Ferry Ride to Watson Bay

WAITING FOR THE FERRY

Start your day by catching a bus or a train to Circular Quay. First, check the Watson Bay ferry timetable at Wharf 4 as the ferries are infrequent at times. If you have some waiting time, then these are the things to do:

* Learn a bit about Aboriginal culture at either end of the Quay. Hear the wonderful sounds of the didjeridu, dance to the rhythms, have your photo taken, see some art work and remember to drop a few coins into the basket. See if you can spot the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Island flag at the western end of the Quay.

* Walk around the western side of Circular Quay for wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House and maybe see a big cruise ship if one is in port.

THE FERRY RIDE

Have your camera ready as soon as you board the ferry because you will very quickly have an opportunity for photos of you, your family or friends with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then the Sydney Opera House in the background. Marvel at the white sails and architecture of the Sydney Opera House as you glide past. See the Royal Botanic Gardens along the shore just past the Opera House.

The first stop is Garden Island, a naval base which also has a public museum. You can catch a glimpse of memorials, anchors and other big items on the shore. Look for any Royal Australian Navy ships that might be visiting Garden Island.

Gasp at the harbour-side mansions that populate the hills around the harbour and all of the watercraft anchored in the bays. There is everything from yachts to garden-variety fishing tinnies. Look back and admire the view of the city dominated by Sydney Tower.

Next stop is Double Bay which has a foreshore park and is a popular place to visit. Then it is on to Rose Bay, the home of the seaplanes. If you are lucky, you may see one take off or land. They have a very distinctive drone so look up if you hear a strange sound! There are also islands in this part of Sydney Harbour. One is Shark Island and the other is Clark Island.

LUNCH AT WATSON BAY

Soon you arrive at Watson Bay, hopefully just in time for lunch. Choose from the menu of delicious seafood at the wharf kiosk and then eat your lunch on the little beach or under the pines in the park.

STROLL TO THE GAP

After lunch take a short stroll to The Gap which is infamous in Sydney folklore. Watch the waves pound the bottom of the cliffs, look to the sky for a sight-seeing helicopter or seaward for a container ship, some yachts or the tourist jetboat.

BACK TO CIRCULAR QUAY

On the ferry ride back to Circular Quay, look to the northern side of the harbour. Can you see Taronga Zoo or one of the big Manly ferries? When you get near the Opera House, try to draw your eyes to the other side of the ferry for views of Fort Denison or Pinchgut as it is colloquially known.

Take the time to watch the ferries come and go from Circular Quay.

SUNSET AT THE OPERA HOUSE

After you arrive at Circular Quay, walk around to the Opera House. Check the wind direction by looking at the Australian and NSW flags at the top of the bridge. See how many groups of bridge-climbers you can count on the bridge. Relax as you watch the sun set over the famous “Coathanger” and see the lights come on around the city. See Luna Park all aglow.

After such an exciting day, it is time for a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants near the Opera House.