Photograph: NSW National Parks
Location
Address: Starts at Macquarie Lighthouse, 180 Old South Head Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Ends at Watsons Bay Wharf, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Dates
Next Event: Open year-round
Frequency: Anytime access
Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours (one way, depending on detours)
The BioHax Take
More than just a breezy walk with harbour views, the Watsons Bay Coastal Walk weaves together sandstone cliff drops, secret beaches, military relics, and some of the oldest colonial sites in the state. You’ll start beside Australia’s first lighthouse and end with fresh prawns by the wharf — but not before brushing past underground bunkers, sea caves, and heartbreakingly good views of Sydney Harbour.
It’s Sydney coastal walking at its finest. High reward, low effort, and enough historic touchpoints to count as brain food too.
Want it guided? Join local historian Ned Dickson for the Historic Walking Tour of Watsons Bay — a Sunday morning stroll through convict-built architecture, shipwreck sites, lighthouses, and some seriously wild local history. Ned’s a born storyteller (and started running walking tours at 15), with rave reviews for turning Sydney’s past into something unexpectedly addictive.
—Tours run on nominated Sundays, 10am–11:30am
—$30 adults / $15 children
—Meet at Macquarie Lighthouse, 181 Old South Head Rd, Vaucluse NSW
—0467 506 273
—Real History Walking Tours Website →
Watch the route:
Looking for more coastal tracks? The Munjip Trail → on the South Coast delivers 15km of cultural immersion and wild shoreline, while the Gubbuh Gubbuh to Georges Head Walk → blends restored military ruins with million-dollar harbour views.
Who It’s For
Weekend wanderers, history heads, salty-hair types, and those who like their coastal walks with a café at the end. If you’ve Googled “Sydney coastal walks” more than once and want something high-reward with low risk — this is the one.
What’s On Offer
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Starts at Macquarie Lighthouse, Australia’s oldest
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Cliff-edge viewing platforms at The Gap
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Historic defence bunkers and gun emplacements
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Detours to Camp Cove, Parsley Bay, and Hornby Lighthouse
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Ends at Watsons Bay Wharf with cafes, beaches, and ferry access
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Mostly paved, dog-friendly (on-leash), and beginner-friendly
Sustainability Snapshot
Maintained by local council with paved tracks, heritage preservation zones, and restored clifftop lookouts. Public ferry access encourages low-carbon transport. Paths are shared with wildlife and locals — take only photos, leave only sandy footprints.
Owner & Contact
This public trail is maintained by Woollahra Council
Phone: (02) 9391 7000
Website: woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Suggested contact: Parks & Open Spaces team
Email: records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
FAQs
Q: How long is the Watsons Bay Coastal Walk?
Roughly 4–6km depending on the route, with most walkers finishing in 2–3 hours including detours.
Q: Do I need to book or pay?
No bookings needed. The walk is public and free, open 365 days a year.
Q: Is it suitable for kids or dogs?
Yes — it’s stroller and leash-friendly, with minimal incline.
Q: What’s the best way to get there?
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay and walk from there, or start at Macquarie Lighthouse and finish with a ferry ride and lunch.
Q: Can I do it in reverse?
Absolutely — ferry in, hike back. Or loop it with the Federation Cliff Walk if you’re feeling spicy.
Q: Where to start the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walk?
Start at Rose Bay Wharf and follow the Hermitage Foreshore track through Nielsen Park and Parsley Bay before joining the Watsons Bay trail near Camp Cove.
Q: How to spend a day in Watsons Bay?
Combine the coastal walk with a ferry ride from Circular Quay, lunch at Doyle’s or Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, and a swim at Camp Cove or Parsley Bay.
Q: Is there a coastal trail between Dover Heights and Watsons Bay?
Yes. The Federation Cliff Walk links Dover Heights to Watsons Bay along the cliffs via Military Road and Raleigh Reserve. It’s a stunning add-on to the South Head walk.
