Federation Cliff Walk (Watsons Bay to Dover Heights)

The Federation Cliff Walk is a 5 km trail stretching from Watsons Bay to Dover Heights, just north of Bondi, offering stunning coastal views.

The walk winds through parklands and open green spaces, featuring a timber walkway with cliffside viewing platforms for a unique perspective.

While it may not be as picturesque as the coastal walks south of Bondi, the Federation Cliff Walk is still worth exploring for its unique views.

Federation Cliff Walk
Distance: 5 km (one way)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy
Dogs: On a lead

Getting There

The best way to reach Watsons Bay is by ferry from Circular Quay. From the Watsons Bay ferry wharf, simply walk across Robertson Park to The Gap, where you can join the walking trail heading south.

Buses are another convenient option, with regular services running from the city to Watsons Bay.

If you’re driving, the most suitable parking spot in Watsons Bay is along Old South Head Road. At the other end of the walk, you’ll find plenty of street parking available in Dover Heights.

Alternatively, you can reach Watsons Bay via the walking trail from Rose Bay. Combining that walk with the Federation Cliff Walk creates a 13 km hike.

JOIN SYDNEY UNCOVERED
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive Sydney and NSW related tips and ideas straight to your inbox!

Track Notes

In our track notes, we are going to focus on the following nine milestones:

  1. Gap Park
  2. Macquarie Lighthouse
  3. Christison Park
  4. Clarke Reserve
  5. Diamond Bay Reserve
  6. Eastern Reserve
  7. Dudley Page Reserve
  8. Rodney Reserve
  9. Raleigh Reserve

Here is a handy map for your reference, with the milestones marked from 1 to 9, starting at Gap Park in Watsons Bay:

Map and highlights of the Federation Cliff Walk

1. Gap Park

The Gap, located on the eastern side of Watsons Bay, is one of Sydney’s most iconic ocean cliff lookouts, offering dramatic views of the coastline.

The Gap in Watsons Bay
The Gap is the start of the Federation Cliff Walk

Part of Gap Park, this area is centred around the striking cliff formations and features a short walking trail with several vantage points where you can take in the impressive scenery.

For more details about The Gap and the South Head walking trail, check out our Watsons Bay Walk article.

2. Macquarie Lighthouse

From The Gap, follow the cliffside path south through Gap Park, which connects to Old South Head Road.

The trail briefly joins the footpath along the road before transitioning into the Coastal Cliff Walk (look out for the big sign), running parallel to Old South Head Road.

Signpost for the Coastal Cliff Walk
Signpost for the Coastal Cliff Walk

Enjoy the ocean views to your left, as you walk past the Signal Station and Signal Hill Fort, established in 1893, within the Signal Hill Reserve.

The fort’s gun was removed in the 1930s, and the underlying fort has since been sealed. The site of the current Signal Station has been used for signalling incoming ships since 1790.

Macquarie Lighthouse in Vaucluse
Macquarie Lighthouse in Vaucluse

Further along, you’ll enter the Lighthouse Reserve and pass the historic Macquarie Lighthouse.

Originally constructed in 1818 and rebuilt in 1883, the Macquarie Lighthouse holds the title of Australia’s oldest lighthouse and offers guided tours.

3. Christison Park

The trail continues south past Christison Park, which features expansive sports grounds and several fitness stations.

Sports facilities at Christison Park
Sports facilities at Christison Park

This park is a great spot for a picnic, with playground and toilet facilities available for visitors.

However, there’s minimal natural shade, so on warm, sunny days, it might not be the ideal place to take a break.

4. Clarke Reserve

The trail continues to Clarke Reserve, offering the first glimpses of the stunning sandstone cliffs at Diamond Bay further south.

Scenic views of Diamond Bay Reserve
Scenic views of Diamond Bay Reserve

From Clarke Reserve, follow Clarke Street into Jensen Avenue.

Then, turn onto Marine Street and Chris Bang Crescent, which will lead you to the steps descending into Diamond Bay Reserve.

5. Diamond Bay Reserve

As you descend the steps into Diamond Bay, it feels like entering a rainforest, surrounded by lush, thick vegetation.

The trail winds around Rosa Gully, a picturesque inlet between the cliffs that’s popular with rock climbers and abseilers.

Rosa Gully at Diamond Bay Reserve
Rosa Gully at Diamond Bay Reserve

A beautifully constructed wooden walkway with viewing platforms, built by Waverley Council, offers a safe and scenic route along the cliffs.

Diamond Bay Reserve
Diamond Bay Reserve

Walking along this elevated pathway gives the sensation of being above the ocean, adding to the unique charm of this track.

The walkway begins at Diamond Bay Reserve and continues, with a few breaks, all the way to Dover Heights.

6. Eastern Reserve

Continue along the timber walkway heading south, skirting around the prominent apartment block with its million-dollar views, until you reach Ray Street.

The cliff walk picks up again a few hundred metres south at Oceanview Avenue, where you can access Eastern Reserve, also known as Dover Heights Reserve.

Boardwalk as part of the Federation Cliff Walk
Wooden boardwalk and viewing platforms

Located at the end of Eastern Avenue, Eastern Reserve is a picturesque cliffside park, perfect for walking your dog while soaking up the stunning coastal views.

It’s also an excellent spot for whale watching during migration seasons, thanks to its expansive, uninterrupted ocean views.

7. Dudley Page Reserve

From Eastern Reserve, continue walking south, turning onto Lancaster Road, then left onto Military Road.

Here you’ll find Dudley Page Reserve, a spacious grassy area boasting fantastic views of the Sydney CBD skyline in the distance.

Dudley Page Reserve in Dover Heights
Dudley Page Reserve in Dover Heights

Take a moment to soak in the stunning city and Harbour views from this park, a favourite vantage point for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks.

It’s easy to see why tourist buses often stop here, as the park offers unique photo opportunities that are hard to beat.

8. Rodney Reserve

From Military Road, turn left onto Weonga Road or Blake Street to rejoin the Federation Cliff walking track.

Beautiful ocean views
Beautiful ocean views

This marks the northern end of Rodney Reserve, which seamlessly transitions into Raleigh Reserve further south.

Near the cliffs in Rodney Reserve, you’ll find a full-size replica of an eight-element radio antenna, originally constructed in 1951. An informative plaque in front of it details its fascinating history.

9. Raleigh Reserve

As you continue south through the park, take a moment to admire the towering 80-metre sandstone cliffs at Raleigh Reserve, showcasing millions of years of Earth’s geological history.

Views from Raleigh Reserve in Dover Heights
Views from Raleigh Reserve in Dover Heights

And that’s it! You’ve reached the end of the Federation Cliff Walk.

From here, you can choose to walk back to Watsons Bay, catch a bus to your starting point, or extend your walk further south to North Bondi and Bondi Beach.

Continue to Bondi

The Watsons Bay to Bondi Walk combines the Federation Cliff Walk with an additional section between Dover Heights and Bondi Beach.

This extended walk totals 7 km and is worth the effort if you have the energy. Plus, reaching Bondi Beach offers easier access to public transport compared to Dover Heights, which might be a good reason to continue the hike.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach

While getting to Bondi Beach from the end of the Federation Cliff Walk in Dover Heights is straightforward, it’s not particularly scenic as much of the route follows residential streets.

From Dover Heights (Raleigh Reserve or Rodney Reserve), follow Military Road onto Wentworth Street through Hugh Bamford Reserve. Rejoin Military Road, pass the Bondi Golf Course, and continue on to Bondi Beach.

Once at Bondi, you can keep exploring by hiking south to Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra, and Malabar, where the coastal scenery is truly stunning.

Read our guide on the best coastal walks in Sydney if you’d like to see more of Sydney’s uniquely beautiful coastline.
 

Also Read:

 
Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

AJ Mens on LinkedInAJ Mens on XAJ Mens on Facebook
Leave a comment