Watsons Bay Walk

Watsons Bay Walk

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Posted 2018-05-31 by Gypsy Rosefollow
Watsons Bay is picturesque and a fisherman's village filled with history. It is home to Camp Cove, where Governor Arthur Phillip first landed in Port Jackson in 1788. It is now a little-sheltered bay popular with locals and Watsons Bay visitors.



Some highlights of Watsons Bay include:

Lady Bay Beach- where the walk from the cannon will end up leading onto an old road that turns into a footpath leading to the very small, secluded (and nude) beach.

South Head Heritage Trail- This is a 500-metre loop track around South Head. Highlights include the iconic Hornby Lighthouse and the Lightkeeper's Cottage. Hornby Lighthouse was built in 1858 and is now a very characteristic red and white striped tower surrounded by breathtaking views.



Watsons Bay is also home to The Gap, which is located on the opposite side of the Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf and it is one of Sydney's most famous ocean cliff lookouts with panoramic views that are unparalleled! Sadly, The Gap is not only known for its breathtaking views but also has an infamy for suicides.



Lastly, Watsons Bay is home to one of the best coastal walks in Sydney - The , and for a real challenge. You can continue to the south trail which forms the official start of the Eastern Coastal Walk that goes all the way to Bondi, Coogee and Maroubra.



is a 4.5km (approximately two-hour) walk and it is a paved walkway with some soft sand walking across Camp Cove Beach and a few stairs. The walk is relatively flat with slight inclines at South Head with a steep climb up stairs at Gap Bluff.



can be started at Robertson Park, past Doyles on the little beach. Follow Cove Street and Pacific Street to Green Point Reserve. (See Map Below)



This superb coastal walk around South Head is the gateway to the spectacular Sydney Harbour as you discover breathtaking views of the city skyline, Pacific Ocean, North Head and surrounding headlands from numerous vantage points that are only accessible by foot!



Rich in history with early settler and forgotten military history, is also home to one of Australia's first Lighthouses.



Highlights on this spectacular Walk include:

- Camp Cove where the Birrabirrgal people met the First Fleet
- South Head Heritage Trail
- Robertson Park
- The Gap
- Endless harbour and ocean views
- Sandstone chasm from Gap Bluff
- Sydney's wartime history
- Lighthouses
- The majestic whales during migration season
- Lady Bay Beach



With city and harbour vistas, is the perfect and easiest way to escape the city whilst enjoying its bustling beauty.

Getting Here:

Public transport is the best way to get to . Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay or regular Bus route 324 and 325 departing from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay are the best form of public transport.

During weekdays public parking is available, however, on weekends it is best to be avoided as parking is almost impossible to find.

There are cafes, fish & chips shops and restaurants available along the route, including the historic Dunbar House for High Tea or gelato on Military Road and fish and chips can be purchased at the iconic Watsons Bay Doyles on the Beach.



Swimming opportunities can be experienced at Camp Cove Beach which is a calm, family-friendly beach. It is not patrolled, so do take extra care.



The Gap Suicide

Security cameras and emergency phones have been installed to help prevent people from jumping off the cliffs and to offer support. Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. The number is 13 11 14 – click here for website .

A bright note to this awful sadness is 'Angel of The Gap'. In 2009, Don Ritchie, a former WWII Naval veteran and retired insurance agent was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for preventing suicides at The Gap. From 1964, Ritchie saved around 164 people from jumping from the cliffs by crossing the road from his property and engaging them in conservation, often beginning with the words "Can I help in some way?" He then invited them back to his home for a cup of tea and a chat. Some returned back to thank Ritchie for talking them out of their decision.

Sadly, Don Ritchie "Angel of The Gap" passed away in May 2012.

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%wnsydney
201910 - 2023-06-16 05:11:38

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