Guest The Pom Queen Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 If you love spending time by the sea and a luxurious holiday atmosphere, you'll want to visit Watsons Bay while you're in Sydney. There are five beaches you can explore, a gentle walking trail from Sydney Harbour National Park through toHornby Lighthouse and several waterside restaurants. Located at the edge of a narrow peninsula, you'll get to see cliffs, wide ocean vistas and an uninterrupted view across North Head and Manly from one direction. In the other direction, you'll see theSydney city skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whether you're visiting solo, with family or on a getaway with your friends, there are plenty of things to see and do and some great spots to eat and drink, so you can look forward to enjoying a memorable day out! Getting to Watsons Bay Sydney Go east from Circular Quay and follow the shoreline, or north from Bondi following the coast and you'll reach Watsons Bay, next to the peninsula at South Head. From Circular Quay, just take the bus or catch a ferry for the gorgeous 25-minute scenic route. The cheapest time to visit is on Sunday, when all public transport is capped at a $2.60 maximum fare for the full day. Drivers please note, parking on the narrow streets near the main precinct can be difficult, but you'll find plenty of parking on Cliff St, near the heritage trail and Camp Cove Beach. Parking is also available on Old South Head Road and any of the nearby residential streets including Derby St and RussellSt. If you travel to Watsons Bay via Old South Head Road there's a beautiful view across the ocean – just remember to keep your eyes on the road! Beaches at Watsons Bay Watsons Bay features five beaches, all located on the harbour end of the peninsula where the water is calm and suitable for a relaxing swim. Facing west towards to the city skyline, you'll be perfectly positioned to watch a stunning sunset. Gibson's Beach and Camp Cove are fantastic for sunbathing – they're more spacious than the main beaches near the wharf and feel a little more private as they’re further away from the busier central area. For the more daring, visit the beach at Lady Bay where clothing is 100% optional! Gibson’s Beach South of Watsons Bay Wharf, follow Marine Parade, head past the ocean baths and the tea rooms and wrap aroundWatsons Bay Pilot Club to find Gibson’s Beach. It features 120 metres of sand and a grassy recreation area. You won't be able to see as much of the city, but you can enjoy a much more private experience than at Wharf Beach. You'll find residential houses nestled within the trees on the south side. The Vaucluse Yacht Club extends through the water and separates the bay from Vaucluse's Kutti Beach. It’spopular with the locals for dog walking and kayaking. Wharf Beach South Located south of Watsons Bay Wharf and to the right of thejetty, Wharf Beach South is a narrow belt of sand extending down to the Watsons Bay Baths with an incredible view of the Sydney city skyline and the Harbour Bridge. It's a lovely place to visit backed by Robertson Park, with Doyle’s Fish Bar on the north side offering a wonderful dining experience. Wharf Beach North of Watsons Bay Wharf, the main area of Wharf Beach extends 200 metres up to the rocks at Laing Point. It offers a seaside promenade feel, complete with brightly coloured dinghies and cute coastal houses. If you're looking to relax and lie down on the sand, you may find this beach a bit toonarrow and rocky, but this beach has plenty of charm for sightseers. Camp Cove Beach Located north of Wharf Beach, you'll find Camp Cove Beach.Accessible from Laing Point and Cliff Street, it’s wider than Wharf Beach and offers plenty of space to sunbathe and alittle more privacy as it is located further from the main area. Refreshments are available from the kiosk on the Cliff St side. The sand is coloured deep gold and the view is backed by impressive houses. Lady Jane If you love spending time by the sea and a luxurious holiday atmosphere, you'll want to visit Watsons Bay while you're in Sydney. There are five beaches you can explore, a gentle walking trail from Sydney Harbour National Park through toHornby Lighthouse and several waterside restaurants. Located at the edge of a narrow peninsula, you'll get to see cliffs, wide ocean vistas and an uninterrupted view across North Head and Manly from one direction. In the other direction, you'll see theSydney city skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whether you're visiting solo, with family or on a getaway with your friends, there are plenty of things to see and do and some great spots to eat and drink, so you can look forward to enjoying a memorable day out! Getting to Watsons Bay Sydney Go east from Circular Quay and follow the shoreline, or north from Bondi following the coast and you'll reach Watsons Bay, next to the peninsula at South Head. From Circular Quay, just take the bus or catch a ferry for the gorgeous 25-minute scenic route. The cheapest time to visit is on Sunday, when all public transport is capped at a $2.60 maximum fare for the full day. Drivers please note, parking on the narrow streets near the main precinct can be difficult, but you'll find plenty of parking on Cliff St, near the heritage trail and Camp Cove Beach. Parking is also available on Old South Head Road and any of the nearby residential streets including Derby St and RussellSt. If you travel to Watsons Bay via Old South Head Road there's a beautiful view across the ocean – just remember to keep your eyes on the road! Beaches at Watsons Bay Watsons Bay features five beaches, all located on the harbour end of the peninsula where the water is calm and suitable for a relaxing swim. Facing west towards to the city skyline, you'll be perfectly positioned to watch a stunning sunset. Gibson's Beach and Camp Cove are fantastic for sunbathing – they're more spacious than the main beaches near the wharf and feel a little more private as they’re further away from the busier central area. For the more daring, visit the beach at Lady Bay where clothing is 100% optional! Gibson’s Beach South of Watsons Bay Wharf, follow Marine Parade, head past the ocean baths and the tea rooms and wrap aroundWatsons Bay Pilot Club to find Gibson’s Beach. It features 120 metres of sand and a grassy recreation area. You won't be able to see as much of the city, but you can enjoy a much more private experience than at Wharf Beach. You'll find residential houses nestled within the trees on the south side. The Vaucluse Yacht Club extends through the water and separates the bay from Vaucluse's Kutti Beach. It’spopular with the locals for dog walking and kayaking. Wharf Beach South Located south of Watsons Bay Wharf and to the right of thejetty, Wharf Beach South is a narrow belt of sand extending down to the Watsons Bay Baths with an incredible view of the Sydney city skyline and the Harbour Bridge. It's a lovely place to visit backed by Robertson Park, with Doyle’s Fish Bar on the north side offering a wonderful dining experience. Wharf Beach North of Watsons Bay Wharf, the main area of Wharf Beach extends 200 metres up to the rocks at Laing Point. It offers a seaside promenade feel, complete with brightly coloured dinghies and cute coastal houses. If you're looking to relax and lie down on the sand, you may find this beach a bit toonarrow and rocky, but this beach has plenty of charm for sightseers. Camp Cove Beach Located north of Wharf Beach, you'll find Camp Cove Beach.Accessible from Laing Point and Cliff Street, it’s wider than Wharf Beach and offers plenty of space to sunbathe and alittle more privacy as it is located further from the main area. Refreshments are available from the kiosk on the Cliff St side. The sand is coloured deep gold and the view is backed by impressive houses. Lady Jane Beach Follow the track north of Camp Cove Beach and continue toLady Bay Road. You'll find Lady Jane Beach tucked away at Lady Bay under the sandy cliffs. Clothing is optional at this popular nudist beach. Watsons Bay Baths If you're not a fan of swimming in the open sea, check out the Watsons Bay Baths located in the middle of Wharf Beach South and Gibsons Beach. Towards the end you'll find a platform that offers a great place for sunbathing. South Head Heritage Trail and Hornby Lighthouse Take the steps from the north end of Camp Cove Beach and head past Lady Bay and you'll find the 470m loop walking track. While walking the South Head Heritage Trail you'll pass the historic Lightkeeper’s Cottages built in 1858, 19thcentury gun emplacements and the iconic red and white tower of Hornby Lighthouse. Robertson Park Nestled behind Wharf Beach South, Robertson Park is the place to go if you're looking for some shade. Complete with a great view of the city, toilets and children's playground facilities are also available. Clifftop Views at The Gap A short walk from Watsons Bay Wharf through Robertson Park will take you to The Gap Viewing Area, a great place to look out across the ocean as the waves crash into the cliffs below and enjoy a view that reaches across North Head. When you're done, there are plenty of buses you can catch from here to get to the restaurants located on Military Road. Looking the other way, you'll see across Watsons Bay and the city. For the ultimate view, follow the path heading towards Gap Park for a few minutes and keep to the left of the cliffs until you reach an opening in the trees, where you'll find the perfect spot to watch the sun set. Places to Eat and Drink at Watsons Bay Even though Watsons Bay is a small suburb, it punches well above its weight offering plenty of options to visit to eat and drink, from waterside dining, evening cocktails to cosy cafes. Beach Club at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel Directly opposite the wharf, the large outdoor dining area at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is impossible to miss with its enormous balcony and distinctive striped umbrellas. Voted asSydney’s most Instagrammable venue, the Beach Club servesup breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as cocktails with stunningsea views, and is a hot destination for events and surprise parties. Doyles on the Beach Established in 1885 and as a family restaurant for more thanfive generations, Doyles is located on the original site of Australia's first seafood restaurant. Look for the heritage building near the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, directly behind Wharf Beach on 11 Marine Parade and watch the sunset with a seaside view while you enjoy your meal. Doyles on the Wharf Right on the wharf, Doyles on the Wharf Seafood Takeaway(it's all in the name) is the place to eat the moment you get off the ferry. Perfect for a casual dinner on the sand while you watch the sunset. Dunbar House Next to Robertson Park, Dunbar House is a beautiful building that's a popular venue for weddings and events. It also features a café that's fully licensed and open on Sundays for both breakfast and lunch. Watsons Bay Tea Gardens Café South of the wharf you’ll find the Watsons Bay Tea Gardens. Across from the harbour pool, it's a very cute café that hasindoor and outdoor seating. Military Road A little further away from the seaside, there's plenty of options up Military Road behind Robertson Park. You'll find Eastern Bay Thai, Nautica Greek, Tucker Bar pizza and burgers, as well as a general store and café for everything you could need during your visit. We hope you have a wonderful time at Watsons Bay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARYROSE02 Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 I have not been down there for a while, though to be honest, I've not been to any beaches apart from one swim at Clovelly in March, and before that Cottesloe (WA) on Xmas Day. When I was brave enough to swim all year round Watsons Bay is good because it has a permanent shark net, as does Redleaf (or Murray Rose as it is now, though I saw it called Red Leaf this week with a picture of Sydney Swans players having a dip.) Nielsen Park and Parsley Bay lose their shark nets during the winter. I used to go to the beach almost every arvo when I was not working and when I had a car. Now I work evenings Mon to Friday and I don't have a car. I never replaced it after it failed the rego last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon the Hat Posted November 20, 2018 Share Posted November 20, 2018 I love Watson's bay area. Just need to win the Lottery and I'll be sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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