Watsons Bay Baths is a tidal harbour enclosure next to the Watsons Bay ferry wharf, with two floating pontoons, a boardwalk and Australia's first deep-water wheelchair access to a tidal harbour pool.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour or river baths
- Good to know
- Step-free or ramp access
- Facilities and access
- Two floating pontoons, boardwalk, seating, deep-water wheelchair access
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No
- Public transport
- Ferry to Watsons Bay
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings
- Water quality
- GoodWatsons Bay, 0.2 km away. Sampled 27 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Town
- Watsons Bay, NSW
What it's like
A calm, netted swimming area on the harbour side of Watsons Bay, with a boardwalk and seating along the edge and two pontoons to swim out to. Its accessible design lets wheelchair users get into deep water, which is rare for any harbour or ocean pool.
When to go
Weekday mornings; the area is busy with day-trippers and diners on summer weekends.
Getting there and facilities
Take the ferry to Watsons Bay wharf; the baths are beside it. Cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, and the South Head walk starts nearby.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards at the baths. Avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rain.