Watsons Bay

Overview

Watsons Bay is a tranquil harbourside village at South Head, the northernmost point of Sydney's eastern suburbs. Camp Cove beach offers calm harbour swimming, while the clifftop walk to The Gap and South Head Heritage Trail provides dramatic ocean views.

Highlights

• Camp Cove: A small, sheltered harbour beach with crystal-clear water — one of Sydney's best swimming spots.
• The Gap: Dramatic ocean cliffs on the eastern side of South Head.
• South Head Heritage Trail: A 3 km walk to the Hornby Lighthouse (1858), the oldest lighthouse in the harbour.

History

Named after Robert Watson, quartermaster of the First Fleet's HMS Sirius, Watsons Bay has been a fishing village since 1803. It became a fashionable seaside resort in the Victorian era.

Visitor Tips

• Ferry: The Watsons Bay ferry from Circular Quay (25 min) is the most scenic approach.
• Sunset: The Gap and Camp Cove face west — spectacular at sunset.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.