A Sydney-Sider's Adventure Around the Bays of the Eastern Suburbs

Elizabeth Bay

Starting in Elizabeth Bay or Rushcutters Bay, just a short distance from the city, take the train to King Cross and go down the hill. You can also take the bus or ride-share. Elizabeth Bay is known for its fancy homes and beautiful views of the water. It has Elizabeth Bay House, a historic house with gardens, and Beare Park, a pretty park on the water that is great for picnics and relaxing. Also some amazing eateries. Stay tuned!

Rushcutters Bay

Rushcutters Bay is a bustling marina and recreational hub, popular for sailing and water activities. Walk in Rushcutters Bay Park and see the harbor from a wide angle. Go to the CYC, a well-known sailing club with a house on the water. Be sure to take your ID and order some delicious seafood, while watching the boats come and go. It’s possible to join a boat as crew, for twilight sailing on Wednesdays during the summer, and they welcome new and experienced sailors!

Double Bay

Double Bay is a very chic suburb known for its upscale shopping, dining and nightlife. If you want to avoid the crowds in the city, stay at the InterContinental here. It is near the Eastern suburb beaches and the main city. There is also a very sweet, tranquil harborside beach, just next to the Double Bay ferry stop. You can indeed join the journey here, straight from the city via ferry, quite simply the best way to travel in Sydney!

Known to locals as Double Pay due to its bougie vibe, make sure you meander through the boutiques and buzzing cafes of Knox Street and Bay Street, then take a detour up the hill to discover Redleaf beach. I like to order a watermelon smoothie from the kiosk cafe and sit down on Seven Shillings Beach and look at the city. It’s a ten-minute walk from here around to The Boathouse, for a lovely lunch on the water or get a take-away coffee and continue around the promenade, to the center of Rose Bay.

Rose Bay

You could start the Bay tour here by taking the ferry from Circular Quay straight to Rose Bay and do this tour in reverse, or skip the first part and begin here! Rose Bay is another charming harborside suburb and has a rich maritime history and stunning waterfront promenade. There are watersports available here and I would highly recommend taking a kayak or stand-up paddle board out to discover the area from the water. There are also seaplanes for a different sightseeing perspective. Watch them take off and land from Catalina, an upscale dining spot, or the Empire lounge for a more casual vibe.

Hermitage Foreshore Walk

There is a scenic walk that begins close to Rose Bay called the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, just a 15-minute stroll from the center of the suburb. Take the walking track around this path and discover some secret beaches— Queens Beach and Milk Beach are quite something, hidden away among nature and next to some amazing mansions, looking out towards the city's vista. For picnic lovers, be sure to stop by Sonoma bakery on arrival in Rose Bay and pack some yummy treats in your backpack for a postcard view and an alfresco lunch stop along this trail. It is not suitable for prams, but I have often taken my little one along part of the path for a picnic and a play in the sand.

Watsons Bay

If you’re short on time and want to save the walk for another day, then why not zip across the water from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay and see the secret beaches from the ferry. Roll off the ferry into a cozy coastal haven well-known for sandy shores, coastal strolls, and seafood! Robertson Park is a lovely spot with a playground for the kiddies. Onwards takes you along to Camp Cove Beach, a hidden gem with sparkling waters and an awesome backdrop for some classic Sydney snaps. Carry on around to the historic Hornby Lighthouse, the perfect spot for a panoramic peek out of the headlands.

It would be rude not to stop for a refreshment as you made it all this way, so head back to The Watsons Bay Hotel, which is the perfect spot for a cool schooner and some top-notch pub grub. Next door at Doyle’s is a bit more upmarket, for some seafood and a city view. Don't forget to check the ferry schedule for your ride back to the city. You could take it up a notch and stay in one of the Watsons Bay hotel's chic boutique rooms.

Now, that's what I call yet another day well spent in Sydney!

As well as the ‘reccos’ (as the Aussies like to abbreviate) that I have provided already, here are a few more top picks for you to punctuate your time, on this Bay tour adventure…

Elizabeth Bay/Potts Point

This was the first place I lived in Sydney and it is surrounded by some amazing eateries, so my picks are on the fairly established side and I would definitely recommend revisiting in the evening but you really can’t go wrong with any of these:

Fratelli Paradiso: An established Italian serving all the favorites, soak up the local vibe.

The Butler: Get a table on the terrace, enjoy the view and delicious cocktails too.

The Apollo: Weekend long lunches or delightful dinners, get the lamb shoulder to share and the saganaki to die for.

Bloody Mary’s Gazebo: Indoor and alfresco dining, good for brunch or happy hour & everything in-between. Check out ‘what’s on’. It’s great for groups and casual catch ups.

Rushcutters Bay

Not a whole lot of culinary options here but if you need refreshments, here’s a few:

CYC: My top pick for the area as already mentioned, capturing the essence of the area.

Rushcutters Bay kiosk: In the centre of the park for a quick & easy bite - convenience!

Figo: A boutique Italian and wine bar.

Enya: Simple Japanese delights

Double Bay

Another great spot to come back to in the evening with an array of eateries but here are my faves:

Little Jean: All day dining in this buzzing Double Bay precinct, great for people watching.

Bibo: Mediterranean food and wine bar for a cosy dinner spot.

The Golden Sheaf: A pub and an institution! If you want to experience some of the local nightlife, go along at the weekend.

Rose Bay

As well as my previous pick and if you’re after something a bit different, then I would also add:

Jewel on the Bay: For yummy Indian food with a view.

Chargrill Charlies: For simple food done well & the best Chargrilled chicken around.