Watsons Bay

Gazing out at the sparkling waters of Watsons Bay, can you imagine the scene centuries ago? Watsons Bay, nestled on the tip of South Head peninsula, has seen a lot of history unfold. The Cadigal people, the original inhabitants, called this place Kutti. They fished these waters and gathered shellfish, leaving behind rock carvings that have sadly been eroded by time and tide. Watsons Bay, as we know it, began its European story in 1788 when the First Fleet landed at Camp Cove. Just a few years later, in 1790, a lookout was built on the cliffs, watching for ships approaching Sydney Harbour. Now, let’s talk about how Watsons Bay got its name. It was named after Robert Watson, a quartermaster from HMS Sirius. His ships were beached at Camp Cove for years, and later he became the Sydney Harbour pilot and harbormaster in 1811. He even held the prestigious position of the first superintendent of Macquarie Lighthouse in 1816. Watsons Bay remained a small fishing village until the 1860s when things started to change. The ferry service that started in the 1870s brought an influx of people and businesses. Several hotels popped up, catering to the newfound visitors. Tragically, a darker side of Watsons Bay emerged, as The Gap became known as a notorious suicide spot. A pivotal moment in Watsons Bay’s history came with the wreck of the Dunbar in 1857. Mistaking The Gap for the harbour entrance, the ship met its tragic end, claiming 121 lives. This devastating event led to the construction of the Hornby Lighthouse. Years later, in 1910, relics from the Dunbar, including its anchor, were recovered and placed in a museum. Eventually, the anchor was moved to Gap Park as part of a memorial unveiled in 1930. Watsons Bay also played a role in World War II. In 1942, the Sydney Harbour anti-submarine boom net was built here, protecting the harbor from enemy submarines. During a daring attack, one Japanese mini-sub became entangled in the net. Its crew, unable to escape, detonated charges, destroying themselves and the submarine. Even literary history has touched Watsons Bay. The renowned novelist Christina Stead lived in a house on Pacific Street from 1911 to 1928. This house, called Boongarre, is now recognized for its heritage significance. Today, Watsons Bay continues to draw visitors with its stunning views, historical landmarks, and vibrant community. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner.