Watsons Bay is located on a peninsula sandwiched between the wild Pacific Ocean and a sheltered bay with picturesque views of Sydney Harbour. A day trip out to Watsons Bay via ferry can offer adventure, relaxation, admiration of the outdoors, and indulgence in some tasty seafood.
View of Sydney city from Watsons Bay
If you head out to Watsons Bay, you must venture over to The Gap on the eastern face of the peninsula. The ocean extending beyond the horizon and the waves pounding the cliff side is an eerie yet stunning sight. There is a coastal walk accompanied by this view both north and south-bound. We decided upon north on this particular visit. A track that provides a taster of Australian bushland will led to the end of the peninsula, where a view of the doorway in and out of Sydney Harbour was enjoyed.
View from the coastal walk along The Gap
Where the Pacific Ocean meets Sydney Harbour
Back on the western side of the peninsula (where you will be dropped off by the ferry), is a large, very green park. This is a lovely spot to picnic, snooze, or simply sit and marvel at the Harbour Bridge from a distance. If you have children with you, or are a child at heart (there is nothing wrong with that), there is also a fun set of play equipment to go crazy with.
The large park at Watsons Bay, with views of Sydney Harbour
On either side of the Watsons Bay jetty are some beaches perfect for basking in the sun. You can also plunge yourself into Sydney Harbour itself; the netting creates a sizable pool bordered by pontoons and wharfs that extends out from the shore. If you walk along the north end of the beach, you will be able to weave up into the pretty residential streets and parks of this coastal Sydney suburb.
Salt and pepper squid with chips from Doyles
Watsons Bay also has several restaurants and cafes to keep your appetite covered. I recommend trying the famous
Doyles seafood. This beachside restaurant has been in Watsons Bay since 1885, and it is s no surprise why it has remained so successful since then with the fresh, diverse, and tasty range of seafoods on offer. We got the salt and pepper squid; Doyles sure delivered delicious as expected.
If you are looking for something cool to satisfy your sweet tooth in the midst of your Watsons Bay adventures, there is a
Gelatissimo located close to The Gap. Relish one or more of the many gelato flavours, from chocolate to pistachio, in the cafe itself or in the neighbouring park.
Watsons Bay jetty
Here you have a handful of ideas on what you can expect and enjoy on a trip over to the wonderful Watsons Bay. Don't stop there however, as there are plenty more places to discover upon this peninsula.
