Taking the bus from Watsons Bay to Walsh Bay is a great way to see the city on a budget. We love this self-guided tour because it gives you a chance to get a locals’ view of the city. This day trip takes you from the docks of Walsh Bay to the cliffs of Watsons Bay, giving you a chance to see waterfront Sydney from its working-class roots to its high-class splendour.
As a former Sydney Greeter, I’ve shown visitors around our beautiful city in many ways. But one of my favorite routes has always been riding the 325 bus from Walsh Bay to Watson’s Bay. This isn’t just a bus ride; it’s a trip from the western side of the harbour to its southern entrance with great views all the way.
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From here, the 325 takes us on a winding route through some of Sydney’s poshest suburbs. You’ll see the homes of the city’s wealthiest residents and get glimpses of the harbour that’ll have you reaching for your camera.
I doubt very many locals have ridden this route from beginning to end. It is mainly used to get from homes to key transport interchanges, but I think it makes a lovely day out – a sort of do it yourself hop on hop off experience. It’s a cheap way to see a different side of the city that is off the well trodden tourist trail. So let’s go exploring…
Need to know before you go
The 325 bus travels from the city to Watsons Bay via – Walsh Bay, Town Hall, Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay, Edgecliff, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Nielsen Park and Watson’s Bay.
- We begin at Walsh Bay but you can start at one of the other points along the way. Town Hall and Edgecliff Stations are also good options.
- The first stop is at Hickson Road near the Roslyn Packer (Wharf) Theatre. The bus then travels along Sussex St to Town Hall to a stop on Park St. It then travels up William St towards Kings Cross and past the big Coca-Cola sign.
- The best time to do this tour is in the morning. The afternoon peak from 3pm should be avoided.
- The bus is not usually crowded heading out of the city. It may be a little busy between Town Hall and Kings Cross but is otherwise usually fine.
- All 4 hours to complete the tour with 1-2 stops. You could easily spend the entire day doing this.
- The stops I have included are places you might like to get off the bus. Unless you have a full day pick one or two that appeal and then jump back on when you are done.
- All of these services are listed as accessible buses meaning the bus can tilt and open a ramp for wheelchair access.
- No tickets are sold on the bus. Use your credit/debit card or digital wallet to tap on.
- There are 2 buses every hour between 6:45am and 11:50pm.We begin at Walsh Bay, but you can start at one of the other points along the way. Town Hall and Edgecliff Stations are also good options.
Starting Point: Barangaroo
Before you board the bus, explore Barangaroo, perhaps using this guide. The easiest way to get to our starting point today is to take the train or metro to Barangaroo.
Grab a coffee, and then stroll through Barangaroo reserve, the brand new waterfront park that is well worth exploring if you have time before you begin.
Walsh Bay: Where history meets art
Walsh Bay has gone through quite a transformation. Once filled with bustling warehouses storing flour and other goods, it’s now a hub for the arts.
The old wharves have been cleverly repurposed, keeping their historic charm while housing modern creative spaces. Here, you’ll find the Sydney Dance Company and the Australian Theatre for Young People, breathing new life into these historic buildings.
As you explore, keep an eye out for hints of the area’s industrial past, like old railway tracks in the wharf. It’s a great spot to grab a bite or a drink too, with several restaurants and bars offering harbour views.
Jot this bar, Bar at the End of the Wharf, down for a visit one sunset!
Now let’s get on the bus!
Stop 1: Double Bay – Blackburn Gardens & Murray Rose Pool
The first place I suggest you might like to get off the bus to stretch your legs is here on New South Head Road. Just ask the driver to let you off at Woollahra Council Chambers. This is a great warm-weather stop but perhaps not a good choice on a cold or wet day.
Here you will find what was a gorgeous little Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf. The gallery looks over Blackburn Gardens and offers beautiful glimpses of the harbour through the trees. The gallery is closed Monday and Tuesday.
This small park is a fantastic spot for a romantic picnic, some quiet reading or contemplation.
The Murray Rose Pool, named after one of Australia’s best known Olympic stars, is at the bottom of the garden. The pool is perfect for a dip or just a coffee if the weather is not warm enough.
Once you are finished here, you can either get back on the bus or continue walking to Wolseley Rd Vaucluse.
If you decide to walk, it will be at least 2km before you can rejoin the bus at Rose Bay Police Station. If you decide you are up for a longer walk, you can walk from here to the start of the Hermitage Foreshore Track, which is a total of 4.8km.
Detour: Point Piper – Walk
Point Piper is possibly the city’s most exclusive suburb consisting of only a dozen or so streets with one, Wolseley Road being listed at the 9th most expensive street in the world.
Walking along the street gives you a glimpse of high-end Sydney life, but don’t expect to see too much. Most homes are hidden behind large fences, with only the occasional ‘for sale’ sign hinting at the luxury behind. You’ll definitely spot some flashy cars, though, and who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity.
About a few hundred metres along Wolseley Road, you’ll find Duff Reserve. It’s worth a visit to get an idea of the views these multi-million dollar homes enjoy.
Follow the 100 or so steps down to this tiny park with postcard-worthy views and a picnic table. While there are more spectacular vistas to come on our tour, this gives you a taste of what the rich and famous see while they’re… well, probably not washing dishes!
The Royal Motor Yacht Club, a very exclusive private members club established in 1905, is also on Point Piper at Lady Martins Beach. Among their members are the Prime Minister and many TV personalities.
Stop 2: Rose Bay
Rose Bay is a pretty harbour-side suburb with plenty to offer. As you head up New South Head Road, you’ll pass the Harry Potter-esque Kincoppal-Rose Bay School. This private Catholic girls’ day and boarding school has featured in several films and TV shows, including “Looking for Alibrandi”, the ABC series “Spirited”, and the Olsen Twins movie “Our Lips are Sealed”.
However, Rose Bay is perhaps best known for its seaplane base, offering scenic flights over Sydney Harbour. If you’re after a special meal with a view, the iconic Catalina restaurant is a local favourite.
If you’re up for a walk, get off the bus here at Towns Road/Bayview Hill Road. It’s about a 4-minute walk to join the Hermitage Foreshore Track.
This is one of Sydney’s lesser-known walks and has some stunning views of the city. You also pass gorgeous and usually quiet beaches that are perfect for a paddle or a quick swim including Queens Beach, Hermit Bay Beach, Tingara Beach, Milk Beach, Shark Bay beach at the end of the walk.
Related: Check out our Photoguide to the Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Stop 3: Nielsen Park and Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House is a 19th-century mansion and one of the city’s most popular heritage buildings. With 10 hectares of beautiful, well-preserved grounds it’s a lovely place for a picnic.
The property belonged to William Wentworth, a prominent politician, and lawyer who fought for the rights of convicts who had completed their sentences released to be given land grants.
The bus stops right outside the gate to Vaucluse House. If you have time, I recommend a visit to the tea room or the tour of the house. The property is open from 10am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday and entry is free.
For those who prefer nature to history, Nielsen Park itself offers a lovely beach and bushland walking tracks with harbour views. On a warm day, you might want to pack your swimmers!
Detour: Parsley Bay Beach
Parsley Bay Beach and Park are another relatively secret area that is only busy on weekends mid-morning and lunchtime with lots of local families picnicking. Early morning or later in the afternoon is an ideal time to take the short walk, about 15 minutes, through the gully to the small waterfall and across the bridge. This is a lovely area for swimming too.
There’s a cafe and lots of shade, so it’s perfect for summer. You can access the part via Hopetoun Avenue or Horler Avenues.
Stop 4: The Gap
Watson’s Bay terminus at the Gap is the last stop on this route. The bus will drop you at the Gap. This dramatic ocean cliff offers breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea and is a popular spot for whale watching, but please be mindful of the safety barriers – the views are stunning, but the cliffs are dangerous.
If you did not bring your lunch, you have several options:
- Grab some takeaway fish and chips from Doyles on the Wharf.
- Treat yourself to the full Doyles experience in their lovely restaurant overlooking the bay.
- Head to Watson’s Bay Hotel, remodelled a few years ago, with a large beer garden perfect for quenching your thirst while admiring the ocean views.
Don’t miss the Watson’s Bay Baths while you’re here. These harbor pools are a local treasure, offering a safe and scenic swimming spot for everyone.
With their shark net, floating pontoons, and calm waters, they’re perfect for families, lap swimmers, or anyone looking for a refreshing dip.
What’s more, they’re fully accessible with ramps and a special wheelchair to help those with mobility issues enjoy the water too. The view from the baths across the harbor to the city skyline is pretty spectacular.
Watsons Bay And South Head
If you’ve got an extra hour or two, the South Head Heritage Trail to Hornby Lighthouse is well worth your time. This easy walk is packed with diverse attractions:
- Camp Cove: A picturesque and safe harbour beach, perfect for a quick dip.
- Historic sights: Keep an eye out for the old naval cannon along the way.
- Lady Bay Beach: Also known as Lady Jane, this clothing-optional beach offers stunning views (of the harbour, that is!). If you’re not comfortable with nudity, you can walk above the beach – but the panorama might just distract you anyway.
- Spectacular lookouts: Dramatic cliff views and city skyline vistas that’ll have you reaching for your camera.
- Hornby Lighthouse: Your final destination is this charming red and white striped lighthouse, standing proud since 1858. It was automated in 1933 and continues to guide ships safely into the harbour.
The walk is graded easy and typically takes about 90 minutes round trip. It’s a fantastic spot for whale watching from July to October, so bring your binoculars if you’re visiting in season.
It is worth the extra time if you can fit it in. The walk is graded easy and will only take you about an hour and a half tops. We love this walk so much we have devoted a whole post to the Watsons Bay track.
This post is part of a series Exploring Sydney by Public Bus that highlights the best Sydney bus routes for visitors wanting to get a little off the beaten track.
You might also like our guide to the 389 bus to North Bondi or the 311 bus to Potts Point and Woolloomooloo
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Very helpful thank you I look forward to being a tourist in beautiful Sydney