The Gap

A must see for visitors to Sydney. If you have people you are showing around Sydney this is a good place to take them, go for a walk around the cliffs and enjoy a drink and some food at Watsons Bay

On a sunny weekend day, South Head is quintessential Sydney. The endless blue sky stretches out over the ocean to the east, with waves crashing on the rocky ledge at the base of the limestone cliff, whilst to the east the city looms laconically behind a harbour filled with yachts and ferries and cruisers. Although it’s only a short distance from the centre of town, somehow the long stretch down Old South Head Road makes it seem very far indeed.
Joggers trot up to the coastal path to make their way around the headland, while lethargic lunchers wander up the steps from Doyles in the vain hope of walking off their fish-​and-​chips before clambering back on the ferry to Circular Quay. All ages are covered, and in typical Sydney fashion, most nationalities and visiting accents. Scan the horizon for whales, absorb some vitamin D while you prop up the fence, wonder where your kids have run off to, and consider the merits of another coffee. Is there anywhere better to be?

One of Sydney’s more infamous tourist spots, The Gap is synonymous with one thing. Suicide. Not an overly pleasant activity for any beauty spot to be associated with, but unfortunately due to the cliff top being high above a very shallow patch of ocean (in fact rocks are more often that not visibile in the «landing zone») it pretty much makes it a certainty. Which paints a rather grim picture of the area.
However, it does have its redeeming features — mainly the view! Standing at The Gap (behind the fence preferably), you can see far out over the ocean with views south and north, and turn around and you’re looking out over Watsons Bay, Vaucluse and right out over the harbour. So that’s very pleasant! It’s just the other bit, that isn’t quite as nice!

The Gap is a park, a walk, and a lookout. Climb the few steps from Military Road and you can look out over the jagged cliffs that drop away to the mouth of Sydney Harbour. You’re standing on south head; across the waves is north head.
It’s free to enter. There are paths that lead up to the cliff edges on either side, and make for nice short walks. There are waves crashing on walks below; turn around for a view up Sydney harbour towards the central business district.