Settled around one of the world’s largest natural and lively harbours, with more than 20 beaches and lush national parks, Sydney Harbour has some great lookouts and photo opportunities. This breathtaking aquatic playground, is dotted with unspoiled beaches, ocean pools, photogenic gardens and much more. With it being a world-famous tourist spot, it can get overcrowded, especially during the summer months, however, there are still countless green spaces and coastline to explore in peace. To make the most of your exploration is to visit one of the many lookouts, to help you we've created our favourite Sydney Harbour lookouts complete with pictures to give you a sneak peek.
Bradley's Head Amphitheatre
Bradley's Head Amphitheatre is an exceptionally popular but peaceful corner of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Located at a short walking distance from Taronga Zoo, this lookout boasts breathtaking Sydney Harbour views of Fort Dension, Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Known to mariners as the last peninsula on the Northern shore of the harbour, it was built by early colonists in 1803 to protect the young colony from naval attack.
Besides being a paradise for photographers and nature lovers, Bradley's Head Amphitheatre is a lovely picnic spot. Come with your dear ones and enjoy some quality time with them relaxing, playing or even for a spot of fishing. You can also set off on one of the beautiful bush walks from this spot.
Parking is available at Bradley's Head and the nearby Athol Hall and the Rifle Wall.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Park entry fees apply
Opening hours: Opens from 6 am to 8 pm every day; May remain closed during poor weather.
Facilities: Flush toilets, picnic tables, car park
A Recent TripAdvisor Review:
"This is a must see for everyone. We always drive to the end point. It offers stunning views back to the city taking in the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Sydney Tower and the general city. Excellent place for photos with a stunning backdrop."
Location Information:
Address: Bradley's Head Rd, Mosman, NSW
How to reach: Click here.
George's Head Lookout
George's Head is a popular picnic and wedding venue. Perched high above Sydney Harbour, George's Head lookout offers a 180-degree view of harbour beaches, the city skyline, and North Head. Visiting this place is a must, especially if you’re a military history buff. Its magnificent sandstone walkway and sweeping steps down to well-manicured lawns make it a spectacular setting for ceremonies.
Visit George's Head to explore military fortifications from World War II. Also, explore a series of interlinking passageways and tunnels, excavated after the withdrawal of British colonial troops in Sydney. The detailed curved sandstone wall seat, the geometry of oblique steps, bronze brackets and curved timbers, all add to the charm of George's Head lookout.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Park entry fees apply
Facilities: Public toilets, limited parking
A Recent TripAdvisor Review:
"This is part of a longer walking bushland track between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral. The walk is well known to locals but not to tourists. For tourists with a few extra days in Sydney, this is a wonderful option if you are looking for things beyond the main tourist attractions. I really like this stretch of the walk because the Georges Heights Lookout has such stunning views and I love to pop into the East Coast Lounge for a coffee. This time the view over Clifton Gardens beach was so pretty and the water so sparkling, that we decided to stay longer and have lunch."
Location Information:
Address: Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, Sydney
How to reach: Click here.
Middle Head Lookout
Sitting exactly opposite the entrance to Sydney Harbour, Middle Head is a wonderful lookout spot in Sydney Harbour National Park. It was for many years the frontline of defence against attacks from the sea. This former military area is now the part of public parkland fringing Sydney Harbour.
From Middle Head lookout, follow the Pacific Ocean to the horizon, framed by South and North Heads. The sweeping Sydney Harbour views extend to the Middle Harbour, Eastern Suburbs and Manly. You can enjoy sensational views and explore more about Middle Head’s military significance.
Walk the Don Goodsir track to the fort, built in 1801 in response to a feared French attack, or explore the infamous Vietnam War-era 'Tiger Cages'. Guided fort tours are also available.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Park entry fees apply
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4:00 pm.
Facilities: Public toilets, drinking water
A Recent Google Review:
"Nice lookout. Interesting night view. Easy to get there by car. Lookout is close to carpark"
Location Information:
Address: Sydney Harbour National Park (Middle Head), Governors Road, Mosman
How to reach: Click here.
Blues Point Reserve
Tucked away between Berry Bay and Lavender Bay, Blues Point Reserve sits near the McMahon Point Ferry Wharf in North Sydney. This park offers great views of the city, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. It is a popular place amongst the locals as well as tourists as the perfect picnic spot by the water.
A short 5-minute stroll from the McMahon's Point Ferry Wharf will bring you to the Blues Point Reserve which is a great spot to have a picnic and take in this iconic view. A tiny beach near the park and a great playground make it a perfect family-friendly place.
A lovely walk runs West around the reserve where you can get further Sydney Harbour views across to Balls Head, Goat Island, and Balmain. A slightly shabby staircase cuts through the sandstone towards the end of the path, which remains a fisherman's favourite on weekends.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Facilities: Public toilets, seats and picnic tables, a playground, a small car park with free 4-hour parking.
A Recent TripAdvisor Review:
"A short trip by ferry circular quay to McMahon's point well worth the trip.a short walk to the reserve & on completion rejoin the next ferry & visit darling harbour to compleTe a very scenic enjoyable trip on Sydney harbour."
Location Information:
Address: Blues Point Reserve, corner of Blues Point Road and Henry Lawson Avenue, McMahon's Point, Sydney
How to reach: Click here.
South Head
Scenic beauty and outstanding Sydney Harbour views await you at South Head. Climb to the top of the South Head lookout and gaze out over the beautiful Harbour and the Tasman Sea. The walking track to South Head is a pleasant 15 minute walk North from the Watson's Bay Harbourside village, and it passes Camp Cove, Lady Bay beach and inner harbour gun replacements.
If you are lucky, you may catch glimpses of whales on their annual migration journey. More things to see at South Head include the Hornby Lighthouse and 19th-century gun replacements. You can enjoy activities such as swimming at Lady Bay Beach or Camp Cove.
Tour the Dunbar shipwreck memorial, stop by Robertson Park and have delicious food at a Watson’s Bay restaurant such as fish and chips at the ever-popular Doyles. At South Head, there are also Aboriginal rock carvings and of course views to North Head.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Park entry fees apply
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Facilities: Public toilets, picnic tables, playground, car parking at Camp Cove carpark.
A Recent TripAdvisor Review:
"Sydney Harbour is a magnificent sight and encompasses exceptional scenery all the way up to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the step off to the city once you enter through the Heads. The harbour entrance is protected by South Head and North Head. South Head is a lot more developed and you can drive or walk out to the extremity with tons of photo ops along the way. At the end there are a number of great walks, a monument to hero Don Richie and an ancient lighthouse at Pt Dunbar. The famous feature of these limestone cliffs, is the infamous ''Gap'' which has had a dreadful past for those choosing to end their lives. This has been well and truly safeguarded now with secure protective fencing. Great views out over the Pacific and tons of colonial heritage buildings to whet your interest."
Location Information:
Address: South Head, Watson's Bay, Sydney, NSW
How to reach: Click here.
Rocky Point in Balmoral
Rocky Point Island sits far away from the crowded beaches and city life of Sydney Harbour. It separates Edwards Beach from Balmoral Beach on Hunters Bay, Middle Harbour. This tiny island was built as a government employment project during the Great Depression, as was the Bathers’ Pavilion.
Set off to the Rocky Point walking track to explore its spectacular stretches of pristine coastline. This easy, short walk lets you explore while taking in some lovely views all around you. It is easy for all ages and fitness levels, making it great for family trips.
You will find a playground, picnic areas, sandy beaches and plenty of shaded areas. To birdwatchers’ glee, there are coastal birds such as Brahminy Kites and Ospreys.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Facilities: Public toilets, playground
A Recent TripAdvisor Review:
"Rocky Point is mainly visited by locals, compare to other places in Sydney is not too crowded. Great place for family and a peaceful picnic spot"
Location Information:
Address: Minnie Water Road, Minnie Water, NSW
How to reach: Click here.
Miller's Point in Barangaroo
Miller's Point is an inner suburb of Sydney which carries a significant part of Sydney’s history. This waterfront neighbourhood on the west of the Harbour Bridge, it was a fishing spot for Cadigal people for thousands of years. In addition to awesome Sydney Harbour views, Miller's Point in Barangaroo holds centuries of stories in its cobblestone streets and sandstone cottages.
Make sure you visit the Sydney Observatory, have a beer at the Lord Nelson Brewery hotel - Sydney’s oldest pub and appreciate Australian art at the S.H. Ervin Gallery. Also, walk down Kent Street which is peppered with heritage-listed buildings, including St Brigid’s Church, the Agar Steps, a 180-year-old Fig Tree and more.
Key Information:
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Opens 24 hours
Location Information:
Address: Millers Point, Barangaroo, Sydney, NSW
How to reach: Click here.