Watsons Bay

Known as Kutti to the Cadigal people, Watsons Bay became crucial to the early colony's maritime life, with the signal station, pilot station and lighthouses nearby. Fishing was important too. At the same time, grand houses, hotels and public buildings were built for the upper classes. From the mid-nineteenth century, regular ferry services brought tourists and day-trippers to Watsons Bay's tea rooms, hotels and tourist attractions.

The first track east to South Head followed the path Aboriginal people had travelled for thousands of years, but soon became a cleared road and later a paved street.