If you’re looking for hidden coves, spectacular harbour views and little pockets of rainforest then the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walk should be top of your list. The fact this relatively easy walk starts and ends with one of Sydney’s most scenic ferry rides is an added bonus.
You could walk the trail in less than two hours or spend an entire day hopping from deserted beach to deserted beach and stopping for coffee or lunch with a view. It’s a trail we’ve done many times and each time we do it, we see something new.
Here’s what to expect on the trail and the stops you shouldn’t miss on one of Sydney’s best harbour walks.
Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay Walk
The stats
Distance: 7.4km
Elevation: 165m
Type of walk: One way
Difficulty: Easy (but there are some uphill sections)
Start of Trail: Rose Bay Ferry Wharf
End of Trail: Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf
Whilst the Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay isn’t a hard walk, it isn’t a completely leisurely stroll. The trail undulates most of the way. The track is in very good condition all the way through and is primarily paved, boardwalk or flat dirt paths.
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, water bottle, and sunscreen as the path is quite exposed. You can fill up your water bottle at various places along the trail. You should allow at least 2.5 hours for the walk and more if you plan on stopping along the way.
Here’s exactly what to expect on the walk.
Starting the trail
The trail signage has become muuuuch better since it became part of the Bondi to Manly walk but there are still some points where the route is easy to miss so we’ll highlight those for you as we go through the trail notes.
Always look for a black sign, with yellow writing for the Bondi to Manly Walk. There should be a yellow fish symbol and arrows pointing to Bondi and Manly: always follow the Bondi direction. This will take you all the way to Watsons Bay.
You’ll begin at Rose Bay Wharf where you need to make a left and follow the pavement until you hit the beach. There’s no sign here but head onto the sand and walk almost the full length of the beach before heading right, up the stairs (it’s beside one of the taller buildings, and it’s easy to miss so keep an eye out for it).
Rose Bay is a nice enough beach but there are some prettier ones coming up so I wouldn’t stop at this one - it’s also much busier than those you’ll find further along the trail.
The signs are great for the next section which unfortunately is largely along pavements - don’t be discouraged though because it’s definitely worth it.
It is exactly 1.76km of road walking (minus the part where you walked along the beach) to get to the official start of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk and where the trail starts to get really good.
Heading into the Hermitage Foreshore Reserve
The gorgeous harbour views begin immediately and will be a constant for almost the entire remainder of the walk. It’s a stunning backdrop for the trail and I particularly love the early views where Shark Island is directly in front of the Harbour Bridge - if you haven’t had a picnic over on Shark Island yet, add it to your list, it’s our favourite picnic spot in Sydney!
The start of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Shark Island on the right
In just a few hundred metres you’ll reach the first cove, Queens Beach, and it’s a pretty little spot with an amazing Harbour Bridge view. It’s a good place to stop for a paddle and it has never had anyone else on it when we’ve been past.
The harbour views from Queens Beach
Queens Beach
If it’s still too early in the walk for you to stop, don’t worry because there are so many more great secluded beaches to choose from.
Walking along the boardwalk after Queens Beach there is a giant Fig Tree on the right and so much foliage on the left that I couldn’t see the water but I could hear it crash against the rocks. It’s like I’d closed my eyes and woken up in Tropical North Queensland! It will never stop amazing me that this kind of experience is possible in a city.
As you make your way along the trail it undulates on a mixture of flat track and very short sections of stairs.
From deserted cove to deserted cove
Just a couple of hundred metres after Queens Beach you will come to Hermit Point. It’s another lovely picnic spot with some picnic tables, a beautiful little beach and yet more great views.
Hermit Point Picnic Area
The beach at Hermit Point
The only downside to stopping here is that it is directly beside the trail so if it’s a busy weekend it won’t be as peaceful as some of the more secluded options, like Tingira Beach which you’ll come to next.
Tingira is a bit bigger than Hermits Bay and it’s shielded from the track by lots of trees, in fact, most people don’t even really notice it, so it’s a lovely one to choose if you’d like to take a dip in what feels like your own secret spot.
There isn’t a proper staircase down to the beach though and the rock has worn smooth and is covered by a fine layer of sand which makes it a bit slippery - it’s very quick to get down but just watch your step. Tingira is just 300m beyond Hermit Bay so you can see why this is a walk of many coves!
Tingira Beach
Just beyond Tingira you’ll reach Strickland House which has a huge grassy lawn with picnic tables, it’s always super popular on weekends. There’s plenty of room to spread out though and great views to the Sydney Tower and skyline beyond. There are toilets here too if you prefer to have a picnic with facilities.
On to Nielsen Park
The walk continues along the lawn before you make your way down the stone stairs to Milk Beach. This is one of my favourites along the trail, particularly if you catch it on a quiet day. You get great bridge views and there are lots of jagged rocks to sit on and watch the world go by.
You can’t really go wrong with any of the beaches along this track though, and the calm water from being in the sheltered harbour makes a nice change from the typical wavy beaches in Sydney.
Milk Beach
The trail continues on a mix of boardwalk and rock for 700m, still with beautiful harbour views and a few rocky outcrops which are favourites with cliff divers.
Your next major stop is Nielsen Park, where you’ll find the biggest beach along the walk (apart from Rose Bay and Watsons Bay themselves). Shark Beach has a huge netted area so this is perfect for you if the idea of swimming in the water has you conjuring up images of Jaws (this is often the case with me 😂).
As well as the beach there is a cafe which is also licensed and you’ll see people taking bottles of wine to the beach, the atmosphere is pretty much like being on holiday! It’s always busy but it’s a nice vibe and very pretty in a slightly more built up kind of a way.
The next part of the track is not signposted and I often forget to make the turning and head out to the road too early. You need to head up the staircase that has the women’s toilet sign. This will take you onto a flat grassy path along the water until you reach Bottle and Glass Point, which is known as a great snorkel site although we’ve personally not tried it ourselves yet.
Just around the corner from the point is a little bench which has a lovely view of the bobbing boats and as it is by a dead end and tucked away, no one ever goes there. If you want a spot to sit and take a break without anyone else around it’s a good bet.
Heading on to Watsons Bay
After Bottle and Glass Point start to head back the way you came and you’ll see the path on your left which will lead you out on to the road.
Now comes around 600m of road walking - it sounds dull but actually the houses are so picturesque on this stretch that it is quite entertaining, particularly when some have gaps between the house and driveway which gives you a sneaky peak at the incredible views! You can play the guess how many millions this house would cost game!
The next turning which is now signposted (as Vaucluse House), albeit fairly discreetly, takes you left through a little park with a huge bamboo grove and alongside Beach Paddock.
The beach is not really worth a stop, particularly because after another 800m road walking you reach the gorgeous Parsley Bay.
Parsley Bay is signposted but not as part of the Bondi to Manly walk, it will be a left turn and the track heads downhill You’ll quickly see the photogenic bridge which takes you over the bay. You can head down to the bay itself as a little detour before continuing on.
It’s fantastic for swimming as the netted area is huge, the biggest we’ve seen in Sydney, and the water is very calm. There’s also a cafe if you’re ready for a coffee break. If there has been decent rain you can find a small waterfall in the forested area near the cafe.
From the bridge the trail continues hugging the shoreline for a few minutes before you head up the stairs and back out on to the road.
Before long you’ll come to the end of the road walking and head left down Palmerston Street, it’s doesn’t have a trail sign post so look out for the street sign, and you’ll be back at the water with Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf in sight, less than a ten minute walk away.
You’ll pass the very cute Tea Garden Cafe first and then come to the main beach and wharf.
Watsons Bay
Depending on timing you have some great options for treats! We love Dunbar House for coffee and brunch, Doyles for fish and chips and the Watsons Bay Hotel for a glass of wine, we’ve got more details on each spot and other things to do in Watsons Bay in this post.
If you’re keen to extend your walk you can head on to one of the two Watsons Bay trails, either to Camp Cove and the Hornby Lighthouse or The Gap and the Macquarie Lighthouse. We take you through both in this post.
If you’re here between May and October it’s also well worth checking out some of the whale watching spots.
Packing suggestions for the walk
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Rose Bay?
Technically you can, however it isn’t advised as the water quality isn’t great and is susceptible to urban run off.
How long is the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk?
The Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walk is 7.4km long.
Transport for the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk
The nicest way to get to the trail head at Rose Bay is by ferry from Circular Quay which takes 13 minutes.
On finishing the walk at Watsons Bay you can then take a ferry back to Circular Quay which takes 25 minutes.
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What’s your favourite Sydney walk? Have you done another harbour walk as good as the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk? Let us know in the comments below!
