25 Best Lookouts in Sydney with Beautiful Views

Last updated: March 9, 2024

Explore Sydney’s breathtaking views with our guide to the city’s best lookouts, outlining must-visit locations for panoramic city, Harbour, and ocean views.

With an incredible city skyline, several unique landmarks, and beautiful natural attractions, Sydney has no shortage of scenic lookouts that offer breathtaking views.

What’s more, Sydney has a near-perfect climate, which makes going out to visit these viewpoints a fun and adventurous pastime on a sunny day.

Below, we’ll share our top 25 Sydney lookouts that are easy to travel to. Some of these lookout points offer amazing views of the Sydney Harbour and city skyline, while others are great for ocean and coastal views.

1. Manns Point Lookout

Manns Point Lookout in Greenwich
Manns Point Lookout in Greenwich (map location)

Let’s kick off this list with arguably the best Sydney lookout. Manns Point in Greenwich is a beautiful spot in Sydney Harbour and one of the quietest lookouts that close to the city.

You won’t find any tourist buses lining up at Manns Point, and that lack of visitors makes this hidden spot on Sydney’s lower north shore all the more enjoyable.

The views from Manns Point Lookout toward the city skyline and the Harbour are superb, with Cockatoo Island, Berry Island Reserve, and Balls Head Reserve also visible.

There is a small parking area at the end of Prospect St in Greenwich, right next to the lookout. The closest bus stop is approximately 500m away.

2. Broughton St Lookout

Broughton St Lookout
Broughton St Lookout (map location)

Located at the southern end of Bradfield Park in Kirribilli, the Broughton Street Lookout is perhaps the best viewpoint in Sydney to see the city skyline, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge in one view.

The views from this lookout are absolutely stunning, especially on a sunny day with ferries and perhaps even a cruise ship floating past.

Getting to the Broughton St Lookout from the city is easy. You can simply walk across the Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay, catch a ferry to Milsons Point, or jump on a train at Wynyard Station.

Should this lookout be a bit crowded when you’re visiting, walk a few hundred metres to the east (Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve), where you’ll find a few great spots to sit down and enjoy the Harbour views.

3. Pylon Lookout

Views from the Pylon Lookout
Views from the Pylon Lookout (map location)

Visiting the Pylon Lookout at the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a wonderful way to enjoy city and Harbour views at a fraction of the cost of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.

The Pylon Lookout also holds a small museum sharing many interesting details about the history behind the bridge and how and why it was built. The entrance is on the pedestrian walkway on the eastern side of the bridge. Follow the walkway from the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks, and you will see the entrance at the first pylon.

The Pylon consists of three levels of informational exhibits and a 360-degree lookout platform at the top. The museum part of the Pylon Lookout is well-presented, with lots of information and photos to absorb about the Harbour Bridge.

Alternatively, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk is completely free and offers similar views but from a lower level.

4. Blues Point Reserve

Blues Point Reserve
Blues Point Reserve (map location)

Situated right in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Blues Point Reserve has long been one of the most popular Sydney New Year’s Eve vantage points.

The reserve offers panoramic views of the western side of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, as well as the northern part of the CBD, Dawes Point, and Barangaroo.

A short walking trail at the southern end of the reserve follows the shoreline along the southernmost tip of the McMahons Point peninsula, with even more great Harbour views to enjoy.

Blues Point Reserve has a small car park, but it’s also easy to travel to by public transport. The McMahons Point ferry wharf is just around the corner, and Milsons Point train station is also not too far away.

5. Mrs Macquaries Point

Mrs Macquaries Point
Mrs Macquaries Point (map location)

Mrs Macquaries Point is a peninsula in the Domain and an extension to the Royal Botanic Garden, facing Sydney Harbour.

This is where Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is located, an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench by convicts in the early 19th century for the Governor’s wife, Elizabeth Macquarie.

It’s a must-see tourist spot, with fantastic views of the Harbour and a bit of historical value to take in. But Mrs Macquaries Point is not the only spot to enjoy fantastic views.

There are many spots in the Royal Botanic Garden where you can get great views of the city skyline and Opera House. For the best experience, walk along the shoreline from Mrs Macquaries Point to the Opera House.

6. Cahill Walk Lookout

Views from the Cahill Walk Lookout
Views from the Cahill Walk Lookout (map location)

The Cahill Walk is a little-known pedestrian path along the Cahill Expressway, right above Circular Quay train station, with beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.

There are three entry points to the Cahill Walk: from the Royal Botanic Garden, via a lift at Circular Quay, and via the iconic Bridge Stairs in The Rocks. The last one is also the access point to the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk.

The Cahill Expressway Lookout is a purpose-built viewing platform that forms part of the Cahill Walk. The views of Circular Quay and the surrounding landmarks are truly spectacular from this lookout.

7. Dobroyd Head Lookout

Dobroyd Head Lookout
Dobroyd Head Lookout (map location)

Dobroyd Head in Balgowlah Heights is home to various lookout points that offer great views of Middle Harbour, North and South Head, and the ocean.

One of those lookouts is the Arabanoo Lookout, named in honour of the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. The views from this lookout are a bit obstructed by trees, though.

For better views, do a section of the Spit to Manly walking track at Dobroyd Head, and you’ll see a couple of lookouts where the views are amazing.

Dobroyd Head is easy to travel to by car, with ample parking available at Tania Park along Dobroyd Scenic Drive. Public transport also works, with various bus stops nearby. Even better, do the walk from the Spit Bridge to Manly for a fantastic day out.

8. Bradleys Head

Views from Bradleys Head
Views from Bradleys Head (map location)

Named after William Bradley, a Royal Navy officer who participated in the First Fleet to Australia, Bradleys Head is a fascinating place to visit.

It is home to an iconic mast that was once the foremast of HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser that was broken up on Cockatoo Island in 1929.

Bradleys Head is also home to a man-made amphitheatre, a popular viewpoint and wedding spot against the backdrop of the city skyline, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The best way to visit Bradleys Head? Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, and follow the short Bradleys Head Walk, an enjoyable, family-friendly walking trail.

9. Burragula Lookout

Burragula Lookout
Burragula Lookout (map location)

The Burragula Lookout along the Fairfax Walk is a spectacular viewpoint located on Manly’s North Head.

The lookout is accessible via an easy 1 km paved walking track, which includes two other lookout points. This trail is essentially an extension to the popular North Head Walk.

When visiting the Burragula Lookout, it’s a good idea to also explore the North Head Sanctuary, which has an interesting history as a quarantine station and a military site.

This lookout is a popular spot to watch the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks, offering views across the entire Harbour from a distance.

10. Cremorne Point

Harbour views from Cremorne Point
Harbour views from Cremorne Point (map location)

Cremorne Point is a leafy harbourside suburb and peninsula on Sydney’s lower north shore, located only 6 km from the Sydney CBD.

For the best views, head to the western shoreline of the peninsula, from where you can get an excellent overview of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

Cremorne Point has a ferry wharf and is only a 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. For the best experience, do the Cremorne Point circuit walk, an easy walking trail through great scenery.

11. Illoura Reserve in Balmain East

Illoura Reserve in Balmain East
Illoura Reserve in Balmain East (map location)

Illoura Reserve is a beautiful stretch of parkland located along the shoreline of Balmain East, facing Barangaroo, Barangaroo Reserve, and the Harbour Bridge.

The views from this reserve, with a lovely walking path, are a bit different from other lookouts on this list in that it faces the new office towers of Barangaroo.

This reserve is located right next to the Balmain East ferry wharf and is only a short ferry ride away from Barangaroo and Circular Quay.

12. Georges Head Lookout

Georges Head Lookout
Georges Head Lookout (map location)

The Georges Head Lookout Lawn leads to a popular lookout point at Georges Heights that offers fantastic views of Sydney Harbour, with North Head and South Head right in front and the city skyline in the west.

Georges Heights offers excellent views and is home to historic Sydney military relics such as tunnels, battlements, and cannons. With more than 150 years of military history, Georges Head is well worth a visit.

This lookout is very easily accessible by car, but perhaps the best way to get there is via the scenic Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walking track.

13. Balls Head Reserve Lookout

Lookout point in Balls Head Reserve
Balls Head Reserve Lookout (map location)

Located on Sydney’s lower north shore, Balls Head Reserve is a beautiful bushland area with several lookouts facing the beautiful Sydney Harbour.

The reserve is home to various short bushwalking trails that combine the beauty of natural bushland with fantastic views of the harbour, the Sydney skyline, the Harbour Bridge, Goat Island, and the neighbouring peninsulas.

When visiting Balls Head Reserve, it’s also worth going to the Coal Loader Platform, which can be accessed via one of the walking trails. This unique structure is the largest publicly accessible green rooftop in Australia.

14. Berrys Bay Lookout

Berrys Bay Lookout
Berrys Bay Lookout (map location)

Situated on the Waverton Peninsula, as part of Carradah Park, the purpose-built Berrys Bay Lookout offers scenic views of Berrys Bay, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline.

The views from this lookout are superb, and the park itself is also an exciting destination. Carradah Park was once an industrial site and is now a magnificent harbourside public open space.

Street parking is available at the park, with various walking tracks and viewing points to enjoy in the area. Carradah Park and Balls Head Reserve are neighbours, so it’s recommended to visit both locations in one outing.

15. Barangaroo Reserve

Harbour Bridge views from Barangaroo Reserve
Harbour Bridge views from Barangaroo Reserve (map location)

While it may not have a dedicated viewing point, Barangaroo Reserve does offer scenic views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge due to its location on the western side of the Sydney CBD.

Barangaroo Reserve is a modern Sydney Harbour foreshore park built as part of the Barangaroo transformation project, turning a redundant industrial area into a thriving business, entertainment, and leisure precinct.

The reserve can easily be accessed by foot via Darling Harbour and King Street Wharf in the south or The Rocks and Millers Point in the east. Wynyard train station and Barangaroo ferry wharf are also very close.

16. Blackwattle Bay Park

City views from Blackwattle Bay Park
City views from Blackwattle Bay Park (map location)

Blackwattle Bay Park offers fantastic views of the Anzac Bridge and the skyline of the southern part of the Sydney CBD.

This park is right behind the beautiful foreshore of Glebe, between Blackwattle Bay and Rozelle Bay, and is very easy to get to.

The views are not the only reason to visit this park. The foreshore is a popular location for walkers and runners enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the bay. Dogs are also welcome in the various parks in the area.

17. Observatory Hill Lookout

Views from Observatory Hill Park
Observatory Hill Park (map location)

The lookout in Observatory Hill Park in Millers Point offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It is also home to Observatory Hill, a heritage-listed meteorological station, astronomical observatory and science museum that is well worth a visit.

Observatory Hill Park is a must-see tourist attraction for any visitor coming to Sydney, and can easily be included in a day out exploring nearby Barangaroo Reserve and The Rocks.

18. Wendy’s Secret Garden

Wendy's Secret Garden overlooking Sydney Harbour
Wendy’s Secret Garden facing Sydney Harbour (map location)

One of Sydney’s worst-kept secrets is Wendy’s Secret Garden, a green oasis of native plants, fig trees, beautiful flowers, and a thriving community of birds.

The garden is a beautiful place for office workers, local residents, and visitors to wind down, eat lunch, read a book, or just enjoy the views.

Wendy’s Secret Garden is part of the Lavender Bay Parklands, a collection of green spaces and parks in and around Lavender Bay, including Clark Park, Watt Park, Quibaree Park, and the Lavender Bay Foreshore.

The best way to get to this beautiful garden is by doing the walking trail along Lavender Bay from Milsons Point via Bradfield Park and Luna Park. With a train station and a ferry wharf, it’s very easy to travel to Milsons Point.

19. Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney Tower Eye (map location)

For those who want to see Sydney and its surrounding suburbs from high above, a visit to the Sydney Tower Eye is a must.

That is where you can take in the best views from the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, with an exciting 4D cinema experience as a bonus.

Visitors to Sydney Tower Eye can choose from a range of unique experiences, such as dining or drinking at the rotating restaurant and walking on the observation deck 820 feet above street level.

The Sydney Tower Eye is located in the middle of the Sydney CBD, close to various train stations on the city circle line.

20. West Head Lookout

West Head Lookout
West Head Lookout (map location)

The West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers breathtaking views across Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach and the Central Coast.

Regarded as one of the best lookouts in the Sydney region, the panoramic views from the West Head lookout will leave a long-lasting impression.

The lookout is also the starting point of several bushwalking trails that take in beautiful secluded beaches, such as Resolute Beach, and even more lookouts.

The West Head Lookout is located at the end of West Head Rd, with ample parking available. It’s within the National Park boundaries with a $12 per vehicle per day entry fee.

21. Barrenjoey Lighthouse Lookout

Views from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Scenic views from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse (map location)

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk is a popular hiking trail on the Barrenjoey Headland, the northernmost part of Palm Beach in Sydney’s northern beaches.

Two walking tracks go up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse on top of the hill, where you can enjoy stunning ocean views.

Looking across Pittwater to the west, you can spot the West Head Lookout (see above), another popular Sydney viewpoint with panoramic views.

There is, in fact, another lookout in Palm Beach, located just south of the main beach. This lookout is part of the Bible Garden, which we have included in our list of top things to do in Palm Beach.

22. Watsons Bay

Views from Watsons Bay
Views from Watsons Bay (map location)

Watsons Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a popular weekend destination and is home to various viewpoints that offer fantastic Harbour and city views.

For the best views, do the Watsons Bay Walk from Robertson Park to the Hornby Lighthouse. This easy walking trail takes in a couple of secluded beaches, and the views at the lighthouse are quite impressive.

If you don’t feel like walking, Robertson Park in the centre of Watsons Bay is also a great spot for views toward the Harbour and the city. It’s a family-friendly place with public toilets, tables and playgrounds.

23. The Gap

The Gap in Watsons Bay
The Gap in Watsons Bay (map location)

Also in Watsons Bay, The Gap deserves a separate mention in this list of best viewpoints in Sydney. The Gap is one of Sydney’s most popular ocean cliff lookouts with incredible views.

The Gap is also the starting (or end) point of several coastal walking tracks, such as the Federation Cliff Walk and the Watsons Bay to Rose Bay Walk.

The best way to reach The Gap in Watsons Bay is by ferry, with the ferry wharf located on the other side of Robertson Park, only a short stroll away.

24. Ray O’Keefe Reserve Lookout

Ray O'Keefe Reserve in North Bondi
Views from Ray O’Keefe Reserve (map location)

Beautifully tucked away in the southernmost tip of North Bondi, the Ray O’Keefe Reserve lookout offers dramatic views of Bondi Beach and the coastline of the eastern suburbs between Bondi and Maroubra.

To visit this reserve, you need to turn into Ramsgate Avenue from Campbell Parade and follow to the end. There is a small car park, but that fills up very quickly, especially on sunny weekends.

With its eastern aspect and wide open ocean views, the Ray O’Keefe Reserve is also a perfect location to spot whales during their migration seasons.

25. Dolphins Point Lookout

Dolphins Point in Coogee
Dolphins Point Lookout in Coogee (map location)

Dolphins Point is located on the headland north of Coogee Beach and offers beautiful ocean and cliff views.

The park was named in honour of members of the Coogee Dolphins rugby league team who died in the 2002 Bali bombings. The Bali Memorial can also be found there; a large bronze sculpture with three linked figures that signify family, friends, and community.

Coogee is easy to get to, either by bus or otherwise via the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, with lots of cafes nearby to go for lunch or coffee.

If you’re visiting Sydney for a short holiday, it’s worth booking a hotel with views. Read our guide to the best Sydney hotels with Harbour views for a list of great options.
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Best lookout points in Sydney with scenic views

 
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