Ferry to Watsons Bay and the South Head light

1. Watsons Bay Wharf~20 min at the stop

The ferry from Circular Quay lands you by the cafes and the harbour. The Gap and the lighthouse are both on foot from here.

Tip: On weekends the ferry beats driving, as parking near the headland fills fast. Check the return ferry before setting off. Doyles on the Wharf takeaway by the wharf: 10:30am to about 5pm, no bookings. The Garden Bar at 11 Marine Parade opens daily from 11:30am, and the restaurant there is best booked.

↓ walk · 10 min · 0.6 km

2. The Gap~15 min at the stop

A lookout on the ocean cliffs a few minutes from the wharf. In 1857 the clipper Dunbar was wrecked below, and its anchor still stands in Gap Park. Below are only rocks and surf, not a beach.

Tip: Stay behind the fence. Swim back at Camp Cove.

↓ walk · 15 min · 1 km

3. Camp Cove~40 min at the stop

A sandy harbour cove. This is the swim when the ocean is big, and the lighthouse path leaves from here.

Tip: Take the South Head Heritage Trail to the light. The Bay and Timber Getters tracks are uneven and slippery at the moment.

↓ walk · 20 min · 1 km

4. Hornby Lighthouse~20 min at the stop

The red-and-white striped 1858 lighthouse at the tip of South Head, built after the Dunbar wreck as the third lighthouse in NSW. From Camp Cove the 1 km South Head Heritage Trail loop follows an 1870s cobbled road past Lady Bay Beach and old gun emplacements.

Tip: The park is open sunrise to sunset. Through 2026–2027 military structures on the headland are being repaired; the trail stays open but some spots may be fenced off. Return the same way to the ferry, and in strong wind turn back at Camp Cove.