Nielsen Park

The only downside is the parking really. Lots of shady trees and grass to laze on. There are some good walks through the park, and of course the proximity to the beach is a huge bonus. There are some nice views from up the hill. But do expect to struggle to find a carpark during the holidays, especially on hot beach days.

After a few years of being completely closed to the public for reconstruction, Shark Beach aka Shark Bay aka Nielsen Park has finally reopened, so we thought a return visit was justified to see what they’ve done with one of our favourite Sydney Harbour swimming spots. Heck, this was where we got engaged all those years ago! What was going to be a big job, putting in a wheelchair accessible ramp and more seating, turned into a much bigger one, when the council discovered thousands of tonnes of asbestos contaminated material that needed to be safely removed. Anyway, that’s all done, and what we’ve ended up with is a fancier version of the previous beach with some designer monumental concrete touches that are a bit imposing but kinda work. The gorgeous 1912 kiosk has been freshened up and reopened as The Nielsen: I will review on Does My Bomb Look Big In This? soon. The generously proportioned 1932 Dressing Pavilion is unchanged, the adjoining park is untouched and fundamentally, it’s the same gorgeous place that it’s been for generations. I’m sure we’ll keep returning for years to come.

Offering a peaceful escape with its beautiful beach, crystal-clear waters, and shady picnic spots. It’s perfect for taking a scenic walk along the coastline. The park is also close to Milk Beach and Shark Beach, making it easy to explore more stunning spots nearby. The views are breathtaking, and even though it can get busy on weekends, the relaxed vibe makes it a perfect spot to enjoy nature and unwind. A must-visit for a tranquil day out!

The views from this park are spectacular. Beautiful park and place for a harbour swim. Lots of families enjoying a day out. Awesome little beach. Very picturesque. Beautiful walk, stunning views and interesting landscapes. Pleasantly quiet and many Bays to visit. Nice place to watch the boats go by. Water looked inviting and clean - but too cold at this time of year for me!

The park is really pretty, as well as the beach at the end of it. Good for a nice walk around the park and picnic around the beach as well.

This used to be one of the most lovely spots in Sydney due to its natural beauty. Now with the redesign in progress, it’s evident that a huge out of scale high wall and grandstand is being built atop the narrow beach that has washed away, which is so high that it obscures the view to where the water hits the beach. Very sad. Hard to imagine how adding the sand back to this now sandless eroded beach with concrete only might be a sustainable solution . Botched government mismanagement in both design and construction has kept this treasure closed for years and ruined it.

Re-Opened just a few days before Xmas 2024, the three year wait has not disappointed. Bleached white stairs with sparkling marine grade bannisters lead you down to sparkling, clean and turquoise waters of Sydney Harbour. The charm of ferries, cruisers and other boats skimming along outside a very robust shark net enclosure reminds us all why we have been so impatient for this area to reopen.

Would be lovely if it wasn't a 30 minute challenge for a park 15-minute walk from the park. Plus i have never seen so many selfish families. They illegally park at entrance to leisurely spend 5 or 10 minutes unloading gear fit for a week long camping trip, completely ignoring the huge line-up of cars they are blocking half way up to new south head road. Give it a miss unless you are one of those selfish inconsiderate families.

The only downside is the parking really. Lots of shady trees and grass to laze on. There are some good walks through the park, and of course the proximity to the beach is a huge bonus. There are some nice views from up the hill. But do expect to struggle to find a carpark during the holidays, especially on hot beach days.

After a few years of being completely closed to the public for reconstruction, Shark Beach aka Shark Bay aka Nielsen Park has finally reopened, so we thought a return visit was justified to see what they’ve done with one of our favourite Sydney Harbour swimming spots. Heck, this was where we got engaged all those years ago! What was going to be a big job, putting in a wheelchair accessible ramp and more seating, turned into a much bigger one, when the council discovered thousands of tonnes of asbestos contaminated material that needed to be safely removed. Anyway, that’s all done, and what we’ve ended up with is a fancier version of the previous beach with some designer monumental concrete touches that are a bit imposing but kinda work. The gorgeous 1912 kiosk has been freshened up and reopened as The Nielsen: I will review on Does My Bomb Look Big In This? soon. The generously proportioned 1932 Dressing Pavilion is unchanged, the adjoining park is untouched and fundamentally, it’s the same gorgeous place that it’s been for generations. I’m sure we’ll keep returning for years to come.

Offering a peaceful escape with its beautiful beach, crystal-clear waters, and shady picnic spots. It’s perfect for taking a scenic walk along the coastline. The park is also close to Milk Beach and Shark Beach, making it easy to explore more stunning spots nearby. The views are breathtaking, and even though it can get busy on weekends, the relaxed vibe makes it a perfect spot to enjoy nature and unwind. A must-visit for a tranquil day out!

The views from this park are spectacular. Beautiful park and place for a harbour swim. Lots of families enjoying a day out. Awesome little beach. Very picturesque. Beautiful walk, stunning views and interesting landscapes. Pleasantly quiet and many Bays to visit. Nice place to watch the boats go by. Water looked inviting and clean - but too cold at this time of year for me!

The park is really pretty, as well as the beach at the end of it. Good for a nice walk around the park and picnic around the beach as well.

This used to be one of the most lovely spots in Sydney due to its natural beauty. Now with the redesign in progress, it’s evident that a huge out of scale high wall and grandstand is being built atop the narrow beach that has washed away, which is so high that it obscures the view to where the water hits the beach. Very sad. Hard to imagine how adding the sand back to this now sandless eroded beach with concrete only might be a sustainable solution . Botched government mismanagement in both design and construction has kept this treasure closed for years and ruined it.

Re-Opened just a few days before Xmas 2024, the three year wait has not disappointed. Bleached white stairs with sparkling marine grade bannisters lead you down to sparkling, clean and turquoise waters of Sydney Harbour. The charm of ferries, cruisers and other boats skimming along outside a very robust shark net enclosure reminds us all why we have been so impatient for this area to reopen.

Would be lovely if it wasn't a 30 minute challenge for a park 15-minute walk from the park. Plus i have never seen so many selfish families. They illegally park at entrance to leisurely spend 5 or 10 minutes unloading gear fit for a week long camping trip, completely ignoring the huge line-up of cars they are blocking half way up to new south head road. Give it a miss unless you are one of those selfish inconsiderate families.