Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
4.5
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4.5
3,016 reviews
Excellent
1,878
Very good
993
Average
129
Poor
12
Terrible
4
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,284 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Sydney's public transportation system is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving. But by far, the best way to get around Sydney is by taking a ferry whenever possible.
We took a train from Kings Cross station where we stayed to Circular Quay and took a ferry from Wharf 2 to Watsons Bay. No ferry ticket needs to be purchased at the counter as our Opal card allowed us to travel on both the trains and the ferries.
Watsons Bay is a harborside, eastern suburb of Sydney. It was once a quaint fishing village like our Pulau Ubin before it developed into a residential area. None of us has made any research on this Bay when we boarded the ferry. We just wanted to capitalize on the ferry services to visit as many attractions as possible as most of us are seniors who may not withstand long walking.
Watsons Bay turns out to be an attractive destination with stunning beaches and cliff views. As we walked out from the jetty, I saw visitors queuing at the beachfront fish and chips cafes and had their family picnic at the lush park. The fish and chips must be quite famous here.
We walked up to Gap Park and was amazed by the stunning cliff views. We visited the Dunbar Anchor Memorial and took a group photo with the anchor attached to the natural sandstone rock cliff above the southern end of the Gap. The anchor was an item recovered from the Dunbar shipwreck. Due to the erroneous navigational judgement of the captain, the ship hit the rocks of the cliffs and only one out of the 122 crew on board the Dunbar survived.
We returned to the jetty and roamed around the beach area. I was highly excited to spot the Nude Beach from the map at the jetty. It is a rare attraction as we do not find people nude at Manly or Bondi or any other beaches. I performed a google search and confirmed that visitors are legally permitted to be nude on this beach. But the ladies were not very pleased with my discovery and stopped me from venturing further to that destination.
I had no choice but to follow the group back to the jetty to take the ferry back to Circular Quay for our lunch. I felt disappointed not able to see the nude beach.
We took a train from Kings Cross station where we stayed to Circular Quay and took a ferry from Wharf 2 to Watsons Bay. No ferry ticket needs to be purchased at the counter as our Opal card allowed us to travel on both the trains and the ferries.
Watsons Bay is a harborside, eastern suburb of Sydney. It was once a quaint fishing village like our Pulau Ubin before it developed into a residential area. None of us has made any research on this Bay when we boarded the ferry. We just wanted to capitalize on the ferry services to visit as many attractions as possible as most of us are seniors who may not withstand long walking.
Watsons Bay turns out to be an attractive destination with stunning beaches and cliff views. As we walked out from the jetty, I saw visitors queuing at the beachfront fish and chips cafes and had their family picnic at the lush park. The fish and chips must be quite famous here.
We walked up to Gap Park and was amazed by the stunning cliff views. We visited the Dunbar Anchor Memorial and took a group photo with the anchor attached to the natural sandstone rock cliff above the southern end of the Gap. The anchor was an item recovered from the Dunbar shipwreck. Due to the erroneous navigational judgement of the captain, the ship hit the rocks of the cliffs and only one out of the 122 crew on board the Dunbar survived.
We returned to the jetty and roamed around the beach area. I was highly excited to spot the Nude Beach from the map at the jetty. It is a rare attraction as we do not find people nude at Manly or Bondi or any other beaches. I performed a google search and confirmed that visitors are legally permitted to be nude on this beach. But the ladies were not very pleased with my discovery and stopped me from venturing further to that destination.
I had no choice but to follow the group back to the jetty to take the ferry back to Circular Quay for our lunch. I felt disappointed not able to see the nude beach.
Written 29 September 2023
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.
NinaAsia
Singapore, Singapore447 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Took the ferry to Watson’s Bay on a Sunday late morning. As expected, it was crowded due to Christmas/NY hols and the ferry was filled to capacity, so we had to wait for the next one. Surprised that they had arranged a special ferry service,so we were able to board in less than 5 minutes.
On reaching Watsons Bay, I decided to take the coastal walk to Bondi beach. Nice walk especially on a cool, cloudy day. Some parts of the walk were through private residences. Still had a lovely time admiring some beautiful homes.
On reaching Watsons Bay, I decided to take the coastal walk to Bondi beach. Nice walk especially on a cool, cloudy day. Some parts of the walk were through private residences. Still had a lovely time admiring some beautiful homes.
Written 1 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.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,683 contributions
Jan 2023
We took the ferry across to Watsons Bay - costs $6.40 and is a beautiful ride. When you are here there is a nice walk to Camp Cove and then onto the Heads past the nude beach. There is good seafood eating near the ferry terminal. You can also take the bus if you want - takes longer but cheaper. We ended up taking the bus back rather than waiting for the ferry. A great trip from CBD.
Written 20 January 2023
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.
Garrali
Sheffield, UK93 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Took a ferry to Watsons Bay on what started out to be a cloudy day. Had our fish and chip lunch from Doyle’s takeaway and sat in the park to eat. Nice little walk around the park and back streets behind the bay leading down again the sea and sand. Although busy around the ferry terminal, plenty of areas to get away from the crowds. We ended up sitting on a little stretch of sand enjoying the beautiful views as the sun appeared.
Written 4 February 2024
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.
Rachel P
London, UK40 contributions
Jan 2020
We did the walk from Watsons Bay (nice little place) to Bondi Beach. Passed the lighthouse etc. and got some nice (quite far away) views of Sydney - Opera House and the Bridge. It was a clifftop trail and took perhaps a couple of hours. Next time I would do the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach trail instead which is more well known and I believe more scenic.
Written 1 May 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.
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia3,911 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
There are many ways to get to Watson’s Bay but once there do the South Head Heritage Walk. Starting in Camp Cove this lovely easy walk gives you beautiful coastal views, military remains including cannons, a magnificent lollipop looking lighthouse, an old cottage plus a beach if you feel like a swim. But be warned, this is a nudist beach so only go if you are willing to go naked. Depending on the time of year you may even be lucky to see whales. It is only 1km so you can do it in under an hour but take your time and a picnic lunch and enjoy.
Written 26 October 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.
nickss1
Southend-on-Sea, UK5,479 contributions
July 2022 • Friends
Watsons Bay is just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. It has the Doyles Fish Restaurant, among other eateries, there. A nice stroll to the rugged cliffs, and to Camp Cove. You can also go on a nice circular walk around the headland. Even in winter, I can be busy. I would definitely make time for a visit
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.
Takas
93 contributions
June 2022 • Family
We started at Macquarie Lighthouse and walked a long the cliffs to Robertson Park. It is a spectacular walk. The views were amazing. There are plenty of places to sit a long the way. We saw people from all walks of life enjoying the views. Lots of doggos, all very happy and well behaved. Robertson Park is beautiful, right on the harbour. There are plenty of places to grab a coffee or a meal.
Written 5 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.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,683 contributions
Dec 2020
This is a lovely area accessible by bus or ferry. We took the ferry from Circular Quay and enjoyed the ride across the harbour. Once you get here, there are restaurants, cafes and walks. We did the South Head walk and then looked at the gap before taking the bus back to Rose Bay.
Written 9 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.
Deb K
Glenelg, Australia776 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Watson’s Bay is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a beautiful Bay with Doyle’s Restaurant, the fabulous hotel and Dunbar House. There’s also the takeaway cafe for Doyle’s fish and chips. It has a lovely tree lined park up to the Gap for spectacular view’s. There’s great coastal walks. Make a day of it, have Devonshire tea at Dunbar House and lunch at the boutique hotel or Doyle’s. You can swim and snorkel in the bay. Take a ferry for the perfect day out.
Written 16 November 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.
Watson’s Bay vs. Manly?
If you have to choose to spend an afternoon in late June which do you recommend?
Written 22 June 2019
Watson bay as it's no so commercial, great walks with spectacular ocean views, and great food at a number of locations.
Written 29 June 2019
We are booking in for Doyle's and am trying to find the time of the last ferry back to the city. It's looks like 9.30 but want to be sure before we confirm booking.
Written 20 March 2017
The F7 Eastern suburbs ferry ferries from circular quay to watson bay n opal card can be used. I saw the time table n the earliest ferry is around 10 in the morning. But theres no timing available for weekends dates. Does this means that on weekends we have to take the private ferry there? How do we purchase the tickets? N how do i get the time table?
Written 8 January 2017
Hi, need to know the times to catch the ferry to Watson bay from circular quay. And cost
Written 16 June 2019
Which wharf number do I take the ferry to Watson bay from circular square?
What time is the 1st ferry?
Can I used opal card or do I have to purchase a ticket?
Written 7 January 2017
Wharf 6 and watch the monitor for A or B side. Not sure about time. You can use Opal Card.
Written 7 January 2017
Hi there! Can somebody recommend some accommodation at Watson's Bay? We would like to stay there from 6th - 9th Jan. 16.
Thanks, kasifi
Written 14 December 2015
Hello Everyone,
I have seen many good reviews about Watson's Bay, As per my itenary - I would be having lunch in Tower buffet restaurant then head to Sydney aquarium and then Bondi by 6 PM . So I would be visiting Watson's bay around 7 or 8 PM in the evening, Is it a good time to visit ?
Written 21 January 2015
Just check the schedule for the public ferries. We were there on Sunday, Nov. 21st and the last ferry was at 7:30 pm. Not sure how you get there or back at the time you'read going.
Written 8 December 2016
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