Discover the best lookouts in Sydney, offering stunning views of the Harbour, city skyline, and iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
With a stunning city skyline, several unique landmarks, and beautiful natural attractions, Sydney has no shortage of scenic lookouts that offer breathtaking views.
Below, we’ll share our top 15 Sydney lookouts that are easy to travel to. Some of these viewing points offer amazing views of the Sydney Harbour and city skyline, while others are great for ocean and coastal views.
Find all of the below lookouts in this interactive map.
1. Broughton St Lookout
Sitting at the southern end of Bradfield Park in Kirribilli, Broughton Street Lookout is one of the best places in Sydney to take in the city skyline, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge—all in one incredible view.
The views from this lookout are spectacular, especially on a sunny day with ferries and the occasional cruise ship gliding across the Harbour.
Getting there from the city is easy. You can walk across the Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay, take a ferry to Milsons Point, or jump on a train from Wynyard Station.
If it’s a bit crowded when you visit, wander a few hundred metres east to Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve, where you’ll find some quieter spots to sit and enjoy the view.
| Broughton St Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Kirribilli |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
2. Manns Point Lookout
Manns Point in Greenwich is a hidden gem in Sydney Harbour and one of the quietest lookouts near the city.
You won’t see any tourist buses lined up here, which makes this peaceful spot on the lower north shore even more special.
The lookout offers superb views of the city skyline and the Harbour, with Cockatoo Island, Berry Island Reserve, and Balls Head Reserve all in sight.
There’s a small parking area at the end of Prospect Street in Greenwich, right next to the lookout. If you’re taking public transport, the nearest bus stop is about 500 metres away.
| Manns Point Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Greenwhich |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
3. Hickson Road Reserve
Hickson Road Reserve in The Rocks is a great spot for sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Circular Quay.
Sitting directly opposite the Opera House, it offers a picture-perfect view of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.
For a scenic city walk, follow the path along Hickson Road from Circular Quay, walk underneath the Harbour Bridge, and continue through Walsh Bay to Barangaroo Reserve.
| Hickson Road Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Rocks |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
4. Fleet Steps in Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has several great spots to take in views of the Harbour and city skyline.
One of the best is Fleet Steps, located in the garden’s northeastern section.
To get there from the Opera House, just follow the walking path along the Harbour’s edge until you reach the other side.
| Fleet Steps | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
5. Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
The Pylon Lookout at the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a fantastic way to take in city and Harbour views.
It also features a small museum that dives into the history of the bridge, from its construction to its significance today. You’ll find the entrance along the pedestrian walkway on the eastern side of the bridge—just follow the path from the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks, and it’s at the first pylon.
Inside, there are three levels of exhibits packed with fascinating stories, photos, and details about the bridge, leading up to a 360-degree lookout platform at the top.
| Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Harbour Bridge |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| More info: | Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout |
6. Blues Point Reserve
Sitting right in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Blues Point Reserve has long been a favourite spot for New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The reserve offers sweeping views of the western side of the bridge, the Opera House, and the northern end of the CBD, along with Dawes Point and Barangaroo.
At the southern end of the reserve, a short walking trail follows the shoreline along the tip of the McMahons Point peninsula, offering even more stunning Harbour views.
There’s a small car park, but getting here by public transport is easy. The McMahons Point ferry wharf is just around the corner, and Milsons Point train station isn’t too far away either.
| Blues Point Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Where: | North Sydney |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
7. Cahill Walk Lookout
The Cahill Walk is a pedestrian path along the Cahill Expressway, sitting right above Circular Quay train station, with stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.
There are three ways to access the walk: from the Royal Botanic Garden, via a lift at Circular Quay, or from the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks—the same access point for the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk.
Along the way, you’ll find the Cahill Expressway Lookout, a purpose-built viewing platform that offers spectacular views over Circular Quay and its famous landmarks.
| Cahill Walk Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Circular Quay |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
| More info: | Cahill Walk Lookout |
8. Observatory Hill Lookout
The lookout at Observatory Hill Park in Millers Point offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.
It’s also home to Observatory Hill, a heritage-listed site featuring a meteorological station, an astronomical observatory, and a science museum.
A trip to Observatory Hill Park is a great addition to any day out in Sydney and can easily be combined with exploring nearby Barangaroo Reserve and The Rocks.
| Observatory Hill Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Millers Point |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
9. Illoura Reserve
Illoura Reserve is a scenic stretch of parkland along the shoreline of Balmain East, offering views of Barangaroo, Barangaroo Reserve, and the Harbour Bridge.
What makes this spot unique is its perspective. It faces the modern office towers of Barangaroo, giving it a slightly different feel from other lookouts on this list. A walking path runs through the reserve, making it a great place for a stroll.
Located right next to the Balmain East ferry wharf, it’s just a short ferry ride from Barangaroo and Circular Quay.
| Illoura Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Balmain East |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
10. Berrys Bay Lookout
Situated on the Waverton Peninsula within Carradah Park, Berrys Bay Lookout offers stunning views of Berrys Bay, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline.
The lookout is a highlight, but the park itself is just as fascinating. Once an industrial site, Carradah Park has been transformed into a beautiful harbourside green space.
There’s street parking available, along with several walking tracks and viewing points to explore. Since Carradah Park sits right next to Balls Head Reserve, it’s well worth visiting both in one trip.
| Berrys Bay Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Waverton |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
| More info: | Balls Head Reserve and Carradah Park |
11. Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point is a leafy harbourside suburb on Sydney’s lower north shore, just 6 km from the CBD.
For the best views, head to the western shoreline, where you’ll get a fantastic panorama of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.
Cremorne Point is easily accessible by ferry, with a wharf just a 10-minute ride from Circular Quay. To make the most of your visit, take on the Cremorne Point circuit walk, an easy and scenic trail that showcases the area’s beauty.
| Cremorne Point | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Cremorne Point |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
| More info: | Cremorne Point Walk |
12. Georges Head Lookout
The Georges Head Lookout Lawn leads to a fantastic vantage point at Georges Heights, offering sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, with North Head and South Head in front and the city skyline to the west.
Beyond the views, Georges Heights is rich in history, home to military relics like tunnels, battlements, and cannons dating back over 150 years. It’s a fascinating spot to explore.
The lookout is easy to reach by car, but for a more scenic approach, take the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walking track—it’s well worth the effort.
| Georges Head Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Mosman |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| More info: | Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach |
13. Dobroyd Head
Dobroyd Head in Balgowlah Heights is home to several lookout points with stunning views of Middle Harbour, North and South Head, and the ocean.
Arabanoo Lookout is one of them, but the views here are somewhat obstructed by trees. For better vantage points, follow a section of the Spit to Manly Walk at Dobroyd Head, and you’ll come across a couple of lookouts with breathtaking views.
Getting here by car is easy, with plenty of parking available at Tania Park along Dobroyd Scenic Drive. Public transport is also an option, with several bus stops nearby. For the best experience, tackle the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk and make a full day of it.
| Dobroyd Head | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Balgowlah Heights |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| More info: | Spit to Manly Walk |
14. Burragula Lookout
Burragula Lookout, along the Fairfax Walk, is a spectacular viewpoint on Manly’s North Head. It’s easily accessible via a paved 1 km walking track that also leads to two other scenic lookouts.
This lookout is a popular spot for watching the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks, offering sweeping views across the Harbour from a distance.
While you’re here, take the time to explore North Head Sanctuary, a site rich in history, from its days as a quarantine station to its role as a military base.
| Burragula Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | North Head |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
| More info: | Fairfax Walk and Burragula Lookout |
15. West Head Lookout
West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers incredible views over Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach, and the Central Coast.
It’s also the starting point for several bushwalking trails leading to secluded beaches like Resolute Beach and West Head Beach.
The lookout is located at the end of West Head Road, with plenty of parking available. Since it’s within the national park, there’s a $12 per vehicle entry fee for the day.
| West Head Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| More info: | West Head Lookout |
