The Gap

The Gap is a dramatic ocean cliff and lookout in Gap Park at Watsons Bay, in the Municipality of Woollahra, eastern Sydney, New South Wales. Part of Sydney Harbour National Park, it features sheer sandstone cliffs rising above the Tasman Sea with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, North Head and the Sydney coastline. It is notable for its coastal scenery, walking tracks and historic South Head area.

Visitors can expect sheer sandstone cliffs with fenced lookout platforms overlooking the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour entrance. The site is within Gap Park with paved walking paths, interpretive signage, seating and open lawn areas. Views extend to North Head, the ocean horizon and on clear days along the coastline. The area is exposed and windy with no swimming access, focused on sightseeing, photography and short coastal walks.

The Gap was named by early European colonists for the break in the coastal cliffs at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. The South Head area has a long history of navigation, defence and lighthouse use, with nearby Hornby Lighthouse (1858) and former military installations. The cliffs and Gap Park are part of the Sydney Harbour National Park estate conserving natural and historic coastal landscapes.

The Watsons Bay and South Head area is part of Country of the Birrabirragal people of the Eora Nation. The coastal landscape holds Aboriginal heritage significance and remains a prominent natural landmark and public recreation area for Sydney residents and visitors.