Watsons Bay what to see or do

Watsons Bay is where Governor Phillip first landed in Australia. It’s also recognised as Australia’s oldest fishing village, having been established in 1788.

The Gap

An easy walk for about two hours you can begin by exploring the spectacular views of the Gap by walking to the top of Military Road and then following the walkway. South Head can be reached by walking up Cliff Street and then following the track round Camp Cove and on. Along the walk you will encounter historic and military sites, nautical history and historic buildings as well as some breathtaking views or there are two walking paths from the wharf, both require around one hour for the round trip. From the wharf you can walk north past Lady Bay

Lady Jane Nude Beach

(see their nude beach) and on to South Head and see the Hornsby Lighthouse. Alternatively, you can walk south past The Gap and take in Signal Station and Macquarie Lighthouse. See the site of the wreck of the Dunbar.

Admire the Macquarie Lighthouse, Australia’s first lighthouse, whose simple, satisfying lines testify to the skills of Governor Macquarie’s convict-architect, Francis Greenway.

Macquarie Lighthouse

Marvel at the dramatic views of The Gap, where the Pacific rollers explode against the cliffs.

Take a close look at the 80-metre sandstone cliffs at Raleigh Reserve, an open book of the earth’s history dating back 20 million years to the Triassic era.

Stop off for a seafood lunch in the shade at Robertson Park, beside the pub at Watsons Bay.

watsons bay beach

Don’t miss

* A night in one of the National Trust cottages at Camp Cove.
* The bikini-size beach at Camp Cove.
* A stroll past the boats in the cove at Watsons Bay.
* The hanging swamp on the south side of Diamond Bay Reserve.
* The views from the Memorial Chapel at HMAS Watson.