Located on South Head in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, this quaint little suburb was once a fishing village.
Now, it is a modern suburb with weatherboard houses that line the streets and harbour.
Just as popular amongst the locals as it is tourists, this harbour side suburb is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Rich with history as one of the first places settled in Sydney and the first point of access through Sydney Harbour.
Upon arrival into Watsons Bay you immediately feel like you are a world away.
Watson Bay has no traffic lights and very little traffic, except on hot summer days when locals flock to swim at Camp Cove to cool off.
The South Head Heritage trail begins near the kiosk at Camp Cove and takes you past the old cannon and up through Sydney Harbour National Park with views to Manly and North Head before reaching Hornby Lighthouse.
Once you reach the lighthouse, you can see the remains of the underground tunnels left behind from the 1870s where they connected the gun emplacements and stored the gun powder.
The trail then loops back to Camp Cove and passes the Navy Base HMAS Watson before returning.
The Gap is located on the oceanside of Watsons Bay and has spectacular views of the sheer cliffs that line the eastern suburbs of Sydney and views of the harbour and Sydney CBD in the distance.
At first sight this scenery is spectacular, but there is also a darker side to The Gap with a grave history.
Once you take a closer look around, the area is filled with many security cameras and emergency lifeline phones for those in need of help.
It is a solemn reminder of the many people that take their lives each year at this location.
After exploring Watsons Bay, be sure to sit and enjoy Doyle’s famous fish and chips or if you happen to be there on a Saturday afternoon in summer then enjoy the live music at Watsons Bay Hotel while taking in the amazing view of Sydney.
Getting There and Away
To get to Watsons Bay from Circular Quay, you can take the bus 324 or 325 or the ferry from dock number 4 for a scenic journey through the harbour passing through Double Bay and Rose Bay.
Please be sure to check the return ferry times.
