If you are looking for things to do in Watsons Bay with kids look no further than a walk to one of the oldest of Sydney Lighthouses, the Hornby Lighthouse.
Capturing some of the most spectacular views over Sydney Harbour and then beyond the heads, a walk along the South Head Heritage trail is the perfect weekend walk with the kids. You may even fit in a swim if you set out on a warm day.
Sydney has 7 lighthouses you can visit, but which one should you visit after Hornby Lighthouse? Check out our full coverage of the best Sydney lighthouses to visit.
Hornby Lighthouse at Watsons Bay with Kids
Table of Contents
The Making of Hornby Lighthouse
Built back in 1858, Hornby Lighthouse was the third lighthouse to be built in NSW and was commissioned after both the Dunbar and the Catherine Adamson wrecked at the foot of South Head. The lighthouse has continuously run ever since.
Standing at 9.1 metres in height and with a focal point of 27 metres, Hornby Lighthouse features distinctive red and white vertical stripes to distinguish it by day from the Macquarie lighthouse. Originally its light source was created with a kerosene lamp on a catoptric lens, with an update in 1904 to incandescent gas. By 1933, Hornby Lighthouse was automated thanks to electric power, and in 1948 a Chance Brothers Catadioptric lens was installed.
Fortifications at Hornby Lighthouse
When visiting the Hornby Lighthouse and walking along the South Head Heritage Trail, you will encounter a number of gun emplacements and fortifications. Construction of military fortifications began on South Head during the 1840s and 1850s due to fear of the impact of the Crimean War. Further construction occurred over the turn of the century and the area was manned during World War I.
Ten guns were built in 1927 to further defend Sydney harbour and during World War II, artillery was maintained at the Horby Batteries, near the signal station, and at Camp Cove. Whilst the signal station batter was dismantled quite soon after, visitors can still see and access a number of the fortifications that remain.
Aboriginal Histories at Watsons Bay
The area around Hornby Lighthouse has a rich Aboriginal history, with the areas recorded as Woo-la-ra or Tarralbe for Outer South Head, Burra-wa-ra or Barraory for Inner South Head, and Mit-ta-la (or Metallar) for Green Point (Laings Point). The area was renowned for its fishing and shellfish collection usage.
Along many of the cliffs, although hardly visible these days, there are Aboriginal rock engravings. Camp Cove itself was utilised as a location to launch canoes for fishing, with the rock engravings the importance of this fishing site detailing fish, sharks and whales, as well as humans and a range of marsupials local to the area.
Walking to Hornby Lighthouse
The walk to Hornby Lighthouse is quite relaxing, and although it has a mild incline, is suitable for most families. Unfortunately, it has a number of steps and is not easily accessible for prams or wheelchairs.
Depending on where and how you arrive will determine your starting point. We typically drive and park near Camp Cove car park.
Camp Cove Beach with Kids
Camp Cove is an important place for the Gadigal people. It was from here that canoes were launched for fishing expeditions, as well as a collection point for shellfish. It is reputed that it is was here that Europeans first landed in 1788.
Camp Cove is a gorgeous little beach that looks perfect for swimming with the kids. It is a north-east facing beach, with gentle lapping waves. Whilst shade is minimal, the beach does feature a kiosk and toilets. It is the entry point to Sydney Harbour National Park.
The Cannon
After entering the Sydney Harbour National Park and heading up the hill you will encounter a cannon to the left. Placed here in the 1880s, the cannon is part of a larger gun emplacement and rifle wall that was built to protect a military jetty and boatshed.
The road adjacent to the cannon, built from cobblestone, was utilised to transport military supplies from Camp Cover up to the various military sections of South Head.
Lady Bay Beach
When visiting Hornby Lighthouse with kids it is important to note that Lady Bay Beach is a nudist beach, having been declared as such all the way back in 1976. We didn’t read the signs and walked down the pathway to this beautiful west-facing beach before casually glancing at the beachgoers below and realising they were naked!
There is a stunning lookout further along the path towards Hornby Lighthouse that overlooks the beach and out towards Sydney city. Fortunately, there is plenty of foliage so the kids are unlikely to get a glimpse of the naked beach patrons below!
Lighthouse Keepers Cottages
As you move out onto the cliffs you will come across the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. Interestingly, and most unusual, the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage is the first you come across and the furthest from Hornby Lighthouse, with the assistant’s cottage closer.
Both cottages were designed in the Georgina style out of locally quarried sandstone. They feature gorgeous timber verandahs and a white picket fence. Sadly the original slate roof has been replaced.
Whilst we explored the outside of these cottages, we were unable to move inside any of them for a look. It can be hired through NSW national parks for a fee.
Dunbar Shipwreck Memorial and Site
The Dunbar shipwrecked on South Head on Thursday 20 August 1857 after 81 days at sea. The site of the shipwreck is a little south of The Gap, at the foot of the South Head bluffs below the signal Station. We don’t recommend heading out there as it is usually quite rough and dangerous (hence why the ship wrecked!).
In early 1910, the anchor was found and became part of the memorial to those that were lost. You can view the Dunbar memorial above Watsons Bay near the pedestrian crossing.
Where to Eat in Watsons Bay with Kids
If you are heading for a day out at the Hornby Lighthouse you may like to bring a picnic. There are so many picturesque spots to stop and spread out your blanket. However, this area also boasts plentiful options for a feed.
Doyles on the Wharf Takeaway
Open since 1885 in Watsons Bay, Doyles is possibly the most famous seafood restaurant in Sydney and their takeaway fish and chips at Fisherman’s Wharf is the perfect lunch for a family on a day adventure.
Address: Fishermans Wharf, Military Rd, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Opening Hours: OPEN DAILY | 10am – 5pm
Website: Head to the Doyles Takeaway website for menu and information.
The Tea Garden
Offering an Italian style menu, The Tea Garden loves kids and offers one of the best locations in Watsons Bay to eat and soak in the sun. The kids can even colour in the menu while they enjoy their meal.
Address: 8 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
Opening Hours: Closed Monday | 8.30 am – 4.00 pm every other day
Website: Tea Garden webpage
Dunbar House
Built in the 1830s, Dunbar House is one of Australia’s oldest standing buildings. With absolute beautiful views, Dunbar House offers a sophisticated, fully licensed café
Address: 9 Marine Parade Watsons Bay
Opening Hours: Café is open Friday, Saturday & Sunday, for Breakfast & Lunch from 8am.
Website: Dunbar House Webpage
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel : Bites by the Beach
The Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is a swanky accommodation venue for those wishing to escape the city without going to far. It also boasts its own restaurant, The Beach Club which has a gorgeous view and great food.
Address: 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay
Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Website: The Beach Club at Watsons Bay webpage
Gelatissimo
On some adventures, all you need is a good location and gelato. We were super chuffed to discover that Watson’s Bay is home to its very own Gelatissimo store offering all our favourites.
Address: Shop 3/18-20 Military Rd, Watsons Bay
Opening Hours: 11.00 am – 6.00 pm most days
Website: gelatissimo.com.au
Camp Cove Kiosk
Open during the warmer months, Camp Cove kiosk is similar to a milkbar with icecreams, drinks and some small food items.
Address: 36 Cliff Street Watsons Bay (right on the beach at Camp Cove)
Opening Hours: During the summer months
Website: Camp Cove Kiosk Facebook Page
Getting to Watsons Bay from Sydney CBD
While you can drive to Watsons Bay, find a park and walk up to the Hornby Lighthouse, we highly recommend taking the scenic option and hopping on a ferry at Circular Quay to Watsons Bay Wharf.
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