Cove Street, Watsons Bay

One of Sydney Harbour’s finest sandy beaches located adjacent to Sydney Harbour National Park.

Access

Limited street parking from Cliff Street and Victoria Street

Facilities

• Beach
• Kiosk
• Showers

Things to do

• Sunning
• Swimming – Note: lifeguard services are available during the peak summer period
• Snorkelling / diving
• Access to Sydney Harbour National Park

History

Indigenous

The Watsons Bay area provided abundant fish, shellfish and food for the local Aboriginal community in a sheltered environment. Rock engravings in the area depict a range of marine creatures including whales and fish. There is also a rock shelter at the northern end of the Camp Cove Beach that shows evidence of habitation by the local Aboriginal people.

European Occupation

Governor Phillip and the First Fleet rested for a night in Camp Cove before landing at Sydney Cove in 1788. The bountiful nature of the area was also recognised by the early European settlers and a fishery was set up nearby in 1792 to help feed the new settlement at Sydney Cove.

Dogs

Dogs are prohibited at all times

Permitted/prohibited activities

Spearfishing and the lighting of fires is prohibited.

For the protection of swimmers a boat exclusion zone is in force and signposted.

Location map