Harbour Walk - Rose Bay to Watsons Bay
Allow approximately 4.5 hours to complete the 8km walk from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay(PDF, 335KB). Alternatively, select only a small section of the walk, such as Rose Bay, the Hermitage Foreshore and Nielsen Park, Vaucluse Bay or Watsons Bay.
Rose Bay parks and reserves (30 mins)
Begin the walk at the Rose Bay Wharf, Lyne Park and take the foreshore promenade and then head along Vickery Avenue until you reach Tingira Reserve with its shaded casuarina fringed beach. Continue along New South Head Rd through the Rose Bay shopping centre and take a left turn at Worth Arcade to Perceival Park. Relax in this quiet, shaded location and watch the many wading birds on the sand flats.
Rose Bay to Nielsen Park (1 ½ hours)
Head along New South Head Rd to Dumaresq Reserve and then turn left into Tivoli Ave and left again into Bay View Hill Rd and follow the signs to the Hermitage Foreshore Scenic Walk. The Hermitage Walk is 1.4km long and features spectacular harbour views, remnant heaths, woodland and some patches of rainforest as well as craggy cliffs and secluded coves for fishing.
As you head along to Nielsen Park you will pass the historic Strickland House. Formerly a public convalescent hospital and now a public park that boasts superb views of the harbour, Opera House and bridge. As you approach Nielsen Park, the native heathland begins to form. Nielsen Park is one of the best harbour beaches in Sydney with brilliant white sands, clear water, a shaded promenade and picnic areas. A loop walk out along Bottle and Glass Rocks has spectacular views of the harbour and takes only 10 minutes.
Nielsen Park to Watson Bay (2 ½ hours)
From Nielsen Park follow Coolong Rd to the Wentworth Rd intersection and make a stop at the historic house museum, Vaucluse House. From Wentworth Rd turn right into Fitzwilliam Rd and left at the public walkway next to No 43a. Cross over the suspension bridge and take the steps down to the reserve. Parsley Bay is a popular family destination all year round with an enclosed swimming area and picnic facilities. Take the time to explore the area including the short bushland circuit (15 – 20 minutes) which takes you to a waterfall at the head of the gully. Head back to the suspension bridge and proceed down The Crescent for Watsons Bay.
Take a stroll down the promenade past the Pilot Station and baths. An historic obelisk stands in Robertson Park, near the Vaucluse Yacht Club, commemorating the completion of the first road to South Head in 1811.
Walk up the hill through Robertson Park to Gap Park. From here you can link up with the Coast Walk or wander through the historic village to Green Point and Camp Cove where Governor Phillip first landed in 1788.
Parsley Bay
View a printable brochure and map of the walk from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay.(PDF, 335KB)