Camp Cove

The basics

From the beach, you can soak up views of the Sydney skyline—including Sydney Harbour and the skyscrapers of the CBD. You can also go fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving from the shore. The nearby Watson’s Bay is a staple on sightseeing tours of Sydney's best beaches, as well as comprehensive city tours, which tend to combine it with seaside stars such as Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach, plus inner city highlights such as The Rocks.

Things to know before you go

• The nearby Watson’s Bay is famous for having some of Sydney's best seafood restaurants—be sure to sample fish and chips, and oysters seasoned with lemon.

• Lady Bay, the next beach along from Camp Cove, is a popular nudist beach, so you might see sun-seekers without clothes when walking past.

• There’s a kiosk that sells coffee and cold drinks on the beach, but prices are at a premium—bring plenty of water and snacks if you don’t want to pay through the nose.

• The beach is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and there’s a paid parking lot just behind it.

How to get there

From central Sydney, you can take the number 324 bus to the Robertson Park, Military Road stop, which is a 10-minute walk from Camp Cove—it takes around 1 hour outside of rush hour traffic. Alternatively, it’s a 30-minute drive via New South Head Road.

When to get there

Camp Cove beach is open 24 hours a day, but try to visit during the week, when it’s less crowded than on the weekends. The kiosk beside the beach is open from early morning until mid-evening. To increase your chances of spotting whales and dolphins from the beach, visit from May through November.

Walking the South Head Trail

Starting at Camp Cove, the South Head Trail is an easy 0.5-mile (1 kilometer) loop that reveals stunning views of Sydney Harbour and its iconic sights. You’ll also pass the historic red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse, from which you might spot a humpback whale during the whale-watching season.