If you can have a glorious day in the sun with a view of sailboats gently rocking in simmering waters while lunching on fresh oysters and a glass of bubbly, why in the world would you need 4 other reasons to live in Watsons Bay?

This is a place where one can enjoy a simple lunch of beer battered fish and chips in a park by the harbour, or dine at Doyles restaurant within the Watsons Bay Hotel for seafood lovers. Either way, the food is really secondary when you have some of the most beautiful harbour views that Sydney has to offer. In addition to its beachside landscape, Sydneysiders are attracted to Watsons Bay because it is tucked away in the far reaches of eastern Sydney. You can see the city skyline in the distance from the beach at Watsons Bay and know that you're still a short distance away.

Located about 12km from Sydney CBD, you can take a leisurely drive towards the east along New South Head road, meandering through 4 Sydney bays ~ Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay and Vaucluse Bay. These bays are a prelude of what's on offer when you finally arrive at Watsons Bay. This Google map is an invaluable resource to help you navigate in and around Watsons Bay.

Check here for more information and photos about Sydney and Australia.

Come on weekdays and Robertson Park by the water is relatively more quiet where you can sit by the grass and read your favourite novel. Weekends will attract familes out for a picnic, tourists and lovers of fish and chips.

Other local activities include walking the trail at The Gap Park, scuba diving off neighbouring Camp Cove and kayaking around the bay.

My 5 reasons for living in Watsons Bay:

1. Wake up to a view of sailboats, lapping waves and seagulls.
2. Take a daily walk up The Gap Park to soak up more breath-taking views of the harbour opening up to the Pacific Ocean. For the more adventurous, a longer walk would be towards Rose Bay in the south which takes approximately 4 hours for the round trip. Reward yourself with a cool drink at Nielsen Park cafe in neibouring Vaucluse.
3. Have a picnic on Boxing Day each year and watch the sailboats compete in the Sydney to Hobart yatch race.
4. Fresh seafood right at your doorstep.
5. See reason no. 1.

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Most real estate and properties which are located in Watsons Bay enjoy both scenic harbour views and also uninterrupted views of the Tasman Sea and beyond. This is because the majority of real estate is situated on the peninsula which has a commanding position to enjoy water views on both the east and west side. Therefore, Watsons Bay is one of Sydney's more exclusive suburbs due to the beauty of its water foreshores and its close proximity to the CBD.

The current global financial crisis has brought unprecendented opportunities to would-be purchasers in the property market in Australia. Acute shortage in housing has driven up renta yields in many suburbs and 50-year low interest rates have encouraged many home buyers into the market for the first time. I have also recently purchased 3 investment properties in Sydney within a space of 5 months in 2009 using some valuable tips and advice.

If you are planning to purchase property during these turbulent times, my prudent advice will be to examine this invaluable guide and advice which helped me immensely despite my years of experience in property investment.

I can think of 50 good things to do at this fabulous place but here are my top 5 choices:

1. Have a picnic with family and friends at Robertson Park while soaking up the beautiful views. There is also a local bike hire where the kids (and parents!) can cycle around the vicinity of the park.

2. Charter a 33-foot catamaran and sail around the harbour from Watsons Bay wharf.

3. Scuba dive off Camp Cove then lunch at Doyles restaurant.

4. Exchange your marriage vows at one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Sydney.

5. Drop a fishing line off the rocks around the bay for some Leather Jacket, bream and flathead.

Named after Robert Watson of the HMAS Sirus, Watsons Bay is recognised to be the oldest fishing village in Australia having been established in 1788. It is also the site where Governor Phillip first landed in Australia. The existing Dolyes restaurant has a long history dating back to 1845 where Doyle first sold his daily catch. Today, the restaurant is a local favourite serving the freshest seafood in the suburb. 

The Macquarie Lighthose which is located along Old South Head road as you approach Watsons Bay is the oldest lighthouse in Australia whereby it had a navigational aid since 1791 and a lighthouse since 1818.

Sydney is a dining mecca with a melting pot of cuisines from all over the world. However, Watsons Bay has not been known to be a dining precinct except of the Doyles restaurant which is a popular tourist attraction because of its water views. Well, you can't have everything, can you?

Leading local cafes and restaurants include:

1. Doyles on the beach ~ by far the best local restaurant and tourist attraction for its water views. Sit outside on a good day to enjoy the views with your fresh oysters.
2. Watsons Bay Hotel ~for the young and restless, a good place to hang out for a drink and grab a bite from the open grill whilst enjoying great views. Steaks, hearty beef burgers, fish and chips and seafood are most popular. Be sure to grab a table upstairs in the open air deck.
3. Doyles on the wharf ~ casual dining and good for take away fish and chips to enjoy at nearby Robertson Park.
4. Watsons Bay Tea Gardens ~Located nest to Robertson Park and away from the main attraction around Watsons Bay Hotel, this is a good spot for more quiet dining during the week whilst still enjoying great water views.
5. Eastern Bay Thai ~ just your local Asian joint, nothing too fancy. Hey, every Sydney suburb has one, be it Chinese, Thai or Italian.
6. Gusto Bar & Kitchen ~ local Italian cafe / restaurant., good for a coffee and drink before or after your walk at the Gap Park.
7. Watsons Bay pizzeria ~ local pizza joint, see point no. 5.