City view from Watsons Bay (Click to enlarge)

The big picture

A huge draw card for tourists, Watsons Bay is in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. At the heart of this fancy shmancy suburb sits Robertson Park where families, friends and travellers from all over cop a squat (Australian for: find a spot to sit) when the sun is dancing in the sky. With a panoramic view of the city skyline, breathtaking views out from The Gap and a handful of decent establishments to eat and drink the afternoon away, this location is ideal for any occasion be it formal or casual.  Even the journey in is stunning at each turn so much so, it’s easy to forget that you’re driving #Danger!

Find out about the history of Watsons Bay here.

Be bored no more

A lazy afternoon in Watson’s Bay

Accessible by car or public transport (including ferry) the streets of Watsons Bay are lined with both extravagant and historical residences. The bay itself is popular with picnic goers and those up for a dip in the bay or the baths nearby in spring and summer. The water is moderately mild on the best of days in Sydney so you can brave it in winter if you so choose. Frequented by vast numbers of tourists you will often find our English comrades frolicking in the water on what is (in their opinion) a balmy winters day.  If nudie runs or skinny dipping are your thing, why not head down to Lady Bay Beach (aka Lady Jane Beach) to get your tan line free nude on. This is a predominantly gay nudist beach located down the pathway at the end of Camp Cove Beach. Feel like something a little more active and a little less exposing? Then you can try your hand at Stand Up Paddling with WATSSUP.

With the suburbs origins in fishing, where better to house the Sydney Game Fishing Club. One for the locals who love nothing better than to dip their rods in the deep blue in anticipation of a mighty catch (sorry no mermaids here, just fish), this club not only offers members a waterfront hangout in the club house but organises swap meets and fishing tournaments for the diehards. Even if you’re not a member here or a local, you can still organise a chartered fishing expedition to Watsons Bay from other areas in the harbour.

Mind your step! Take a walk up to and beyond The Gap

If that’s not your cup of tea there are numerous guided and self-guided walks you can do along the bay from the wharf, up at The Gap which is located opposite the top of Robertson Park or along Old South Head Road also known locally as the Cliff Walk, where you’ll find a number of historic sites including the gorgeous Macquarie Lighthouse. Hell, you could even walk to Bondi if you want to. Plan ahead with a spot of Googling. If you’re lucky you may even spot a whale off the east coast during the whale-watching season from May through to November.

Eat, drink and be merry

Oysters Mornay from Doyles on the Wharf

Either pack a picnic or grab yourself some take-away seafood from Doyles on the Wharf. They also offer casual outdoor dining to the rear with a licensed bar and formal dining in their restaurant Doyles on the Beach along Marine Parade.

Doyles on the Wharf

Doyles on the Beach

For something more casual head to the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel’s child-friendly Beach Club and if you intend on hanging around for the evening, check out what’s on at the hotel. The hotel is host to various live bands and events. A recent addition to the bays events was the inaugural Taste Orange Food & Wine Festival held in Robertson Park to which the hotel played host to the Taste Orange Wine month-long Festival. This festival rotates it’s venues so let’s hope we see it back here again in coming years otherwise we’ll just have to catch it in another suburb of Sydney.

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel Beach Club

For something a little extra special in terms of ambiance, try out the cafe at Dunbar House. This beautifully refurbished establishment that boasts of world class dining, sits on the left foreshore of the bay along Marine Parade. It is a spectacular location for a wedding or other special occasion. Sadly, I didn’t get to sample the cuisine after having feasted upon some seafood in the park. I couldn’t refuse the twinkle of the sun on the water and the grass beneath my feet.

Dunbar House

Don’t forget dessert! There are a few places dotted around the bay where you can grab yourself an ice-cream to accompany you on a leisurely stroll. There is a little kiosk near Doyles on the Wharf and most notably up on Military Road Gelatissimo where, as the name suggests, you can devour some delicious gelato.

Hot tips

Watch out for this guy!

He is cunning and he WILL stalk you

So whether you just want to relax in the sun, have an adventure, hang out with friends and family, wine and dine or get your social on, Watsons Bay has something for everyone.

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Nearby

Bondi Beach, Manly, Mosman, Vaucluse

Location Map

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