Watsons Bay: Serene Beaches, Stunning Views
Watsons Bay is one of the most popular side-trips from the Sydney Central Business District, made all the more appealing by the fact that it can be accessed by a stunningly scenic boat ride from Circular Quay. The historic suburb of Watsons Bay sits at the tip of the South Head peninsula at the mouth of Sydney Harbour, a leisurely 40-minute cruise away by public ferry.
A number of attractions within strolling distance of the ferry make Watsons Bay a perfect half-day or day-long excursion. The natural beauty of Sydney Harbour National Park and the abundance of magnificent viewpoints make it an exceptional area for walkers and photographers, while those who'd rather lounge on a beach or sun themselves in the comfort of a harbourside beer garden will be equally rewarded.
Watsons Bay Beach is a small, sheltered anchorage, backed by parkland and dotted with bobbing fishing boats and pleasure crafts. Here you’ll find Sydney's most famous seafood restaurant, Doyles, and just next door, the Watsons Bay Hotel, one of the city's most sublimely located watering holes. Across the road from Watsons Bay Beach is The Gap, a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint with imposing sheer cliffs and a view of the open ocean stretching to the horizon.
The best beach for swimming is Camp Cove, a calm, protected crescent shaped stretch of sand with good opportunities for snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Camp Cove marks the start of a short walk through Sydney Harbour National Park to the historic Hornby Lighthouse. On the way you’ll pass a cannon installed to protect Sydney Harbour in WWII, and the secluded, rocky Lady Bay, one of the harbour's few "clothing optional" beaches. While bathing suits are tolerated at this beach, you’ll probably feel a little less conspicuous if you let it all hang free! Another popular walk starts at The Gap and traverses the cliff tops past the old signal station to the spectacular Macquarie Lighthouse in the adjoining suburb of Vaucluse.
Watsons Bay is paradise for photographers, with so many incredible viewpoints taking in the city skyline to the west, the vast Pacific Ocean to the east and the weather-worn cliffs and crashing waves of the headlands to the north. The area is rich in history (points of interest are well signposted) and home to many exceptional examples of late-Victorian and early 20th century architecture. Several of Sydney's most expensive waterfront mansions dot the shorelines of Watsons Bay and Camp Cove, within spitting distance of the exclusive Vaucluse Yacht Club.
Posted on Feb 6, 2011 by Fiona Davies
