Best for Watching the sunset over the harbourParking There's metered parking for 300 cars located under the parkIs there shade? NoOther facilities There's a massive cultural space called the CutawayCan I BYO? There's a bar on-site What's my view? You've got Sydney Harbour Bridge to the right, Balmain, Pyrmont and Darling Harbour to the left, with glittering harbour all around.And is there toilet access? Yes, in two locations Best for A hassle-free Sunday funday on the water if you live in the inner westParking NoIs there shade? SomeOther facilities Barbecue areas, playground, historical structures, sports fields, walking path, water fountains. Dogs are also permitted off-leashCan I BYO? The ANZAC Bridge and the waters of Rozelle BayAnd is there toilet access? Best for Gazing at the proudly hulking mass that is the Sydney Harbour BridgeParking It's metered parking in the surrounding area, or two free hours on some streetsIs there shade? YesOther facilities Fenced playground and a water fountain.
Dogs are also permitted (with restrictions), and it's close to Olympic Pool and Luna ParkCan I BYO? Only between 7am and 7pmWhat's my view? Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and the city skylineAnd is there toilet access? Best for Spreading wayyyy out (it's huge) and lazing on the grassParking Yes Is there shade? There are covered areas and plenty of treesOther facilities Restaurant, café, kiosk, bicycle hire, horseriding, bike path, running path, walking pathCan I BYO? Surrounding parklandAnd is there toilet access? Best for Indecisive groups - there are beaches, bushland and a large grassy areaParking Your best bet is the car park conveniently located nearbyIs there shade? Yes, undercover gazebo seating can be booked in advanceOther facilities Netted harbour pool, children’s playground (newly refurbished, shaded), basketball courts, skateboard/scooter track, walking tracks, dog exercise area, kiosk/caféCan I BYO? Not specifiedWhat's my view? Hit the grassed reserve for harbour and water viewsAnd is there toilet access?
There's a modern new block and changerooms, too Best for An offbeat, day-spinning picnicParking Cockatoo is only accessible by boat: try a ferry from circular quay, or hire a water taxi. Private boats can moor ($15 for 4 hours). You can always kayak to the island, too.Yes, plenty of umbrellasOther facilities Café, bar, live music, tennis court, historical audio tour, boat hire, kayaking, swimming, kids' activities, barbecues and a drinks machineCan I BYO? No alcohol may be brought to the island. Try the licensed bar onsiteWhat's my view? The harbour surroundsAnd is there toilet access? Parking: YesShade: Yes, trees and over BBQ areasOther facilities (playgrounds, running water): Como swimming complex (seasonal, free admission, 20m pool) netted tidal baths, picnic tables, BBQs, playground, walking path, bike trackBYO: Not SpecifiedViews: Georges River and surrounding bushlandAccess to bathrooms: Yes Best for Unrivalled views of the harbour and city, and plenty of non-eating activitiesParking Limited on Milson and Cremorne RdsIs there shade?
YesOther facilities MacCallum saltwater pool (it's free), walking track, picnic tables and eating, playground, gym units/fitness stations, dogs on leash permitted, water fountain, ferry wharfCan I BYO? See aboveAnd is there toilet access? Best for A delightful day trip northParking YesIs there shade? There are lots of trees and the barbeceue area (there are gas, electric and wood options) is coveredOther facilities Drinking water, picnic tables, walking trails, fishing, disabled access, boat rampsCan I BYO? Take your pick: Garigal National Park, Middle Harbour Creek, Roseville Bridge and bushlandAnd is there toilet access? EG Waterhouse National Camelia Gardens Best for A refreshing respite from the heat and hubbub of the inner cityParking YesIs there shade? YesOther facilities Teahouse, barbecues, playground, dogs permitted on leashCan I BYO? Flower, flowers, flowersAnd is there toilet access? Parking: No, CBD council car parking onlyShade: Some tree coverOther facilities (playgrounds, running water): bicycle parking, constant public transport, benchesBYO: Not permittedViews: Sydney CBD, gardens, fountainAccess to bathrooms: Yes
Best for Sandwiches and a swim in Sydney's southParking Limited along the Grand Parade - or try the car park to the southIs there shade? Yes, in parkOther facilities Four tidal pools, walking path, bike track and a foreshore reserve. The beach also has a minimal swell that makes it suitable for fishing and swimmingCan I BYO? That beautiful oceanAnd is there toilet access? Lane Cove National Park Best for Eating your freshly grilled snags in a canoe (or a pedal boat) while you drift down the Lane Cove RiverParking The entry fee is $7 per vehicleIs there shade:? YesOther facilities Barbecue area, tables & seats, kids' play area, walking tracks, bike tracks, rowboat hire. There's also a campsite with cabins available inside the park if you want to make a night (or a weekend) of it Can I BYO? River and parklandsAnd is there toilet access? Parking: Yes, accessible from Condamine St, Manly ValeShade: Yes, 5 large undercover BBQ and picnic table gazebos that fit approx. 10 people – can be booked for $66.00Other facilities (playgrounds, running water): Network of bush walking tracks (dogs are permitted here but not in picnic or water areas).
There is an official Manly Dam Mountain Bike Track. Lake is good for swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing.BYO: YesViews: Expansive views of Manly Dam (huge lake) and surrounding parklandsAccess to bathrooms: Yes, within 50m to 250m depending on picnic zone McKell Park (Darling Point) Parking: No, very limited street parkingShade: Some tree coverOther facilities (playgrounds, running water): ferry wharf, sandstone sculptures, exotic garden, BYO: NoViews: Sydney Harbour, Harbour Bridge, heritage-listed Canonbury CottageAccess to bathrooms: No Best for Showing off the city to visitorsParking There's metered parking on Mrs Macquaries Road (it's pricey), or ticketed at the Domain CarparkIs there shade? YesOther facilities Food and beverage kioskCan I BYO? There's a bar on-siteWhat's my view? All the classics: the harbour, the bridge, the trees and flowers of the Botanical Gardens and the city skylineAnd is there toilet access? Best for A very proper picnic in the midst of a historically posh area of townParking Nearby on Greycliffe AvenueIs there shade?
Some tree coverOther facilities Public phone, enclosed harbour pool, netted swimming, picnic tables, beach kiosk/café, restaurant, walking tracks, drinking waterCan I BYO? The harbour, the bridge and the sands of Shark BeachAnd is there toilet access? Parking: Yes, in surrounding streets (e.g. Ramsgate Ave)Shade: Not muchOther facilities (playgrounds, running water): cafes, buses, toddler pool, coin-operated BBQsBYO: No alcohol, no portable BBQsViews: Bondi BeachAccess to bathrooms: Toilets and changerooms next to North Bondi SLSC Best for Fun on the foreshore - and great views of Blackwattle BayParking Try Pirrama Road, the Jones Bay Wharf Car Park or the casino oppositeIs there shade? YesOther facilities Kids' playground, café, floating pontoon for private boats, water access, lighting if you're there after sunsetCan I BYO? The waters of Sydney Harbour water and the hills of BalmainAnd is there toilet access? Best for A meal in enchanting surroundsParking Aim for the surrounding streetsIs there shade?