You can’t escape the briny smell of Sydney’s harbour and surf beaches, but Sydney is also blessed with vast tracts of green. From manicured gardens to wild scrubby parklands over sandstone escarpments, Sydney is dotted with shady spots to escape the hustle and bustle.
Whether you’re after a space to spread out a picnic on a soft lawn, or to stroll all afternoon taking in glorious views – or perhaps you need a place for children to frolic – you’re never far from an idyllic green space to stop and recharge. As well as these more well-known places, there are small parks and gardens sprinkled throughout Sydney’s neighborhoods – just ask a friendly local to steer you in the right direction.
Hyde Park
Best for a city break
Now surrounded by skyscrapers, Hyde Park was originally the colony’s racecourse and cricket ground. It took its current form in the 1920s and is today a much-loved city escape, with manicured gardens and a tree-lined avenue running down its spine. It looks particularly pretty at night, illuminated by fairy lights. The park’s northern end is crowned by the richly symbolic Art Deco Archibald Memorial Fountain, while at the other end is the Anzac Memorial.
Centennial Park
Best for cycling
Scratched out of the sand in 1888 in grand Victorian style, Sydney’s largest park is a rambling 189-hectare expanse full of horse riders, joggers, cyclists, and in-line skaters. Grab a park map at any of the entrances or the information centre in the middle. Among the wide formal avenues, ponds, and statues is the domed Federation Pavilion.
The Ian Potter Wild Play garden, with a water play area, treehouse, and bamboo forest, is a great nature play space for kids. Exploring the park on foot is a pleasure; you can also hire bikes, skates or go horse riding.
South Head
Best for dramatic vistas
At the northern end of Camp Cove beach, the South Head Heritage Trail kicks off, leading into a section of Sydney Harbour National Park distinguished by harbor views and crashing surf. It passes old fortifications and a path heading down to Lady Bay nude beach, before continuing on to the candy-striped Hornby Lighthouse and the sandstone Lightkeepers’ Cottages (1858).
North Head
Best for history
About 3km south of central Manly, spectacular North Head offers dramatic cliffs, lookouts, secluded beaches, pretty paths through native scrub, and sweeping views of the ocean, harbor, and city. It’s great to explore by bike or on foot, along the Manly Scenic Walkway.
Nielsen Park
Best for a day trip
Something of a hidden gem, this gorgeous heritage-listed harborside park was once part of the then 206-hectare Vaucluse House estate. Beneath the trees is Greycliffe House, a gracious 1851 Gothic sandstone structure (not open to visitors) which serves as the headquarters of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Royal Botanic Garden
Best for garden lovers
Just south of the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden features well-tended lawns, interesting botanical collections from across the globe and ever-present harbor views. Within the gardens, you’ll find hothouses with palms and ferns, a lotus pond, and The Calyx, a striking exhibition space featuring a curving glasshouse gallery with a wall of greenery and temporary plant-themed exhibitions.
The Domain
Best for culture
Administered by the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Domain is a large grassy tract east of Macquarie Street in Sydney’s city area. It was set aside by Governor Phillip in 1788 for public recreation and today city workers use the space to work up a sweat or eat their lunch. Large-scale public events are also held here.
Cremorne Point
Best for harbor views
Technically Robertsons Point (and Woolwarra-jurng to the Eora people), Cremorne is a beautiful spot for a picnic on the grassy reserve here beyond the ferry terminal. Walk west and you’ll come across the free saltwater MacCallum Pool for a quick swim. However, the main reason to head over is the downright delicious views of the harbor, the Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House.
Elkington Park
Best for local experiences
If Balmain’s historic cuteness doesn’t float your boat, head to Elkington Park, named in 1883 after a local politician. It slopes down towards the water, with views across to Cockatoo Island.
Bondi to Coogee
Best for people watching
A sensational 6km parkland walk takes you from Bondi to Coogee along clifftops via Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly. It begins at the southern end of Bondi Beach just beyond the Icebergs ocean pool. Interwoven with panoramic views, are patrolled ocean beaches and salty sea baths for a refreshing dip if you fancy it.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Best for secret gardens
On the north shore not far from the Sydney Harbour bridge at Lavender Bay is one of Sydney’s hidden treasures. This public garden was created by the widow of the much-loved Australian artist Brett Whiteley after his tragic death from a heroin overdose at this spot. It was a ‘secret’ garden for a long time because Wendy (also an artist) never asked permission to use it. Today, it’s a fairly well-known but beautiful spot overlooking the harbor.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Best for Asia inspiration
Built according to Taoist principles of yin-yang, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is usually an oasis of tranquillity in the busy Darling Harbour precinct – although one increasingly dwarfed by assertive modern buildings. Designed by architects from Guangzhou for Australia’s bicentenary in 1988, the garden interweaves pavilions, waterfalls, lakes, paths and lush plant life.
Tumbalong Park
Best for children in the city
Next door to the Chinese Friendship Garden, Tumbalong Park is a great spot to take toddlers needing a run around. This grassy circle on Darling Harbour’s southern flank attracts sunbakers and frisbee-throwers. The highlight for most kids, and overheated tourists, is the aqua play area, with fountains offering some respite from Sydney’s central city district on a hot summer’s afternoon.
Barangaroo Reserve
Best for design
Part of Barangaroo, the major project of what was a city port, this park sits on a headland with wonderful harbor perspectives. The tiered space combines quarried sandstone, native Australian trees, and indigenous shrubs and flowers to create a space that feels very Australian.
