

Stephanie Hammond, principal of Shores Real Estate in Avalon Beach told Domain that it’s a peaceful community however and one in which people come together.

 “There’s an easiness about Avalon, an old-fashioned vibe that’s very appealing. In a world that feels quite threatening, especially to parents of young children, it feels sunny and safe.”

Avalon local and full-time mother, Lucy Creegan told Domain that the book is not her perception of where she lives, “Avalon’s a friendly place. In my nine years here, I can only think of one example of nasty gossip on Facebook.”

Retired historian Jan Roberts says told Domain she fears the suburb will become too crowded as a result of all the attention it receives. “The trouble is, Avalon is getting far too much publicity. We’ve got one of the largest primary schools in the state. It’s bulging at the seams,” she says.“We are absolutely mushrooming – like most of Sydney.”