Camp Cove
4.5
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4.5
102 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
39
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
nickss1
Southend-on-Sea, UK4,566 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Friends
This beach is just a short walk away from the Watsons Bay ferry wharf. Even in the winter, it looked great. I’d imagine it would be very busy during the summer. There’s a great little kiosk in the corner, selling drinks and snacks. I look forward to returning in the summer
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia27,772 contributions
Jun. 2022
Camp Cove was a pleasant and pretty beach just north ofWatsons Bay and on the way to South Head. Clean sand, blue water and seemed well protected small beach with a smattering of kelp.
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackeldo
Kiama, Australia2,204 contributions
Feb. 2022
Having avoided the clutches of ‘70s folk-speak, I’ll mention something related I first noticed then. Since my first early ‘70s pass-by I’ve had the impression CAMP COVE is a little upmarket: a beach for IT PEOPLE – and wannabes
Maybe it’s the nature of CAMP COVE and nearby suburbs: a decidedly upmarket area. And this is the best beach in the area. Other Sydney dwellers seeking a nice beach with an upmarket aura come too. Many tourists want the same. Could do much worse
THE BEACH: a 300M gentle arc of clean sand, width maybe a little skinny particularly at king high tides. Book-ended by low headlands – s.w is spacious LAING PARK and adjacent rocks with change sheds/rest rooms, an obelisk marking the first European harbour landing (1788) and plenty of room. The n.e headland has a rest room, remains of a jetty (favoured by teens fer jump-offs) and further up some 1890 cannon when thought we were sitting ducks for invasion
Sand area has room to spread a towel even busy days – many escape to the southern park/rock area although this is popular any time. Some stratification of attendees: families n.e end (a kiosk here too), cool set middle, mixed s.w end. But not rigid
WATER – clearer than many harbour beaches although not as good as most ocean beaches. Shelves gently. A popular snorkelling spot
WAVES. Usually none. I’ve seen wavelets when the outside swell is big – but these would only scare a toddler’s mum (nothing scares a toddler). If y’ve come seeking surf yr shopping in the wrong aisle.
ACCESS Best forget yr car. Parking is tight – on a good day curbside + the lot just in from the kiosk fill quickly. WBAY is similar.
Lots of people get dropped off – the driver then goes to find a park. I’ve found Old South Head Rd.1km away works.
Best access is by scenic ferry form CIRCULAR QUAY* to WBAY followed by a 5 minute walk. A weekends only ferry runs from MANLY* to WB
Cheapest and quickest: I often come by bus from EDGECLIFF RAIL BUS INTERCHANGE to WB (#324 + #325) These start in the city.
Also the #380 from BONDI BEACH – starts at BONDI JUNCTION INTERCHANGE.
TIPS
- to the n.e is LADY BAY* (nudist): 6min walk/450m): the HERITAGE WALK** (starts end of CC and goes to SOUTH HEAD) and….um….SOUTH HEAD (10mins/750m). Some great views along here.
-WATSONS BAY* (500m: 7 min walk s.w) is tourist central - views across and up the harbour (spot the top of THE BRIDGE*), a neat little beach lined with fishing boats, the ferry wharf, a big park , famous DOYLES SEAFOOD RESTAURANT* +other food outlets: fast and better. At the top of the park is the stunning GAP* viewpoint. The 5km FEDERATION CLIFF WALK* to BONDI BEACH* starts here. Adjacent is the bus station.
-TA reviewers’ photos are worth checking.
MY RATING – this is a nice harbour beach but I’ve dropped one roundel due to terrible parking
*TA has a reader review page
++ see my pix
Maybe it’s the nature of CAMP COVE and nearby suburbs: a decidedly upmarket area. And this is the best beach in the area. Other Sydney dwellers seeking a nice beach with an upmarket aura come too. Many tourists want the same. Could do much worse
THE BEACH: a 300M gentle arc of clean sand, width maybe a little skinny particularly at king high tides. Book-ended by low headlands – s.w is spacious LAING PARK and adjacent rocks with change sheds/rest rooms, an obelisk marking the first European harbour landing (1788) and plenty of room. The n.e headland has a rest room, remains of a jetty (favoured by teens fer jump-offs) and further up some 1890 cannon when thought we were sitting ducks for invasion
Sand area has room to spread a towel even busy days – many escape to the southern park/rock area although this is popular any time. Some stratification of attendees: families n.e end (a kiosk here too), cool set middle, mixed s.w end. But not rigid
WATER – clearer than many harbour beaches although not as good as most ocean beaches. Shelves gently. A popular snorkelling spot
WAVES. Usually none. I’ve seen wavelets when the outside swell is big – but these would only scare a toddler’s mum (nothing scares a toddler). If y’ve come seeking surf yr shopping in the wrong aisle.
ACCESS Best forget yr car. Parking is tight – on a good day curbside + the lot just in from the kiosk fill quickly. WBAY is similar.
Lots of people get dropped off – the driver then goes to find a park. I’ve found Old South Head Rd.1km away works.
Best access is by scenic ferry form CIRCULAR QUAY* to WBAY followed by a 5 minute walk. A weekends only ferry runs from MANLY* to WB
Cheapest and quickest: I often come by bus from EDGECLIFF RAIL BUS INTERCHANGE to WB (#324 + #325) These start in the city.
Also the #380 from BONDI BEACH – starts at BONDI JUNCTION INTERCHANGE.
TIPS
- to the n.e is LADY BAY* (nudist): 6min walk/450m): the HERITAGE WALK** (starts end of CC and goes to SOUTH HEAD) and….um….SOUTH HEAD (10mins/750m). Some great views along here.
-WATSONS BAY* (500m: 7 min walk s.w) is tourist central - views across and up the harbour (spot the top of THE BRIDGE*), a neat little beach lined with fishing boats, the ferry wharf, a big park , famous DOYLES SEAFOOD RESTAURANT* +other food outlets: fast and better. At the top of the park is the stunning GAP* viewpoint. The 5km FEDERATION CLIFF WALK* to BONDI BEACH* starts here. Adjacent is the bus station.
-TA reviewers’ photos are worth checking.
MY RATING – this is a nice harbour beach but I’ve dropped one roundel due to terrible parking
*TA has a reader review page
++ see my pix
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,343 contributions
Jan. 2022
This is one of Sydney's prettiest harbour beaches. It’s just around the corner from Watsons Bay Beach (a short 5 -7 minute walk from the ferry). If you are planning a ferry trip and lunch at Watsons Bay, Camp Cove is a very easy addition to your itinerary.
Protected by green headlands at either end, it has calm, clear water, palm trees and views across the harbour towards Mosman, Manly and the city.
This is a harbour beach, not a surf beach so you get so you get gentle waves and relatively calm conditions which make it a very popular family beach.
Facilities are good. There’s a lifesaver, outdoor showers, a toilet block and a kiosk that sells coffees, smoothies, sandwiches and beach toys.
However there’s not much in the way of shade. There is a small amount in the shadow of the headland but these spots get taken very quickly. Otherwise, you can retreat to the headland areas where there are a few shady spots and some trees. In the end, we didn’t stay as long as we would’ve liked to because of the lack of shade.
Other points of interest:
i) the South Head Heritage Walking Trail, starts at the northern end of the beach, a cliff-top walk with panoramic views and a lighthouse.
ii) there are some well-hidden aboriginal rock engravings of whales, fish and other sea creatures (I wasn’t able to spot these)
iii) A stone monument, sits above the beach at Laings Point, marking Camp Cove as Governor Philip’s first landing place. He arrived in January 21, 1788, with the First Fleet, a cargo load of convicts and a sketchy plan to build a new colony.
Protected by green headlands at either end, it has calm, clear water, palm trees and views across the harbour towards Mosman, Manly and the city.
This is a harbour beach, not a surf beach so you get so you get gentle waves and relatively calm conditions which make it a very popular family beach.
Facilities are good. There’s a lifesaver, outdoor showers, a toilet block and a kiosk that sells coffees, smoothies, sandwiches and beach toys.
However there’s not much in the way of shade. There is a small amount in the shadow of the headland but these spots get taken very quickly. Otherwise, you can retreat to the headland areas where there are a few shady spots and some trees. In the end, we didn’t stay as long as we would’ve liked to because of the lack of shade.
Other points of interest:
i) the South Head Heritage Walking Trail, starts at the northern end of the beach, a cliff-top walk with panoramic views and a lighthouse.
ii) there are some well-hidden aboriginal rock engravings of whales, fish and other sea creatures (I wasn’t able to spot these)
iii) A stone monument, sits above the beach at Laings Point, marking Camp Cove as Governor Philip’s first landing place. He arrived in January 21, 1788, with the First Fleet, a cargo load of convicts and a sketchy plan to build a new colony.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S4nnyBunny
Melbourne1,876 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Solo
Fantastic little beach; requires some effort to get here either by car and finding parking, or by ferry and a 10 mins walk from the wharf. But once here, you are rewarded with excellent 360 views and a beach worth coming back to. The beach overlooks the Sydney city skyline. The Camp Cove kiosk serves tasty coffee and meals. Beautiful gold sand that stretches roughly 200m long.
Written 25 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrdom
6,357 contributions
Feb. 2021 • Friends
Camp Cove can be a madhouse on the weekend but is peaceful during the week, allowing you to enjoy the city views from the sand. The calm water gets deep quickly, great for swimming around but I wouldn't have thought it was the best beach for the many small children that were here. Shade can be a problem as the only shady areas at each end are mostly filled with stairs and stuff. There's an expensive kiosk that's good for coffee.
Written 18 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa C
Metro Manila, Philippines1,520 contributions
Dec. 2020
well laid out tracks and trails for gentle walks. Delightful beaches, including Lady Bay nudist beach tucked away.
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTravelWriter161
Sydney, Australia64 contributions
Jul. 2020 • Couples
While staying in Watson’s Bay, I highly recommend a walk to Camp
Cove Beach and beyond to the South Head trail.
This little beach is tranquil midweek, and has the most awesome views back to the CBD. The water was crystal clear the day we visited and the beach extremely clean.
It’s an awesome little hideaway and the walks from there are scenic and easy for most people.
The photo opportunities are numerous and the little beachside kiosk is super cute.
Cove Beach and beyond to the South Head trail.
This little beach is tranquil midweek, and has the most awesome views back to the CBD. The water was crystal clear the day we visited and the beach extremely clean.
It’s an awesome little hideaway and the walks from there are scenic and easy for most people.
The photo opportunities are numerous and the little beachside kiosk is super cute.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damon
London, UK33 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Friends
Camp cove is a great location to have a picnic with family and friends, the location is tucked away near Watson's Bay and provides a good local ambiance by the sea.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
revett2016
Santa Rosa, CA529 contributions
Jan. 2020 • Couples
Wow what a gem as others have stated already. There’s a small protected beach with great wading, a cafe and toilet facilities. Additionally you can take a stroll out to the point. Along the way is a rock cliff (30 ft) where young ones jump off, a clothing optional beach, beautiful views toward Sydney, Shark Island and Manly, old battlements and the Hornby lighthouse. What more could you want?
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
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Claim your listingCamp Cove: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Camp Cove
- Hotels near Camp Cove:
- (0.53 km) Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
- (3.35 km) Roar & Snore at Taronga
- (3.30 km) Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
- (4.44 km) Quest Manly
- (5.84 km) Wake Up! Bondi Beach
- Restaurants near Camp Cove:
- (0.48 km) Doyles on the Beach Restaurant
- (0.62 km) Dunbar House
- (0.52 km) Beach Club at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
- (0.54 km) Doyles Fishermans Wharf
- (0.52 km) Fish & Chippery