If you’re looking for places to unwind and rejuvenate while exploring Sydney, we’ve got you covered.
From sprawling parks to hidden oases, these havens offer the ultimate escape from the city buzz.
(Photo Above: Destination NSW)
1. Barangaroo Reserve
Nestled on Sydney’s western waterfront, Barangaroo Reserve stands as a testament to urban renewal.
This meticulously designed 22-hectare park seamlessly blends native landscapes with contemporary architecture. Its meandering pathways, lush lawns, and spectacular harbour views make it a premier green oasis for relaxation and leisure.
Nearby: King Street Wharf, Barangaroo or The Rocks
2. Centennial Park
Opened in 1888, Centennial Park is often called ‘the lungs of Sydney’.
Take a stroll or ride a bike to see gardens, statues, historic buildings and sporting fields. There’s a year-round calendar of family-friendly outdoor experiences and events, from children’s bush schools to camping, foraging tours, volunteer programs and more.
For a great photo opportunity, see if you can find the beautiful white Lily Pond Bridge hidden amid trees near the middle of the park.
Nearby: Surry Hills, Paddington, Moore Park and Bondi Junction
3. Hyde Park
The Sydney CBD’s central green space is a tranquil 16-hectare setting beneath the skyscrapers of the city, and a popular lunchtime haven for office workers seeking afternoon sun or shade.
Enjoy the 580 mature exotic and native trees, visit the Anzac Memorial and Archibald Fountain, or simply relax with a book and a cup of coffee.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, go on the Circular Quay to Hyde Park walking tour and explore all the harbour has to offer.
Nearby: Sydney CBD (centre), Darlinghurst, Woolloomooloo
4. Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Often compared to the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome, this former water reservoir has been transformed into a beautiful green space. It’s now a heritage-listed destination featuring immaculate gardens and wide boardwalks.
Nearby: Paddington
5. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Just a short stroll from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s home to 9,000 plants, of which some 6,000 are international species.
Explore the gardens, delve into Aboriginal history on a cultural tour, and don’t miss The Calyx, home to one of the largest green walls in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nearby: Sydney CBD (north), Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo
6. Rushcutters Bay Park
Rushcutters Bay Park, an urban gem in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with a scenic harbourside setting, where you can get a real local’s vibe with families, dogs and leisure seekers flocking to the space on sunny days.
Boasting open lawns, a peaceful waterfront, recreational facilities and dining options, the park invites locals and visitors alike to unwind.
Nearby: Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay
7. Tumbalong Park
Located in the lively Darling Quarter, Tumbalong Park features vast play areas and is a go-to spot to stroll, relax and see a range of engaging cultural performances and open-air events throughout the year.
Nearby: Chinatown / Haymarket, Darling Harbour
