oztravel

We went to Doyle's on Watsons bay. There are actually two of them there. One right on the dock and the other on the beach. same food, different viewing angles of the Sydney skyline. Although I enjoyed the experience it's kind of overrated and more expensive then your typical aussie restaurant. we took a harbor cruise where you can stop at several locations - there are two main companies Matilda and Captain Cook that do these cruises but there are numerous water taxis and other companies that can get you there from just about anywhere. we went from circular quay. depending on the boat it can take 15-30 minutes. the view is nice but there is nothing else to do there but wait for your ferry to take you back. there's not even shopping! if it wasn't for the harbor cruise stopping there i wouldn't recommend the experience. the outdoor restaurants at circular quay are much better quality and less expensive.

Nikki

Hi again Darin<BR><BR>Maybe it was good luck that I wound up going to Manly instead of Watsons Bay. We had a good time at Manly - the town has a boardwalk effect to it - lots of little shops up and down. We enjoyed popping in and out of different ones. We spent a couple hours there went back to the harbor and ate lunch there (a nice outdoor cafe with umbrellas and they mixed a great voda/tonic) Then we hopped the ferry to go back to Circular Quay. We've also eaten at one of the outdoor restaurants at Circular quay that is on the right as you walk out to the Opera House. I hope your trip is coming soon - you both will enjoy it immensely.

Jen

If you like Italian I highly recommend Beppi's. We went Monday night after catching a play at the Opera House. No view, but if you reserve a table in "the cellar" portion of the restaurant you won't be disappointed - it really is just that, a wine cellar, with amazing ambiance. VERY romantic! If you want to dress up you can, but it can be pretty casual, too.<BR><BR>It's on the corner of Yurong and Stanley Street, in East Sydney. Phone (02) 9360 4558 or book online at www.beppis.com.au (No, I don't work there, honest! Just loved it!).

Prue

FYI Beppi's is one of Sydneys very best restaurants and has outlived countless competitors - it is very highly thought of by the local community & therefore does not have to advertise - and has won many awards over a long period of time. They have just celebrated somthing like 20 years of continual service.

Kate

Just wanted to say Watsons Bay IS worth the trip. Yes, Doyles might be a bit over rated, so do what the locals do and get your fish and chips from the take away shop (you can't miss it - just on the roundabout) and picnic on the grass. Or sit in the beer garden of the Watsons Bay Hotel, right next door to Doyles. Can't get much more local than that - it's always packed on summer weekends. Make sure to walk up the hill (not far, just a few minutes) to the top of South Head for a spectaular view of the harbour and the ocean. There's walkways, go as far as you like, and you can wind your way to the lighthouse. If you don't want to wait for a ferry, hop on a bus which will take you all the way back into the city. Sit on the right hand side of the bus for more amazing views of the eastern suburbs bays, and see where the locals live.

Darin

Hi everyone,<BR><BR>just wanted to thank you all for your continuous suggestions and comments. kate, i'm glad you wrote in about watson's bay/doyle's as i had sort of reserved to not go from some of the previous postings....but perhaps i was too hasty to scratch it off the list?!?! who prefer's manly bay over watson's? i think we'll only have time for one or the other..... - also, i'm very interested in beppi's now from all the raves! oh, and does anyone have any specifics on what kind of food we should expect or not pass up at "41"? hope you all have a great weekend!

Prue

Further to my earlier post with regard to Beppis - I would certainly aim to eat there at some stage of your trip. There won't be a view - but there will be superb food served with professionism - great atmosphere and you will be surrounded by Sydney locals rather than fellow tourists!