Where to Find the Best Views of Sydney Harbour

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
7 Places
@afar
Let's face it: Sydney wouldn't be half the world capital it is without its beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. The site of exploration, commerce, recreation, and billions of tourist photos, the harbor should remain as close as possible during a trip to Sydney. Take it in from your hotel or a coastal trail, a park or a lighthouse. Or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset and discover one of the best views on the planet. Credit: Collected by Serena Renner, AFAR Contributor

Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Historical landmark · Sydney

"Mrs. Macquarie's Chair Named for the wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who presided over New South Wales in the early 1800s, this site provides one of the most spectacular views in town. Find the historic carved-rock ledge in the Royal Botanic Garden, east of the Opera House, where you'll drink in a vista encompassing the Bridge, harbor and distant mountains, along with historic sites like Kirribilli House (the prime minister's residence), the island of Fort Denison and the Navy Dockyards atWoolloomooloo."

Lavender Bay

Lavender Bay

"Lavender Bay, Sydney Once called Hulk Bay after the prison ship that was moored here, the Sydney suburb is now known for stately homes and amazing harbor views. This appeared in the August/September 2013 issue."

Photo by Petrina Tinslay

Pylon Lookout

Tourist attraction · The Rocks

"Love Locks with a View I love finding Love Locks all over the world. Sydney did not disappoint with a collection on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with a perfect view of the Opera House."

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Bridge · New South Wales

"The Sydney Harbour Bridge at Dusk I love visiting big iconic bridges during the sunset. Trips at dusk to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge have resulted in spectacular photographs of the urban landscape. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was another great experience! The bridge is accessible by foot or by bike and is surrounded by some of the biggest attractions in Sydney . More adventurous types might opt for the Bridge Climb Tour (http://www.bridgeclimb.com/) where participants get to scale the summit of the 134-meter arch for panoramic views of the city. And yes, they offer a Twilight Tour near sunset (and a dawn tour at sunrise). We were content walking across the bridge on the pedestrian walkway. It was a brisk spring evening in Sydney, and we didn't envy the tourists climbing the bridge overhead. The views from the bridge are stunning in every direction, and it is a magnificent vantage point to see the Sydney Opera House and the Central Business District."

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden

Garden · Lavender Bay

"Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden Over the past 15 years, Wendy Whiteley (known as the "goddess muse" and wife of one of Australia 's most famous artists, Brett Whiteley) has lovingly restored a once derelict piece of land, owned by the NSW Rail Corporation. It's a magical place to reflect, talk or read and to simply get away from the city's noise. The views are spectacular. About 5-10 mins stroll from Luna Park. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_Whiteley#Wendy.27s_Secret_Garden This site was visited during AFAR Experiences, May 6-9, 2013: http://www.afarexperiences.com/"

Nielsen Park

Park · Vaucluse

"One of many hidden harbor beaches beloved by locals, this family-friendly stretch of sand is located in the tony neighborhood of Vaucluse and has sublime water views. There's swimming in the calm, balmy waters of Shark Beach (don't let the name put you off—there's a shark net in the summer months) and picnicking on the grass beneath fig trees. Unlike many of the city's beaches, this one also has the advantage of an upscale dining room, the Nielsen Park Cafe & Restaurant."

Bradleys Head Rd

Notable street · Mosman

"Beautiful Bradleys Head Jutting out from the northern district of Mosman, just south of Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head offers one of the best perspectives of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison, among other attractions. Whether you come for a picnic or New Year's Eve, fishing or hiking—the popular Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk links up with the even more epic Manly to Split Bridge track—this is Sydney at its best. If the natural beauty isn't enough, Bradleys Head is also a historic site where the mast of the HMAS Sydney , a relic from the Royal Australian Navy, is mounted proudly and an old military mess hall now serves as a cafe."

Photo by sri_the_quack/Flickr