The Watsons Bay Walk is a scenic trail around South Head, offering scenic views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline, the Tasman Sea, North Head, and the historic Hornby Lighthouse.
This family-friendly walk, which includes the South Head Heritage Trail and the Gap Bluff Walking Track, is located in one of Sydney’s most popular tourist areas and is easily accessible by ferry.
| Watsons Bay Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.5 km (part circuit) |
| Duration: | 1-2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
Although there is plenty of parking in and around Watsons Bay, finding a parking spot on weekends can be quite difficult.
If the town centre is full, consider parking further out along Old South Head Road. It is still within walking distance, though you will need to walk uphill on your way back.
The easiest way to get to Watsons Bay is by ferry from Circular Quay. The ferry ride across Sydney Harbour is not only relaxing but also adds to the overall experience.
Buses are also a good option, with regular services running between the city and Watsons Bay.
Track Notes
We’re going to take you through this walk along the following highlights and sections, as marked in the map below:
- Marine Parade
- Green Point Reserve
- Camp Cove
- Lady Bay Beach
- South Head Heritage Trail
- Hornby Lighthouse
- Gap Bluff Walking Track
- The Gap
1. Marine Parade
The most logical place to start the Watsons Bay Walk is at the ferry wharf at the end of Military Road.
From there, follow Marine Parade along Watsons Bay Beach, passing the cafes and restaurants, and heading northbound.
At the northern end of the beach, walk into Cove Street, turn left into Pacific Street, and continue all the way to Green Point Reserve.
2. Green Point Reserve
Green Point Reserve is a small headland situated between Camp Cove Beach and Watsons Bay Beach, with excellent views across Sydney Harbour.
Before heading down to the secluded beach at Camp Cove, it is worth following the short walking trail that loops around the headland.
At the northeastern end of Green Point Reserve, you will see a wooden staircase that provides access to the beach.
3. Camp Cove
Camp Cove is where Governor Arthur Phillip first landed in Port Jackson, the old name for Sydney Harbour, in 1788.
Today, it is a sheltered bay with a beautiful, north-east facing beach.
It is a great place to spend some time swimming and snorkelling in pleasantly calm water, with Sydney Harbour as the backdrop.
At the northeastern end of the beach, you will find a toilet block and a small kiosk where you can purchase coffee and refreshments. This is also where the Watsons Bay Walk continues north, heading up a wooden staircase.
The staircase connects to a path where you can experience a bit of Sydney’s history, walking past a cannon and a gun emplacement.
This section of the path is also a great spot to take in views of Camp Cove Beach, Sydney Harbour, and the city skyline.
Take the opportunity to grab a few photos of the cannon with Sydney Harbour in the background, as it is a classic photography spot in Sydney.
4. Lady Bay Beach
As you continue along the walking path past the cannon, the track merges into an old road before becoming a footpath.
You will soon see a sign for Lady Bay Beach.
Lady Bay Beach is a very small, secluded beach that can be accessed by heading down the stairs from the footpath.
If you notice some sparsely dressed people, do not be too surprised, as Lady Bay is one of the few sanctioned nude beaches in Sydney Harbour.
5. South Head Heritage Trail
The Watsons Bay Walk now continues as the South Head Heritage Trail, a 500-metre loop around the northern tip of South Head.
Highlights along this trail include the iconic Hornby Lighthouse, the Lightkeeper’s Cottage, and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the ocean.
At the South Head Heritage Trail sign, we recommend going straight ahead and walking the loop in a clockwise direction.
6. Hornby Lighthouse
The trail first passes the Lightkeeper’s Cottage before arriving at the brightly coloured Hornby Lighthouse.
Built in 1858, the lighthouse is a distinctive red and white striped tower, positioned in a prime spot with excellent 360-degree views.
From here, you can see the ocean to the east, Sydney Harbour to the west, and North Head on the opposite side. You may even spot whales as they migrate to warmer waters.
From Hornby Lighthouse, the trail continues along the footpath past the northern end of the Watsons Bay Naval Base, before returning to the South Head Heritage Trail sign.
7. Gap Bluff Walking Track
From the South Head Heritage Trail sign, retrace your steps back to Camp Cove Beach, then walk along Cliff Street for a short distance until you reach the roundabout.
Just before the roundabout, follow the path north along Hornby Light Road, then turn right into Gap Bluff Road, just before the entrance to the Watsons Bay Naval Base.
Continue along Gap Bluff Road until you reach the access point for the Gap Bluff Walking Track. This short track, which is mostly paved, leads to the Gap Bluff Lookout.
8. The Gap
The Gap is one of Sydney’s most impressive ocean cliff lookouts, offering panoramic coastal views. There are several viewing platforms, with the Gap Bluff Lookout being the most scenic.
It is a large, fenced viewing platform with sweeping views of the ocean, the cliffs of The Gap, and the walking path around it.
As beautiful as The Gap may be, it is also a place where lives have been lost over the years. Security cameras and emergency phones have been installed to offer support and help prevent people from jumping from the cliffs.
Local resident Don Ritchie, who lived near The Gap, officially prevented 160 people from jumping over a period of 45 years. According to his family, that number is likely closer to 400.
In 2006, Don was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his efforts. In 2013, the Don Ritchie Grove was established along Old South Head Road in his memory.
The inscription reads:
“Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear, and a kind word.”
From The Gap, cross Military Road into Robertson Park, then continue back to the ferry wharf where you started the walk.
There are plenty of options for lunch here, including a pub, a fish and chips takeaway shop, and several restaurants and cafes along Marine Parade.
More Hiking
If you are up for a longer walk, you can follow the coastal trail heading south from The Gap. This marks the official start of the eastern coastal walk, which leads to Bondi, Coogee, and Maroubra.
The route begins with the Federation Cliff Walk, also known as the Watsons Bay to Bondi walk, followed by the Bondi to Bronte Walk and the walk to Coogee.
Once in Coogee, the walk continues along the Coogee to Maroubra Walk, a scenic 5 km coastal trail.
Read our guide to the best Sydney Harbour walks if you would like to discover more great trails like the Watsons Bay Walk.
