We have spent so much time walking on the beautiful north shore, it was time time to explore the south shore.
We caught the ferry to Cirqular Quay, and then from there, another ferry out to Watsons Bay. There was slight confusion with the ferry times, and we thought we were going to begin at Watsons Bay and then get a bus back from Rose Bay, but to our surprise when we got on the ferry we found it was indeed stopping at Rose Bay.
We caught the ferry to Cirqular Quay, and then from there, another ferry out to Watsons Bay. There was slight confusion with the ferry times, and we thought we were going to begin at Watsons Bay and then get a bus back from Rose Bay, but to our surprise when we got on the ferry we found it was indeed stopping at Rose Bay.
Rose Bay lies approx. 7km to the east of the CBD, and is apparently named after the Honourable George Rose, who was joint secretary to the British Treasury.
Flying boats landed in the bay in 1938, making it Sydney's first international airport. With some 31 stops from England, and taking 9 days (pretty quick back then!); I am glad to report routes have got slightly quicker!
There was only one class: First.
Taking 15 passengers and a crew of five, they were so spacious one could play a game of mini golf if one fancied! Although it cost more than the average annual wage.
There was only one class: First.
Taking 15 passengers and a crew of five, they were so spacious one could play a game of mini golf if one fancied! Although it cost more than the average annual wage.
Rose Bay is still home to the departure base of Sydney's seaplanes.
The walking route was a little hazy from the ferry - we thought we may have missed a sign - and we ended up walking along the main road for a while. But it all has it's positives - and this meant we walked past the Rose Bay shops and could buy a coffee, as well as a little sugary snack to keep us powered...
We eventually came across signs for the walk again, and spent the next hour walking through bush along little tracks, coming across secluded beaches...
...and glimpsing the iconic Sydney sights through the trees.
Walking through the suburb of Vauclause, marvelling at the uber expensive houses (it's the third most expensive suburb in Australia) - well those little bits we could see behind the high gates and walls - we met a man walking the other way. "Hold your nose passing that house," he warned, marching briskly past us.
Strange.
What could he poss...Eurgh!!!!!!
The house looked a little run down, but I have seen a lot worse. But oh boy! it was the worst smell I have ever smelt. Honestly! Goodness knows what was inside...
We walked swiftly on, sympathizing for the poor neighbours.
Strange.
What could he poss...Eurgh!!!!!!
The house looked a little run down, but I have seen a lot worse. But oh boy! it was the worst smell I have ever smelt. Honestly! Goodness knows what was inside...
We walked swiftly on, sympathizing for the poor neighbours.
We got a little lost at Parsley Bay and had to retrace our steps to find the bridge, thankfully not as far back as the smelly house...
We had been organized and packed a picnic, which was a little bit too organized as Watsons Bay is home to Doyles, something of a Sydney institution for the past 130 years for all things seafood. From fine dining, to take-away fish and chips, it does it all.
With beautiful sandy beaches, delicious food to try, and a stunning ferry ride to reach it, I am sure we will be return to Watsons Bay very soon.