For a quiet break from the central or an afternoon stroll, head down to one of Sydney’s many parks or gardens. When the rush of the city and the crowd starts to become overwhelming, take the time to immerse yourself in the greenery and bask in the peace that comes with nature. Breathe in, and visit these parks to get your energy level up again.
Barangaroo Reserve
Converted in 2015 from an old industrial container terminal site, the 15-acre Barangaroo Reserve is an expanse of spacious lawns and rocky coves. Although Barangaroo Reserve is one of the newest parks in Sydney, its name pays homage to a famous Aboriginal woman from the early colonial era, with the park also designed to resemble the pre-colonial landscape in Barangaroo.
The waterfront park is home to more than 75,000 planted trees, palms, as well as a variety of other ferns and shrubs. Walking and cycling paths are aplenty; For the ones seeking a relaxing afternoon, find some shade under a tree and sit down with a book. Enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the residential area of Balmain that lines the banks across the river - there’s even free Wi-Fi!
Barangaroo Reserve
Address: Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: 24/7
Centennial Park
Made up of a portion of the Centennial Parklands, the Centennial Park is one of Australia’s most renowned and historic public areas with an annual visitorship of over 30 million people. Opened in 1888, the park consists of 189 hectares of open recreational space, designed as a people’s park to provide the residents of New South Wales enjoyment and access to its gardens, ponds, wide paths and statues. Other parks within the Centennial Parklands are Moore Park and Queens Park, with all three parks occupying over 360 hectares in total and offering a myriad of activities; One will never run out of things to do here.
Centennial Park
Opening hours: 6.30 am - 5.30 pm (hours vary according to seasons)
*15-minute walk from the CBD
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is Sydney’s oldest park and resonates with the vibes of subtropical Sydney. Flaunting 40 acres of manicured lawns, luscious plants and tree-lined pathways, it is adjacent to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) and serves as an ideal location to relax for business people, locals and tourists alike.
Park Street runs through the park, splitting the area into two sections, accessible through the park’s north and south end from St. James and Museum train stations respectively. Opposite the park, St. Mary’s Cathedral stands tall against the sky.
Apart from being heritage-listed, Hyde Park is also where the ANZAC War Memorial, a heritage-listed war monument and its museum are located. Perfectly situated for a quick escape from the hustle of the city, one can unwind here with a book, or admire the historic Archibald fountain.
Hyde Park
Address: Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: 24/7
Royal Botanic Garden
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden is a charming oasis nestled right in the heart of Sydney and only a stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House. As the state’s oldest botanic gardens and scientific institution, the garden houses a vast collection of over a million plant specimens from around the world, though most of the species revolve around Australia and the South Pacific.
Picturesque throughout the day, the garden often sees joggers in the morning, the faint chatter of locals or tourists having a picnic lunch within the grounds or photographers snapping still life shots of the flower beds. Wander around the park and get to know the heritage, beauty and diversity of plants in the Royal Botanic Garden - you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Harbour and the city skyline on the side.
Royal Botanic Garden
Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: 7am - 5 pm
Sydney Harbour National Park
Spanning a sprawling 970 acres, Sydney Harbour National Park encompasses an unending variety of possible activities one may indulge in while visiting the area. It was originally built to protect Sydney from invasion threats but has since developed into a nationally-protected area. Sydney Harbour National Park protects a number of islands and foreshore areas around the harbour, including Bradley’s Head, Clark Island and Shark Island.
With its prime picnic areas, scenic walking trails and glittering beaches, the park draws visitors to it with a magnetic pull. Being around one of the world’s most renowned harbours, there’s no better way to indulge in the city’s terrific coastal views than to embark on one of the rewarding walking trails in the park or to take a dip in the stunning blue waters.
Sydney Harbour National Park
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Opening hours: 6 am - 10 pm
Owing to its ideal location by the harbour, Sydney is blessed with scenic spots, making it home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens. It is also the perfect environment for wildlife, which the city is renowned for. If you've visited all the parks within the city centre and feel like extending your walk with nature, consider a weekend getaway to the Blue Mountains, just an hour and a half's drive from Sydney.
