Day 15 Bondi Beach, Watsons Bay and Taronga Zoo

This walk explores the coastal cliffs near The Gap on Sydney’s South Head. The main focal point for this walk is the view from the rocky bluff. The cliff makes for very spectacular scenery and the views extend from North Head along the coast, and even peer across the harbour to the city. This walk starts from Watsons Bay and follows a well used footpath all the way. There is much history in the area and the couple of side trips described in this walk open up some more places to explore. 800 meter return walk

The short South Head Heritage trail offers something for everyone: incredible beach and harbour views, a glimpse into history and excellent whale watching opportunities.

Starting at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay, the first landing place for Europeans in Australia, this short walk takes you on a stroll along an 1870s cobblestone road past Lady Bay Beach, before reaching historic Hornby Lighthouse with its distinctive red and white stripes. Take some time to explore the gun emplacements and keep your eyes open if you’re there during whale watching season.

The spectacular views of Sydney are sure to astound you, with Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east; and leave you wanting to explore more of Sydney Harbour National Park.

WATSONS BAY With lovely beaches, marvellous views and delicious seafood, Watsons Bay on the South Head peninsula in Sydney’s east is a delightful day trip. Australia’s oldest fishing village is home to waterfront restaurants, great walking trails, and a harbourside park perfect for family picnics.

Watsons Bay is home to the seafood institution Doyles, from fine dining to takeaway fish ‘n’ chips. Doyles on the Beach is one of Australia’s most celebrated seafood restaurants. Savour fresh fish, lobster, prawns and more with views of one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world.

Tasty takeaway fish ’n’ chips is at Doyles on the Wharf, where the ferry docks and next to Robertson Park – a charming picnic spot near elegant Dunbar House. Nearby is the Beach Club, a waterfront restaurant and bar with splendid harbour views and part of the iconic Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.

Steeped in history, Watsons Bay is rich in indigenous and colonial heritage. From clifftops on Gap Bluff walking track, marvel at the vast ocean as you walk by where the full-rigged passenger ship the Dunbar shipwrecked in 1857.

South Head heritage trail takes you past Lady Bay Beach, which permits nude bathing, and then on to the tip of South Head. You’ll find here the historic red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse, built in 1858 after the Dunbar sank. You can spot whales from South Head between May and November.

Lunch from 10am Doyle's on the Wharf It may be less refined than the restaurant; but you can do fish‘n'chips the way they're supposed to be done at Doyle's on the Wharf. Still, with Doyle's reputation for producing superior fresh seafood, you can assume pretty high expectations and you won't be disappointed. Head for the Fishermans Wharf on Watsons Bay to check out what the over-the-counter sidekick has to offer. Choose from an array of seafood treats such as prawn salads, half lobsters or your choice of finger-licking grilled or fried fish.

Go for a morning walk at the beach. The Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk is approximately 1.3 kilometres long and will take around 20-25 minutes at a casual pace.

Taronga Zoo Tours

Easily the wildest place in Sydney, the Taronga Zoo is a sprawling sanctuary where over 4,000 animals crawl and chirp just minutes from the heart of downtown. Situated on Sydney Harbour a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, the sprawling sanctuary ranks as a top Sydney destination, with a range of tours, keeper talks, animal shows, and activities suitable for kids and adults. Visitors can see the fuzzy face of a native koala as it first wakes up from a nap, or stand a few feet from playful lemurs as they swing and play in the treetops. There are also opportunities to spot exotic species such as Malaysian sun bears, giraffes, and African lions, or marvel at a fearsome saltwater crocodile as it cruises through shallow waters.

The Basics: The Taronga Zoo’s animals reside in 10 themed zones, each designed to resemble a natural habitat. Ticket options range from general entry tickets to admission with add-ons and upgrades such as supervised hand-feedings, behind-the-scenes experiences, and educational visits with Aboriginal guides to hear about the area’s indigenous connections to nature. There's even the chance to sleep at the zoo inside a classic safari tent, where visitors fall asleep to the sounds of the savanna but wake to views of the harbor. All tickets include a ride on the Sky Safari cable car, which glides above the zoo and provides an aerial view of the animals and Sydney Harbour. Those looking for convenience can book a tour that includes a Taronga Zoo visit, a Sydney Harbour cruise, and roundtrip transport from their hotel.

Things to Know Before You Go Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through the extensive grounds. The zoo is large and exhibits are spread out, so you might like to jump on the miniature train to get around. All shows and presentations, food outlets, and shops are wheelchair accessible, as well as most exhibits and pathways, although some connecting paths are steep. Multi-attraction tickets offer admission discounts to top destinations such as the Taronga Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Tower Eye.

How to Get There Taronga Zoo is on Little Sirius Cove, a couple of inlets east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The zoo is an easy and scenic 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, from where ferries depart every 30 minutes. Ferries also depart daily from Darling Harbour and Manly. Upon arrival at the Taronga Wharf, either ride the Sky Safari cable car to the zoo entrance on top of the hill or take the zoo's shuttle bus from the ferry dock to the entrance gates. Public buses and trains also connect to the zoo, and paid parking is available.

When to Get There The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Keeper talks take place throughout the day and are included with admission. Special events occur throughout the year, such as a summer evening concert series and a colorful light art exhibit during the city’s annual Vivid Sydney festival around May and June.

Views from the Zoo Taronga is an aboriginal phrase that means “beautiful view.” Indeed, the zoo boasts sweeping views of Sydney Harbor and landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Snap a photo of giraffes with Sydney’s skyscrapers in the background, or soak in the scenery while relaxing at one of the picnic areas overlooking the harbor. For another perspective, test your limits on the ropes course (additional cost). Address: Bradleys Head Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2088, Australia Hours: Daily 9:30am–4:30pm (May-Aug), 9:30am-5:00pm (Sept-Apr), 9:30am-4:00pm (New Years Eve)