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Watsons Bay Walkabout, Sydney Australia

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

A look back from the ferry toward downtown Sydney

Watsons Bay, New South Wales is a suburb of Sydney Australia located at the end of the South Head peninsula. With gorgeous views of the harbor all the way to the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and cliff-top views of the Pacific, you’ll never tire of the picturesque scenery.

We spent two weeks in the Sydney area last fall, and enjoyed every. single. minute. This is a gorgeous, fun, clean and active city with so much to see and do. As mentioned in our previous post about my solo Manly Beach Walkabout, public transportation is reliable, comfortable and affordable. This is a shot taken from a ferry heading out of Circular Quay, the main transportation hub in downtown Sydney. If you don’t feel like walking around and exploring, just ride on a public ferry for a while and enjoy captivating views of the city and surrounding areas. As you’re about to see in this post, when visiting Sydney you better have a camera ready!

 

 the Sydney Opera House

As you head out into the harbor, you’ll pass the iconic Sydney Opera House. Easily viewed from various points around Sydney, I must have taken 500 photos of this one landmark.

 

A look back from the ferry toward downtown, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Sydney Opera House looks completely different from every angle. It’s a fascinating, enormous building that’s a must see. More on that later!

 

A look back from the ferry toward downtown, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

A look back from the ferry toward downtown, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

 

sailboats near Sydney Australia

On the weekends, sailboats are zipping around the bay, while tourists (like me) work to capture their best vacation images.

 

sailboats near Sydney Australia

 

sailboats near Sydney Australia

 

sailboats near Sydney Australia

 

sailboats near Sydney Australia

 

sailboats near Sydney Australia

 

Small plane taking off from the water near Watsons Bay, Sydney Australia

This guy has it all figured out. The commute must be gorgeous from above.

 

Beautiful seaside homes near Sydney Australia

If you’re thinking about moving to the area, check out the prices on real estate. For fun, we snooped around and found a small, two bedroom bungalow, not on the water, for about $1.2 million US. Not in our price range for sure!

 

Watsons Bay view from the ferry, Sydney Australia

After a short ferry ride we arrived at Watsons Bay.

 

Watsons Bay beach with restaurants

Watsons Bay beach is a popular destination year round, but especially on the weekends when the residents come out to play. With a lovely beach, plenty of restaurants, picnic areas and a playground, locals and tourists alike enjoy this quiet community.

 

Watsons Bay wharf

Looking back to Fishermans Wharf you’ll see the famous Doyles On the Wharf Takeaway and Bistro. There are two Doyle restaurant locations at Watsons Bay. The takeaway bistro on the ferry wharf is popular,  delicious and quick with walk-up service or open air al fresco seating. Wine and beer are on the menu so if you’re looking for a low-key, enjoyable, affordable and generous fish dinner, you’re in the right place!

The historic Doyles Restaurant located on the beach of Watsons Bay was first opened in 1885 by the Doyle family. Five generations of Doyles later, they have continued the tradition of serving amazing seafood to the visitors and residents of Watsons Bay. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour and eat amazing seafood!

 

Fish and Chips from Doyles Restaurant, Watsons Bay

The special of the day – Fish & Chips! A generous helping of golden fried fish with fries, a simple salad and Doyles own chilli plum sauce. Enjoyed by my husband and I under the big tree on a picnic table with views of Watsons Bay.

 

The Gap park near Watsons Bay Wharf

Family friendly, clean and easy to navigate, Watsons Bay is a lovely place to relax, hike, eat and dream.

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

After a short walk from the wharf up a hill through the park, you’ll arrive at a gorgeous area called The Gap. If you look in a guide book, like the one linked below, you’ll find directions for a three-hour walk along coastal cliffs and historic sites.

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

Sometimes it’s hard to tell how tall, or how big something is without a reference. At the top you can see little people standing along the fence, who are most likely taking a billion photos like me.

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

Roaring waves, salty air, gorgeous, gorgeous views. Nature at its best!

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

From here we could see site-seeing boats in the distance, along with the whales they were watching. This inspired us to take a trip out to see the whales – more on that later 🙂

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

 

Crashing waves on the cliffs by the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

I didn’t notice this until I was editing photos, but there is a ladder standing up halfway up the cliffs. Not sure why that is there and obviously I would never climb down there to it – so it will have to remain a mystery to me! More little people at the top.

 

 

Crashing waves on the walk around Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia

The anchor of the Dunbar, a ship that crashed near Sydney Australia

This plaque and anchor mark the location of Australia’s worst maritime disaster. The Dunbar crashed into the rocks in 1857 killing all but one of the 122 passengers on board. In 1920 the anchor from the Dunbar was recovered along with other relics that were placed in a museum in Watsons Bay. The anchor was placed on the trail near Jacob’s Ladder, the cleft in the cliff where the only survivor of the shipwreck was hauled to safety.

 

A view of Watsons Bay community from the Gap, with views of the cliffs and downtown Sydney

Walking toward the South Head, turn around and enjoy the view of the cliffs, Watsons Bay and downtown Sydney.

 

The cliffs at The Gap, Watsons Bay

 

The view toward South Head, Watsons Bay to Manly and the Pacific Ocean

 

The view from South Head, Watsons Bay to Manly and the Pacific Ocean

Looking to the South Head and beyond to Manly.

 

The view from South Head, Watsons Bay to Manly and the Pacific Ocean

Another view of Manly from Watsons Bay.

 

Camp Cove, Watsons Bay near Sydney Australia with docks and sailboats

The trail takes you along the beach of Camp Cove.

 

Camp Cove, Watsons Bay, New South Wales

 

A canon facing Sydney Australia from Watsons Bay

An old cannon used as part of the colonial defenses still stands just above Camp Cove.

 

Lady Bay Beach, Watsons Bay

A little farther along the path you will pass by Lady Bay Beach. There are very steep steps from the pathway down to the beautiful beach. However, in a know-before-you-go heads-up style, this is a nudist beach. No dogs are allowed so leave your fur covered friends at home. Just my luck it was too cold to swim so I skipped the skinny dipping. And, all I “saw” was a fully clothed fisherman with no fish…hehe.

 

Hornby Lighthouse, Watsons Bay, South Wales

At the point of South Head you will arrive at the Hornby Lighthouse, marking the harbour’s entrance.

 

Hornby Lighthouse, Watsons Bay, South Wales

With the Pacific Ocean to the right, Manly straight ahead and Watsons Bay back to the left, this lovely spot was worth the walk.

 

Watsons Bay with sailboats

Heading back to Watsons Bay for the ferry ride back to Sydney.

 

little boats at Watsons Bay harbour

Hope you enjoyed this post about an easy walkabout Watsons Bay. We have several more posts to come so stay tuned!

What to take:

  • A good guidebook or two with maps (see Amazon link below for our recommendation);
  • Bottled water and a snack;
  • With restaurants close by, you can plan to eat before the trip or on the way back;
  • Be sure to check the schedule for the last ferry back to Sydney;
  • Camera and cellphone (or a good cellphone camera);
  • Wear a proper hat, sunscreen and a good pair of walking shoes.

Let’s be travel buddies! If you enjoy one of our posts, please leave a comment here, or on Pinterest. If you share on INSTAGRAM use the hashtag #savingroomfordessert so we can stop by and give your post some love. And we’d be so happy if you would FOLLOW Saving Room for Dessert on FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM| PINTEREST | TWITTER | YOUTUBE for all the latest recipes, travel posts and updates.

 

 

We loved this travel book with great information about the area and detailed, step by step directions for nice day hikes like this one at Watsons Bay. Click on the photo for more information:

If you decide to purchase something at Amazon after following my affiliate link, I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog. Thanks for supporting SRFD!

 

Fairy Bower coastal pool, Manly near Sydney Australia

Check out our post about the day hike around Manly Beach too!

Share the adventure – thanks for PINNING!

Watsons Bay, New South Wales is a suburb of Sydney Australia located at the end of the South Head peninsula. With gorgeous views of the harbor all the way to the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and cliff-top views of the Pacific, you'll love the easy walk and picturesque scenery. #savingroomfordessert #travel #hikearoundsydney #sydney #australia #watsonsbay #walkabout

Thanks so much for stopping by! Tricia

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18 Comments

  1. Susan says

    June 14, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Glorious photos! I love the beautiful rock formations around the bay. Stunning blue water too!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 14, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      I was stunned at the beauty Susan – photos really don’t do it justice 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  2. 2 Sisters Recipes says

    June 13, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    Beautiful photos – thank you for taking us on your adventure!!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you for coming along Anna 😉

      reply to this comment >
  3. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    June 13, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    So blue, clear and beautiful!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      It is so pretty Angie. Like another world!

      reply to this comment >
  4. Pam says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:21 am

    Great photos, Tricia! Love that gorgeous water, and the photos of it and cliffs and sky, beautiful! That tree reminds me of some in Key West. Opera house has to be great. Thanks for sharing!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you Pam 😉

      reply to this comment >
  5. sue @theviewfromgreatisland says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:15 am

    Tricia somebody needs to pay you for these incredible photos of this magical place, they’re absolutely stunning!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      Okay – that would be terrific! Thanks for the kind words Sue.

      reply to this comment >
  6. monique says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:04 am

    Outstanding pics!!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      Thanks Monique – a real compliment coming from you. I always adore your photos … all of them!

      reply to this comment >
  7. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    June 13, 2018 at 10:36 am

    The Sydney Opera House has such an iconic shape! Neat building. LOVE the pictures. And thanks for sharing them. I really must make it to Australia — so pretty.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      Thanks John.

      reply to this comment >
  8. Gerlinde says

    June 13, 2018 at 10:10 am

    Thank you for taking me on a trip with these gorgeous photos Tricia.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      Thanks for going with us Gerlinde!

      reply to this comment >
  9. Larry says

    June 13, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Gorgeous shots Tricia.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:35 am

      Thanks Larry – it was an epic trip!

      reply to this comment >

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