There’s a reason why Watsons Bay has some of the most expensive real estate in Sydney - it’s a stunning area with beautiful beaches, harbour and ocean views, and a relaxed, friendly vibe.
The Watsons Bay Walk will show you the best of the area in one easy trail. You can complete the whole walk in less than two hours or make a whole day of it, enjoying all the gorgeous spots along the way. As well as fantastic harbour and coastal views, this walk will take you to two pretty beaches and two iconic heritage lighthouses.
If you come between May and October you might even be lucky enough to see migrating Humpback whales from the cliff tops. It’s a stunning walk that even non-hikers will enjoy, as there’s very little elevation gain and the trail is in excellent condition.
So after a big introduction like that, here’s what to expect from the Watsons Bay Walk, one of the best harbour walks in Sydney.
Watsons Bay Walk
The stats
Distance: 7.5km (if you wanted a shorter walk you can stop before The Gap which is 3km)
Elevation: 167m
Difficulty: Easy
Start point: Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf
This walk definitely fits into the easy category, with a paved trail all the way and pretty modest inclines.
However, it’s worth dedicating 2-3 hours to, as the views here are spectacular, especially if you visit during the whale migration season.
Starting the trail to Camp Cove
Though you can park in Watsons Bay, the great thing about this walk is that it starts and ends at the ferry wharf. As the parking here is scarce, it is probably one of the few walks where public transport is preferable.
The trip over from Circular Quay takes 25 minutes and is one of the best ferry rides in the city, offering gorgeous views of the city and harbour.
Starting from the wharf, head left along the walkway beside the beach. You’ll pass the iconic Doyles fish restaurant, the old fishing boats on the shore and some pretty houses.
It’s a couple of hundred metres before you reach the end of the beach and head up the staircase and left onto Cove Street.
You’ll walk along this pretty, leafy street, past the Camp Cove Reserve and it’s huge Fig Tree, before turning right at the end of the road onto Victoria Street.
After 100m you’ll turn left and see the Camp Cove Beach and from this point on, until you return the same way, the walk is well signposted.
Continuing on to Lady Bay Beach
Camp Cove is a lovely beach, and very popular on the weekends, the water is calm and great for swimming. There’s also a cute kiosk selling freshly squeezed orange juice amongst other things.
Camp Cove Beach
Could be a beach bar in Asia - Camp Cove Beach
Cross over the beach and head up the stairway. You’ll see the picturesque little Lifeboat Shed which if you’re planning a leisurely walk is a nice place to sit and enjoy the view for a while.
Following the main trail, you’ll have sensational harbour views to your left all the way to the first lighthouse. The walk from the stairs along to the lighthouse is fully paved, but for one short cobblestone section, which makes for very easy walking.
Beside the sandstone cobbles there is an old cannon, placed there in 1890 to protect from military invasion.
It’s just under 500m from Camp Cove to Lady Bay Beach which is one of our favourite secret beaches in Sydney.
It’s absolutely stunning with great harbour views and cliffs on either side which makes it feel quite wild, despite the fact you can see the city from here.
The water is fairly calm and it’s a lovely spot for a dip. It is a nudist beach, so check it’s empty before taking photos!
On to the South Head
A couple of hundred metres beyond Lady Bay Beach you’ll reach the signpost for the South Head Heritage Trail. You’ll soon see a huge rocky cliff side to the left, which is a favourite picnic spot and also a nice place to watch the sunset.
The views to the city and out towards the heads are fantastic, and there are so many different ledges to sit on, that even though it often gets quite busy you can usually find a spot to relax.
Directly opposite the rocks you’ll see the old lighthouse keepers cottages which were built in 1858.
Just a few minutes further along is the Hornby Lighthouse, the third oldest in NSW.
The Hornby Lighthouse
It’s an impressive and photogenic lighthouse, we love the red and white stripes, although sadly the paint job looks a little worse for wear lately!
Despite that, we still love it, and it definitely has a rustic charm. The spot is incredibly atmospheric with phenomenal views out to the Middle and North Heads as well as the Pacific Ocean.
You can also see Manly a little further in the distance. You can’t go inside the lighthouse but you can climb the stairs on the exterior.
The rocks around the lighthouse are one of our favourite whale watching spots in Sydney, with great views out to the ocean. Don’t forget to look down and see the rock fishers, with the huge waves we have no idea how they hold their nerve!
Due to its location before the heads you can usually only see whales in the distance, rather than up close, but it’s still completely enchanting to watch them spray and breach from afar.
You’ll often see big congregations of whale watching boats which gives you an idea where to look and then they are pretty easy to spot.
Continuing on towards The Gap
From Hornby Lighthouse, continue following the path which takes you very briefly through the bush, before you come out at the South Head Heritage Trail sign again.
From here, retrace your steps back the way you came towards Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf, to then continue the walk on to The Gap which is 500m away.
There are several staircases to get up to The Gap, and three different viewing platforms. The views are fantastic from each.
We love watching the waves crash against the rocks, and it’s also fab for watching whales in season. When you can tear your eyes away from the waves, look behind you for one of the best views of the city.
From the lower platform at The Gap you can continue the coastal walk onto the second lighthouse.
Onto Macquarie Lighthouse
There are a few stairs to climb and then you will follow the largely flat, paved path along the cliff top. For much of the way there are open views to the ocean and it’s a really gorgeous walkway.
After 750m you have to walk for a few minutes alongside the road before turning into the Coastal Cliff Top Park.
The views to your left continue, and you’ll soon see what we mistook for another lighthouse but it’s actually the Marine Rescue Port Jackson Radio Base.
The “fake” lighthouse - Marine Rescue Port Jackson Radio Base
Macquarie Lighthouse is another 500m further on and, though it is not quite as quaint as the Hornby Lighthouse, it’s still very attractive.
Built in 1818, it’s even older than the Hornby Lighthouse, and for five Sundays a year you can actually go inside.
Tours last 20 minutes and tickets must be booked in advance, they cost $5 per adult and $3 per child.
If you can’t get enough of those ocean views you carry on the walk for another 500m to the end of Christison Park.
It’s not as spectacular as the rest of the walk as the views are slightly more obscured, but it’s pleasant enough. If you’re really keen you could continue all the way to Bondi from here too.
Heading back to the wharf
You can head back the way you came via The Gap, but we usually cut through Gap Park which has some gorgeous old Fig Trees and other pretty plants.
From the park, head right along Gap Road and then you’ll be back in Robertson Park with the ferry wharf in sight. On the way back, the path is all either flat or downhill so it’s a lovely easy finish to the walk.
Transport for the Watsons Bay Walk
The nicest way to arrive at the walk is by ferry from Circular Quay which takes around 25 minutes, and is a gorgeous journey.
If you want to park, there is a fair amount of free parking around Watsons Bay but it can get busy on weekends. We usually park on Cliff Street or Military Road.
Places to eat around Watsons Bay
You’re spoilt for choice in Watsons Bay. We’d recommend Dunbar House for brunch, Doyles for a fish and chip lunch and the Watsons Bay Hotel for an after walk drink. We’ve got a full guide on things to do in Watsons Bay if you’re looking for a few more ideas.
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Are you planning to do the Watsons Bay Walk? What is your favourite walk in Sydney? Let us know in the comments below!
