Watson’s Bay is a beautiful area on the eastern side of Sydney. The perfect place to enjoy the view of city skyline with the Sydney Harbor Bridge in the background! I have prepared a mini guide that helps you while planning trip to the Watsons Bay. What to do in here?
Chilling at the park
Roberson Park is a perfect place for a picnic – take a blanket, or if you want to be more comfortable use the shelter benches. In addition there are electric barbeques, of course free of charge. There is a nice playground, your kids will also have plenty of space to run around, play ball, etc.
There are public toilets available.
The beaches
Watsons Bay has a few small, but very lovely beaches. Their great advantage is that they are never as crowded compare to the popular Bondi or Coogee Beach.
Gibson’s Beach is right at the pier/jetty, where you get off the ferry. As an illustration imagine a lot of sailboats, which beautifully fit into the panorama of the city. Seeing that adds some magic, especially during the sunset.
Walking along you get to Camp Cove Beach. If you like to swim surrounded by greenery, overlooking Sydney’s most iconic buildings, this is the spot! Not to mention a lovely cafe by the beach, where you can get drinks, or a meal, simple snacks.
Just a few minutes away, you will find Lady Bay Beach, a nudist beach. If you wish to dive into the waves naked, connect to nature, you will feel at home. Caution! The beach is quite visible from the main walk path, so you might get some eyes on you 12
The Gap Lookout
As soon as you cross the street, on the other side of the park, the views are equally interesting. Huge cliffs and waves crashing against them is an impressive view! I recommend walking along the marked route, enjoying the surroundings.
Hornsby Lighthouse
Above all this walk is a must and you really do not want to miss the Hornsby lighthouse. It can be accessed from two sides – by walking through Camp Cove Beach and pass by Lady Bay Beach, or from the Gap lookout. The South Head Heritage Trail is a short walk, with nice views along the way.
Walks
The area of Watsons Bay is not huge to walk around, but as I have noted above there are things to do here! If you are looking for a longer excursion, I recommend a walk along the coast from The Gap to Diamond Bay Reserve (walking around the serene nature, you will see another lighthouse and even more beautiful cliffs) or alternatively from Watson’s Bay to Rose Bay.
Restaurants
Doyles – is a restaurant on the jetty where the ferry arrives. Eat in or take away and make yourself comfortable on the beach. There is a separate bar for ordering takeaway meal.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel – it’s an ideal place for big gatherings and partying also you have options to have brekkie, lunch or dining. You can also stay here overnight and wake up to a view of the beautiful bay.
How to get Watson Bay?
By car – there are many parking spots for free. Be aware to check the signs! On the weekend I recommend to come early, if you want to secure a spot, otherwise you will be making circles to spot who is about to leave the place. I got lucky mostly but choice is yours.
By Ferry (my recommendation) – Circular Quay ferry departs from Wharf 2 (get here by train or bus). It leaves every 30 minutes and the journey takes around half an hour. On this occasion you can admire the Opera House from the water side!
By Train and Bus – Go to Bondi Junction Station and catch bus number 324 or 325 from there.
