Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Watsons Bay
The area
How to get there
- Circular Quay • 8 min walk
- Wynyard • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,123 within 5 kms
Attractions
796 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Michael-4551Caloundra, Australia5,458 contributionsWatsons BayVisited on Friday 26th May. I caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, what a great way to arrive there. So much to see and do, you are spoilt for choice, the views, the beaches, south head walking track or just sit and relax.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 June 2023
- SOH KIEN PENGSingapore, Singapore6,662 contributionsStunning cliff views and the Nude BeachSydney's public transportation system is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving. But by far, the best way to get around Sydney is by taking a ferry whenever possible. We took a train from Kings Cross station where we stayed to Circular Quay and took a ferry from Wharf 2 to Watsons Bay. No ferry ticket needs to be purchased at the counter as our Opal card allowed us to travel on both the trains and the ferries. Watsons Bay is a harborside, eastern suburb of Sydney. It was once a quaint fishing village like our Pulau Ubin before it developed into a residential area. None of us has made any research on this Bay when we boarded the ferry. We just wanted to capitalize on the ferry services to visit as many attractions as possible as most of us are seniors who may not withstand long walking. Watsons Bay turns out to be an attractive destination with stunning beaches and cliff views. As we walked out from the jetty, I saw visitors queuing at the beachfront fish and chips cafes and had their family picnic at the lush park. The fish and chips must be quite famous here. We walked up to Gap Park and was amazed by the stunning cliff views. We visited the Dunbar Anchor Memorial and took a group photo with the anchor attached to the natural sandstone rock cliff above the southern end of the Gap. The anchor was an item recovered from the Dunbar shipwreck. Due to the erroneous navigational judgement of the captain, the ship hit the rocks of the cliffs and only one out of the 122 crew on board the Dunbar survived. We returned to the jetty and roamed around the beach area. I was highly excited to spot the Nude Beach from the map at the jetty. It is a rare attraction as we do not find people nude at Manly or Bondi or any other beaches. I performed a google search and confirmed that visitors are legally permitted to be nude on this beach. But the ladies were not very pleased with my discovery and stopped me from venturing further to that destination. I had no choice but to follow the group back to the jetty to take the ferry back to Circular Quay for our lunch. I felt disappointed not able to see the nude beach.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 September 2023
- GarraliSheffield, United Kingdom24 contributionsWell worth a visitTook a ferry to Watsons Bay on what started out to be a cloudy day. Had our fish and chip lunch from Doyle’s takeaway and sat in the park to eat. Nice little walk around the park and back streets behind the bay leading down again the sea and sand. Although busy around the ferry terminal, plenty of areas to get away from the crowds. We ended up sitting on a little stretch of sand enjoying the beautiful views as the sun appeared.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,017 reviews
Excellent
1,878
Very good
994
Average
129
Poor
12
Terrible
4
Maggie W
Coronado, CA4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Loved strolling through Watson's Bay and walking by the sea! Took ferry over and back. Great beach day! Highly recommend.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EndlessTravels
Greater Melbourne, Australia35,500 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
One of the most see sights in Sydney.. by visiting this area you get to experience a ferry ride (from circular quay) and than the amazing landscape. The bus stop at the steps of attraction has a bus route that takes u to bondi,
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle N
Melbourne, Australia454 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Amazing coastal views with beautiful cliffs and ocean. Good view of Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge. Really loved it here
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garrali
Sheffield, UK24 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Took a ferry to Watsons Bay on what started out to be a cloudy day. Had our fish and chip lunch from Doyle’s takeaway and sat in the park to eat. Nice little walk around the park and back streets behind the bay leading down again the sea and sand. Although busy around the ferry terminal, plenty of areas to get away from the crowds. We ended up sitting on a little stretch of sand enjoying the beautiful views as the sun appeared.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlyncy12
Manila, Philippines387 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We enjoyed a wonderful day having lunch at the boutique hotel restaurant with a wonderful view, good food albeit no service , and spending time walking around , laying down on the grass and dipping our toes in the water. The view of the famous bridge, CBD , but also seagulls and what nature has best made it a perfect day .
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore6,662 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Sydney's public transportation system is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving. But by far, the best way to get around Sydney is by taking a ferry whenever possible.
We took a train from Kings Cross station where we stayed to Circular Quay and took a ferry from Wharf 2 to Watsons Bay. No ferry ticket needs to be purchased at the counter as our Opal card allowed us to travel on both the trains and the ferries.
Watsons Bay is a harborside, eastern suburb of Sydney. It was once a quaint fishing village like our Pulau Ubin before it developed into a residential area. None of us has made any research on this Bay when we boarded the ferry. We just wanted to capitalize on the ferry services to visit as many attractions as possible as most of us are seniors who may not withstand long walking.
Watsons Bay turns out to be an attractive destination with stunning beaches and cliff views. As we walked out from the jetty, I saw visitors queuing at the beachfront fish and chips cafes and had their family picnic at the lush park. The fish and chips must be quite famous here.
We walked up to Gap Park and was amazed by the stunning cliff views. We visited the Dunbar Anchor Memorial and took a group photo with the anchor attached to the natural sandstone rock cliff above the southern end of the Gap. The anchor was an item recovered from the Dunbar shipwreck. Due to the erroneous navigational judgement of the captain, the ship hit the rocks of the cliffs and only one out of the 122 crew on board the Dunbar survived.
We returned to the jetty and roamed around the beach area. I was highly excited to spot the Nude Beach from the map at the jetty. It is a rare attraction as we do not find people nude at Manly or Bondi or any other beaches. I performed a google search and confirmed that visitors are legally permitted to be nude on this beach. But the ladies were not very pleased with my discovery and stopped me from venturing further to that destination.
I had no choice but to follow the group back to the jetty to take the ferry back to Circular Quay for our lunch. I felt disappointed not able to see the nude beach.
We took a train from Kings Cross station where we stayed to Circular Quay and took a ferry from Wharf 2 to Watsons Bay. No ferry ticket needs to be purchased at the counter as our Opal card allowed us to travel on both the trains and the ferries.
Watsons Bay is a harborside, eastern suburb of Sydney. It was once a quaint fishing village like our Pulau Ubin before it developed into a residential area. None of us has made any research on this Bay when we boarded the ferry. We just wanted to capitalize on the ferry services to visit as many attractions as possible as most of us are seniors who may not withstand long walking.
Watsons Bay turns out to be an attractive destination with stunning beaches and cliff views. As we walked out from the jetty, I saw visitors queuing at the beachfront fish and chips cafes and had their family picnic at the lush park. The fish and chips must be quite famous here.
We walked up to Gap Park and was amazed by the stunning cliff views. We visited the Dunbar Anchor Memorial and took a group photo with the anchor attached to the natural sandstone rock cliff above the southern end of the Gap. The anchor was an item recovered from the Dunbar shipwreck. Due to the erroneous navigational judgement of the captain, the ship hit the rocks of the cliffs and only one out of the 122 crew on board the Dunbar survived.
We returned to the jetty and roamed around the beach area. I was highly excited to spot the Nude Beach from the map at the jetty. It is a rare attraction as we do not find people nude at Manly or Bondi or any other beaches. I performed a google search and confirmed that visitors are legally permitted to be nude on this beach. But the ladies were not very pleased with my discovery and stopped me from venturing further to that destination.
I had no choice but to follow the group back to the jetty to take the ferry back to Circular Quay for our lunch. I felt disappointed not able to see the nude beach.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leocrie
Cardiff, UK8 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Catch the ferry from circular quay. Lovey fish and chips on the queu area. Walk up the hill for the beautiful coastal walks and views. You can get a bus to Bondi from the top.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael-4551
Caloundra, Australia5,458 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Visited on Friday 26th May. I caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, what a great way to arrive there. So much to see and do, you are spoilt for choice, the views, the beaches, south head walking track or just sit and relax.
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia18,466 contributions
Mar 2023
This is a wonderful area, that is simply stunning, especially on a sunny day, it is easy to get to by bus or ferry, there is nothing better than having a seafood lunch here enjoying the scenery and the vibe of the place.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
razza61
Gatton, Australia367 contributions
May 2023
Unfortunatley the day we were there the wind was blowing from the west and the bay was unprotected from it, so very windy. We enjoyed Fish & Chips at Doyle's and then went for an easy wander up to the Headlands before catching the ferry again.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomson
London 44 contributions
We are booking in for Doyle's and am trying to find the time of the last ferry back to the city. It's looks like 9.30 but want to be sure before we confirm booking.
Is there a bbq place provided? Thanks
w4ss4p
Singapore108 contributions
The F7 Eastern suburbs ferry ferries from circular quay to watson bay n opal card can be used. I saw the time table n the earliest ferry is around 10 in the morning. But theres no timing available for weekends dates. Does this means that on weekends we have to take the private ferry there? How do we purchase the tickets? N how do i get the time table?
Hi, need to know the times to catch the ferry to Watson bay from circular quay. And cost
w4ss4p
Singapore108 contributions
Which wharf number do I take the ferry to Watson bay from circular square?
What time is the 1st ferry?
Can I used opal card or do I have to purchase a ticket?
Runcation
New South Wales, Australia207 contributions
Wharf 6 and watch the monitor for A or B side. Not sure about time. You can use Opal Card.
triphelp555
Sursee, Switzerland106 contributions
Hi there! Can somebody recommend some accommodation at Watson's Bay? We would like to stay there from 6th - 9th Jan. 16.
Thanks, kasifi
SreenivasanGupta
Bangalore, Karnataka, India6 contributions
Hello Everyone,
I have seen many good reviews about Watson's Bay, As per my itenary - I would be having lunch in Tower buffet restaurant then head to Sydney aquarium and then Bondi by 6 PM . So I would be visiting Watson's bay around 7 or 8 PM in the evening, Is it a good time to visit ?
Dineramic
Toronto, Canada31 contributions
Just check the schedule for the public ferries. We were there on Sunday, Nov. 21st and the last ferry was at 7:30 pm. Not sure how you get there or back at the time you'read going.
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Claim your listingWatsons Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Watsons Bay
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Watsons Bay:
- Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise (From HK$210.24)
- Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems (From HK$2,357.18)
- Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast (From HK$546.63)
- Morning or Afternoon Highlights Tour in Sydney with a Local Guide (From HK$772.59)
- Sydney Harbour Progressive Long Lunch Cruise (From HK$3,148.15)
- Hotels near Watsons Bay:
- (0.17 km) The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
- (0.21 km) Yha Sydney Harbour
- (0.18 km) The Australian Heritage Hotel
- (0.25 km) The Langham, Sydney
- (0.07 km) Luxury Colonial Terrace House in the Rocks
- Restaurants near Watsons Bay:
- (0.05 km) Luna Lu
- (0.16 km) Fish At The Rocks
- (0.16 km) The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Restaurant
- (0.13 km) The Hero of Waterloo
- (0.19 km) Australian Heritage Hotel