Watsons Bay and Sydney Harbour National Park

Take the city ferry which is still the most popular way to go over to the bay starting from Circular Quay. This is about a 20 minute ride of pure pleasure and relaxation as you take in the beautiful scenery of the harbour including: Sydney Bridge, The famous Opera House and several bays. Public transportation is especially advantageous on weekends as there is very limited parking.

The Watsons Bay fishing village is the oldest in Australia dating back to 1778. This area still is a flourishing inlet favoured for its fresh seafood and picturesque views. Watsons Bay is where governor Phillip the first governor of New South Wales and his party first came ashore January 21 1788.

Things to do in Watson Bay

There is many things to do here: swimming, hiking, paddling, canoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, sightseeing, birdwatching and witnessing native wildlife, picnics and barbecues, restaurants, cafes, and kiosks and during the winter be sure to take in some spectacular whale watching as the whales head north for their annual migration.

Take a scroll back in time as you walk and explore the culture from the past. You will see a wide variety of structures such as buildings built by prisoners, historic lighthouses, military fortifications plus aboriginal sites

A short stretch from the Watsons Bay ferry wharf, on the east side of the harbour of South Head, is Camp Cove Beach. This gorgeous sandy beach with stunning views of Sydney's skyline is a great place for the whole family. Its calm waters make it excellent for swimming or snorkelling and the sandy beach is ideal for relaxing or sauntering along the beautiful coastline while taking in the breathtaking harbour views. There is ice cream and drinks for sale at the nearby kiosk or bring your own picnic.

Exploring Watson Bay on foot

Select one of the two walking paths to explore. Both take about one hour for a round trip starting from the Watsons Bay wharf. The first one, South Head Heritage trail, gives you a rare look at history coupled with beautiful views starting at the north end of the beach and directing you past Lady Bay Beach. This beach is for serious sunbathers as it is a legal nudist beach where clothes are optional. Continue along the trail past historic gun emplacements to South Head Hornby lighthouse. This red and white striped lighthouse tower was built in 1858 after the shipwreck of Dunbar happened in 1857 where 121 lives were lost at the foot of South Head. The lighthouse gives you gorgeous panoramic views from Middle Head and North Head in the north to Sydney harbour looking west and to the east lies the widespread Pacific Ocean where you are able to enjoy whale watching during the winter migration.

The second walking trail heads south past the Gap. This is an ocean cliff on the east side that faces the Tasman Sea and sadly today it is well known as a suicide spot, with many deaths each year. These cliffs located in the Woollahra Municipality overlook the spot where the Dunbar a sailing ship was shipwrecked in 1857 killing 121 people. The Dunbar unfortunately mistook the bay of the Gap as the harbour entrance and sailed into the rocky cliff. There were 63 passengers and 59 crew members on board the ship. Only 1 person survived this horrific accident. Today the anchor of the Dunbar is placed on the cliff with an memorial tablet.

Continue following the trail past the Gap, followed by the signal station, the oldest facility that has been in continuous use since it was installed in Australia and next the Macquarie lighthouse which opened in 1818 making it the first and longest operating lighthouse in Australia.

Doyles at Watsons Bay — Sydney's first seafood restaurant

One of Sydney's most famous seafood restaurants is Doyles. You will spot Doyles restaurant as soon as you arrive in Watsons Bay. Its location is right on the shoreline of the bay where you can wine and dine while overlooking Sydney Harbour. Relax and enjoy the exquisite panoramic views. Doyles Seafood has been owned by 5 generations of the same family since 1885 when first opening its doors. To experience your fresh seafood at Australia's first ever seafood restaurant, you may either dine in or take out. Doyles is opened 7 days a week.

You will find the Watson Bay Hotel, restaurants, cafes plus the HMAS naval training base is located close by at South Head.

Camp Cove is Wheelchair accessible from Watson Bay ferry wharf.

It would be a good idea wear sunscreen and bring a sun shelter or umbrella as the beach has hardly any shade.

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Hours: 24/7

Address: Watsons Bay, Sydney, NSW

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