Most visitors to Sydney cannot get enough of the magnificent sights of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. But a little gem in the city’s eastern suburbs provides the traveller with an alternate perspective, with the advantage of a fabulous photo opportunity.
Watson’s Bay is located approximately 14 kilometres to the east of Sydney and can be easily reached from the CBD by car, bus or by taking a picturesque ride in a ferry. Popular with weekenders for its water views to the city, the area also boasts maritime history, small and secluded beaches, a few eateries and a spot to enjoy fish and chips by the water.
Doyles on the Beach is a Sydney institution that has been serving seafood since 1855. The site began as a humble outlet where Doyle originally sold his daily catch, then became a fish and chips shop in a tranquil locale and later played a pivotal role in making Watson’s Bay a tourist attraction. The restaurant overlooks a small stretch of sandy beach with small dinghies that dot the shore. Its prime location makes it a popular choice particularly for its the outdoor dining on the esplanade, either basking in the warmth of the sun or celebrating an occasion as the sun sets over Sydney.
For those who prefer something a little more informal, Doyles on the Wharf serves takeaway seafood which can be enjoyed at their al fresco seating or inside their Fisherman’s wharf with a panorama of the harbour. Other eateries include the Beach Club at Watson’s Bay Hotel which has an open courtyard and serves seafood with a view. Further along is the Tea Gardens Café, which was closed on the day we visited.
Click on the photos below for a larger view
A short walking distance away from the wharf, a sweep of sand and sea stretches into Camp Cove, one of Sydney’s harbour beaches. Surrounded by prime real estate, the intimate beach is a popular site for divers and those who like to worship the sun with a panoramic view of the Sydney skyline.
A short hike up from Camp Cove and visitors can find Lady Bay, a secluded nudist beach originally called Lady Jane. Further along on the tip of South Head is the Hornby Lighthouse with its distinctive red and white vertical stripes. Heading back south, visitors can walk past The Gap, with its imposing ocean cliffs for more spectacular photography.
Watson’s Bay remains one of Sydney’s best spots to visit, putting a little distance away from the hustle of the CBD yet remaining within easy reach.
Click on the photos below for views in and around Camp Cove
Doyles on the Beach
11 Marine Parade
Watsons Bay, NSW, 2030
Doyles on the Wharf
Fishermans Wharf,
Watson’s Bay, NSW, 2030
http://www.doyles.com.au
Watsons Bay Hotel
1 Military Road
Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Tea Gardens Café
8 Marine Parade
Watson’s Bay, NSW, 2030
[…] The Boudin, His Fan and Her LoverMarquing the BestPineau des Charentes: A Regional ApéritifWatson’s Bay: Another View of SydneyRaouché: The Inspirational Rock var gaJsHost = (("https:" == […]
[…] Alternatively, there is always Doyles at the Markets, the seafood restaurant of the same fame as Doyles at Watson’s Bay. […]
[…] wasn’t the hurried photo shoots in the rain of beaches that dot the landscape from Watson’s Bay to Maroubra. Or the seas that turned angry with foam or the wind lashing across our faces that wild […]
[…] runs for two hours and loops from its departure point towards the Eastern Suburbs’ coastline and Watson’s Bay then onto the northern beaches before returning via North Sydney past Luna […]
[…] on a bright sunny day, so bed down on a comfy patch of grass in the shade with a view. Think Watsons Bay, Nielsen Park or Wattamolla or Bundeena at the Royal National […]
[…] upon a time, you used to go Watsons Bay, buy your takeaway fish and chips from Doyles on the Wharf and bring it to the Watsons Bay Hotel, […]
[…] a different view of Sydney, head to Watsons Bay by bus or ferry. Enjoy fish and chips near the water, a cool drink at Watsons Bay Hotel and take a […]