Located along Sydney’s eastern coastline, Rose Bay is a beautiful harborside suburb known for its scenic waterfront and welcoming village atmosphere.
A moment spent at Rose Bay is a highlight to many who visit Sydney. So, to ensure you enjoy your next stop at this coastal suburb, below is a guide to the best things to do in Rose Bay.
Best activities to do in Rose Bay
Rose Bay offers activities for people of all ages and energy levels. Here are some fun things you can explore during your visit:
Sunbathe at Rose Bay Beach
Location: New South Wales, Australia
This calm, harbourside beach offers soft sand and unobstructed views of the Sydney skyline. Bring a book or watch the seaplanes take off and land nearby.
Give Rose Bay kayaking a Try
Location: New South Head Rd & Vickery Avenue, Rose Bay NSW 2029
For a refreshing way to explore Sydney Harbour, try Rose Bay kayaking in Sydney. Paddle past Shark Island and multi-million-dollar waterfront homes as you soak in the stunning scenery.
Walk the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Coastal Trail
This is one of Sydney’s most scenic walking trails that stretches approximately 8 km, winding through hidden beaches and breathtaking ocean lookouts.
Visit Hermit Bay
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Hermit Bay is a secluded escape from Sydney’s busier beaches, ideal for swimming, picnicking, or enjoying panoramic harbour views.
Try Golfing at The Royal Sydney Golf Club
Location: Kent Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
If you’d love a round of golf, visit the Royal Sydney Golf Club. The club is private and exclusive, but visitors can access it via member invitations or special events.
Hop on the Big Bus Tour
Location: Booth 3 East Commuter Wharf, 3 Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000
The tour covers significant attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, and Rose Bay.
Take the Rose Bay Ferry to Circular Quay
Unlike traditional public transport, this ferry ride doubles as a sightseeing experience, with breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline along the way.
Go Fishing with the Best Sydney Fishing Charters
Location: New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
This company offers half-day and full-day trips, taking guests to some of the best fishing spots along the coast.
Watch the Sunset at Lyne Park
Location: Vickery Avenue, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
With its wide-open spaces, waterfront views, and a backdrop of sailboats drifting across the harbour, Lyne Park is perfect for a relaxing evening.
Try Out Sydney Seaplanes
Location: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
The Seaplanes take off from Rose Bay’s historic seaplane terminal, where passengers enjoy views of Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, and the Northern Beaches.
Restaurants in Rose Bay, Sydney
For food lovers exploring Rose Bay Sydney restaurants, the area offers a mix of casual eateries and fine dining spots. Below are the various categories of restaurants within Rose Bay:
Affordable Restaurants at Rose Bay
Below is a list of affordable dining spots in Rose Bay:
Rose Bay Social
- Address: 51-55 O’Sullivan Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sun: 5 to 9 pm
- Best Dish to Try: Burrata
Rose Bay Social is a laid-back Italian restaurant with an outdoor seating that makes it a great spot to soak up the beauty of the surroundings as you enjoy your pizza or drink.
Fish at the Bay
- Address: 14 Dover Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: Daily 8 am to 7:30 pm; Sat: 8 am to 4:30 pm; Sun: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm.
- Best Dish to Try: Battered Fish and Chips
This popular fish and chips shop is known for its crispy batter, tender fish, and generous servings.
Sushi Train Rose Bay
- Address: 801 New South Head Road, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Daily 11 am – 9 pm
- Best Dish to Try: Fresh Salmon Nigiri
Sushi Train Rose Bay offers unique dining that features a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes.
You can consult some Best Bars and Pubs in Sydney.
Family-Friendly Restaurants at Rose Bay
If you are visiting with family, you may want to check out these dining spots:
Amore e Sapori From Napoli
- Address: 732 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay, NSW
- Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 5 pm – 9 pm; Sun: 12 noon to 9 pm; Mon: Closed.
- Best Dish to Try: Margherita Pizza
This restaurant brings authentic Neapolitan flavours to Rose Bay thanks to its handcrafted pizzas and classic Italian dishes.
Mangia e Bevi
- Address: 702 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Daily from 5 to 9 pm.
- Best Dish to Try: Spaghetti Carbonara
This is a family-run Italian restaurant known for its traditional home-style cooking and a diverse, family-friendly menu.
Luxury Dining Restaurants at Rose Bay
Below are the top dining establishments if you are looking for more than just the food but also the ambience and setting:
Catalina Restaurant
- Address: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12 noon to 10 pm
- Best Dish to Try: Scallops on the Shell
Perched on the shores of Sydney Harbour, Catalina offers a fine dining experience with panoramic water views.
Empire Lounge
- Address: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 12 noon – 9 pm; Sat and Sun: 8:30 am – 9 pm
- Best Dish to Try: Seafood Platter
Over the pristine waters of Rose Bay, Empire Lounge provides a chic waterfront dining experience, with a menu featuring fresh seafood and a stylish atmosphere.
Read more: Best things to do in Sydney.
Visit Rose Bay’s Cafés
With beautiful waterfront views, the list of Rose Bay cafés below is perfect for starting your day or unwinding after sightseeing.
Collins Lane Cafe
- Address: Shop 2/716 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Mon & Tue: 7 am – 3 pm; Wed-Sun: 7 am – 5 pm
- Best For: Cosy ambience and great coffee.
Collins Lane Café, with its prime location, is ideal for grabbing a coffee before heading off on the Rose Bay –Watsons Bay coastal walk.
Jesse’s Cafe
- Address: 443-445 Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Sun–Fri: 6:30 am to 3 pm; Sat: Closed
- Best For: Neighborhood feel and friendly service.
Jesse’s Café is a no-fuss, community-loved coffee spot known for its relaxed ambience and friendly service.
Jezve Coffee
- Address: Rose Bay Ferry Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Opening Hours: Mon: Fri: 6 am to 5:30 pm; Sat & Sun: 6 am – 6 pm.
- Best For: Turkish coffee and beautiful harbour views.
Jezve Coffee offers an unbeatable combination of harbour views and expertly brewed Turkish coffee.
More of The Best Restaurants & Cafes in Eastern Suburbs, NSW.
Explore Rose Bay more with L’abode Accommodation.
Having discovered the best things to do in Rose Bay, you want to find the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. L’Abode Accommodation offers a diverse range of short-term stays, from beachfront escapes overlooking the bay to stylish homes near Sydney’s vibrant city centre. Book your ideal stay in or around Rose Bay with L’Abode today and choose your preferred accommodation.