Gap Park Watsons Bay

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Gap Park (Watsons Bay)



QUICK READ: Fantastic oceanic views, perfect for local and international tourists, easy walk, for those suffering from mental illness and if you spot someone attempting suicide at The Gap call Lifeline (13 11 15), avoid sitting near the edge of the ferry or you might be drenched, search for 'Gap Park' on Google.



In the aftermath of completing university assignments I came to the realisation that I was in need of isolation and time to relax; having a liking for oceanic views, I chose this to be my destination. Searching for a close location and one that consisted the sound of tumultuous waves and calming wind, I chose to visit The Gap. After running a few errands in Sydney and quickly visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, this was the perfect time to visit The Gap since it was conveniently close. Slapping on sunscreen, stuffing my Nikon in my bag and pulling on a woolly jumper, I ventured out again to the autumnal winds and glaring sun.



Off the ferry from Circular Quay (4 stops), I started my walk from Watsons Bay Wharf through to Robertson Park and merged to the left where the cliffs were visible and the sound of waves crashing were closely audible. It was a lovely, short walk which required no uphill battles nor shortened breaths, ideal for all people!



Arriving at the railing, the area provides various leveled surfaces for the public to overlook the Tasman Sea at different, elevated heights. Spotting families, friends, couples and parents with strollers, this attraction is a perfect destination for locals and international tourists. I'd definitely recommend the walk/view for visitors, it truly encapsulates the beauty of Sydney's harbours.



The area is secured with railings that is high enough to prevent those climbing over but is an adequate height for visitors to take photographs. There are also seats spotted in several of the platforms.



This destination has gained immense popularity among local and international tourists but is simultaneously recognised infamously as a suicide location. If you see someone attempting to climb over the railings, please console them and politely ask to step back into the platform. Like the Angel of Death, Don Ritchie once said, 'you can't just sit there and watch them'; he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006 for preventing 164 suicidal deaths. Refer those to Lifeline.



Turning left, I wanted to observe the sea at a higher altitude and began climbing the stairs. The steps were widely spaced, supportive for all weight and made it easier to climb. Through the greenery, the scene opened to a wonderful panorama of the Tasman Sea.



Listening to the infrequent crashing of the waves and the bellowing wind along with the soft chatting of tourists epitomised a shortened form of my kind of utopia; I had no desire to leave so quickly. This destination in Sydney ought to be visited by all, it's a wonderful location and is so close to the city.



Transportation can be simple or difficult; taking the ferry from Circular Quay would be much easier than finding a parking spot, as the location is populated and busy with cars. However, the ferry times from Circular Quay can be infrequent, you'll need to plan when to board the ferry according to their schedule. This information can be accessed via Google Maps, just click Quay, Sydney NSW 2000/Watsons Bay, Sydney NSW/@-33.8570403,151.227951,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x6b12ae5d7d1b72c7:0x4b21fe4b500d05!2m2!1d151.2105461!2d-33.8618579!1m5!1m1!1s0x6b12ac603d0b14dd:0x2a017d6844bcd3c0!2m2!1d151.2794707!2d-33.8437438!3e3 here for the ferry arrivals.



If boarding the bus from Sydney, bus 324 stops at Gap Park and passes near stations of Central, Town Hall, Museum, St.James and other Sydney locations. Driving to The Gap could be an issue as the parking spaces are filled very quickly but try Old South Head Road. Coming off of Watsons Bay Wharf, the walk is 7 minutes to Gap Park Road but I shortened the walk because I reached one of the lookout platforms. Here, the map indicates that I stopped at the golden star (which overlooks the sea), the red trail leads to a higher altitude and the blue trail is the same, but heads to Vaucluse.



The purple circle around the bus is where to depart if you are heading towards the city; I took the 324 bus and that will take you back to Sydney. It's right beside the stairs, which leads to the panorama (golden star).



Overall, a great visit to one of Sydney's most stunning scenic views, would definitely recommend for all visitors!



ALTERNATIVES: Visit Camp Cove and Watsons Bay for Sydney's quiet bays or Lady Bay Beach to strip and sun bake (nudist beach). Hornby Lighthouse, South Head and HMAS Watson are also very close by.

TIPS: I sat at the back of the ferry to take photographs (which faces Sydney Harbour) and since the day was quite windy, the sea level had been higher than usual. While I was looking down at my Nikon, the water had splashed and soaked myself and two other people. I was drenched as well with my other belongings. Learn it from me, if you are visiting on a windy day, avoid sitting close to the edge in the ferry or you'll be bathing in a chilly, salty bath!

Don't search 'The Gap' on Google, there is no address and it doesn't pop up when you're searching it on Google Maps. Instead, type 'Gap Park'.

Always apply sunscreen, the Australian sun is quite harsh through all seasons. Sunglasses and hats are optional but could lower the risk of sunburns. Bring a bottle of water!

Whole day resulted in approximately 10,000 steps (could vary)

#day_trips
#eastern_suburbs
#escape_the_city
#family
#fun_things_to_do
#walks
#watsons_bay
%wnsydney