Getting to Watsons Bay
The public ferry line F9 serves Watsons Bay. Buses also stop at the wharf. Check the timetable for the journey time and wharf number on your day, because both change. See our Sydney ferries guide for fares and daily caps.
You can also come on a cruise. The hop-on-hop-off route has a Watsons Bay stop, and the Sydney harbour cruises compare other routes. A cruise ticket is a separate product from the public ferry fare.
The walks here are short. Most of the time goes into the clifftops, the trail to the lighthouse and a swim or a sit at the beach.
South Head and Gap Park
Two separate places with separate paths.
South Head Heritage trail
The trail is a 1 km loop and takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is rated grade 3. It leads past Camp Cove and Lady Bay towards Hornby Lighthouse, with historic gun emplacements and views over the harbour and the ocean. The walk from the ferry wharf to the start is extra.
Gap Park
Gap Park is a clifftop park on Old South Head Road. It is not the same loop as the Heritage trail. Buses and the ferry stop at the wharf, and street parking is limited. Camping is not allowed, and the council does not allow dogs. A historic tramway path links Military Road and Old South Head Road.
Opening and weather
National park areas are generally open from sunrise to sunset. Weather or fire danger can close paths, so check the local alerts before you go. Do not assume all paths suit prams or wheelchairs.
Watsons Bay tours and harbour cruises
Harbour cruises with a Watsons Bay stop, whale trips and day tours, with live prices and availability.
Camp Cove and Lady Bay
Two bays, two different rules.
Camp Cove and Lady Bay are separate bays. Lady Bay is a designated nude bathing area between Camp Cove and South Head.
The national park beaches here are unpatrolled, and currents can occur. At Camp Cove the council runs seasonal patrols: weekends from the last weekend of October, daily in the summer school holidays, and weekends again until 25 April. The exact hours vary, so look for the flags and the signs. At Lady Bay, treat the beach as unpatrolled.
After heavy rain the water is murky, and bacteria levels rise. Avoid swimming in the harbour for up to 3 days afterwards. NSW authorities also warn of higher bull shark activity in murky water after heavy rain. Our Sydney Harbour beaches guide compares the other swim spots.
What the trip costs
Public ferry fares and cruise passes in 2026.
A public ferry journey costs an adult A$7.35 or A$9.20 with Opal, depending on the distance. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the adult cap is A$9.65 a day, and from Monday to Thursday it is A$19.30. The trails and Gap Park have no entry fee.
The hop-on-hop-off pass stops at Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Manly. It costs adults A$48 for 1 day and A$68 for 2 days, and children aged 4 to 15 A$32 and A$43, valid from 1 April 2026. Check the timetable for the return times, because the pass is not a promise of a seat on a given boat.
Whale lookouts at South Head
Land-based views in the whale season.
South Head near Hornby Lighthouse is a whale watching spot. The migration along the NSW coast runs from May to November. No lookout can promise a sighting, and whales are not present every day. If you see whales from a boat, NSW rules ask boats and paddle craft to stay at least 100 m away, and 300 m from calves. For boat trips, see our whale watching guide.
The view back from the headland shows North Head across the harbour entrance. You can also reach North Head from Manly, which has its own ferry guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
More places around the harbour.
Watsons Bay: frequently asked questions
Which ferry goes to Watsons Bay?
The F9 line serves Watsons Bay. Check the timetable for the journey time and the wharf, because these change.
How long is the South Head Heritage trail?
It is a 1 km loop and takes 30 to 60 minutes. The walk from the ferry wharf to the start is additional.
Are dogs allowed in Gap Park?
No. The council does not allow dogs in Gap Park. Camping is not allowed either.
Can I swim at Camp Cove?
Camp Cove has seasonal council patrols: on weekends from the last weekend of October, daily in the summer school holidays, then weekends until 25 April. Outside patrol times the beach is unpatrolled, and currents can occur.
Is Lady Bay a nude beach?
Lady Bay is a designated nude bathing area between Camp Cove and South Head. The beach is not patrolled.