Walk Watson’s Bay from South Head to the Gap

Going on three years in Sydney, Watson’s Bay remains a popular Sunday destination for the Living EZ family. We hop on the ferry, cherish the eternally stunning Harbour views, and then enjoy the (relative) peace and quiet. Compared to other larger beaches in the summer, Camp Cove is a sleepy, local’s spot. The calm water, small beach, and excellent fish ‘n’ chips nearby continues to call to us. However, we explore more than just the beach and cafes! Watson’s Bay also has beautiful coastal walks.

Other posts in our Walking Sydney’s Coast series:

La Perouse to Malabar Beach
Malabar to Maroubra Beach
Maroubra to Coogee Beach
Coogee to Bondi Beach
Bondi to Watson’s Bay
Spit Bridge to Manly

Two Sides To Walk Watson’s Bay

Unlike the other coastal trails, Watson’s Bay contains two separate walks. You cannot continue to follow the Eastern coast of Sydney, from Bondi to the tip of South Head, as this area houses government and military buildings. While we wish we could completely connect the route from the Hornby Lighthouse in Watson’s Bay to La Perouse, we accept these two beautiful, but divided, walks.

South Head – Hornby Lighthouse

From the ferry wharf, walk up Military Rd. past the Fish Chippery to turn left on Cliff St. Follow Cliff St for about 500 meters and you will arrive at Camp Cove beach. When you reach the beach, stay on the right side, pass the kiosk, and walk up the steps past the beach bathrooms.

You are now in a tiny piece of Sydney Harbour National Park! Admire the city skyline by the cannon, and  then avert your eyes as you accelerate past Lady Bay Beach (clothing optional). When you reach the next intersection, you are at the start of 1km Hornby Lighthouse loop.

I choose to turn right to approach the Lighthouse with the city skyline behind it. Along the walk, informative (but also extremely dry) historical markers note the significance of the lighthouse, gun emplacements, and lighthouse keepers cottage. The edge of the cliff is completely unfenced which is one of the reasons why the lookouts are so breathtaking, but also why CZ stays in the backpack for this short walk. You finish back at the interesection where you started, and if you need them rest rooms are not too far ahead.

The Gap Bluff

From the ferry wharf, turn slightly right and amble through Robertson’s Park. Cross Military Rd and you will see the walk on your left. This beautiful cliff walk is almost completely contained, and crowded with tourists every summer for good reason. The deep blue water dramatically crashes against the striated rock cliffs. After taking in the sights for a moment, walk up the steps to the Gap Lookout for the full experience. We also enjoy the sea breezes and lookout on the right of the Gap.

Note: for many visitor’s it may be shocking to see extreme suicide prevention measures taken at the Gap. It does take away from some of the natural beauty, but is also very effective in this once popular suicide location. To put it into perspective, there is a memorial to a local hero, Don Ritchie along the cliffs because he personally prevented hundreds of suicide attempts during his 45 years living in the area. Like most real heroes his explanation was simple, “You can’t just sit there and watch them.”

Know Before You Go – Walk Watson’s Bay

• Distance: both walks are around 1km
• Bathrooms are available in Robertson’s Park, Camp Cove Beach, and immediately preceding the Hornby Lighthouse loop. However, if you decide to eat at Watson’s Bay, take advantage of the restaurant’s bathrooms, as the public restrooms tend to be overused and dirty.
• You can fill up water bottles in Robertson park near the large trees on the harbour side.
• Both walks are not covered, and are excruciating on a bright summer day without sunglasses, hat, and proper sunscreen coverage.
• Our top pick for food is the Fish and Chippery attached to the Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel. Doyle’s does have a cult following, while not our favorite, it’s not bad either.