Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Woollahra
The Woollahra local government area covers 12 square kilometres of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, with 16 kilometres of harbour foreshore, sheltered beaches, bushland reserves and manicured gardens. Here are the best parks and outdoor spaces across the municipality.
Cooper Park — Bellevue Hill
A 16-hectare bushland reserve in a sandstone valley between Bellevue Hill and Woollahra. Walking tracks wind along a creek through remnant bushland. The Cooper Park steps, connecting Suttie Road to the valley floor, are one of Sydney’s best-known stair workouts. Tennis courts, picnic areas and a small playground at the bottom of the park. Free entry, open dawn to dusk.
Nielsen Park — Vaucluse
Part of Sydney Harbour National Park, Nielsen Park is one of the most popular harbour beaches in Sydney. Shark Beach is enclosed by a shark net and is safe for swimming. The heritage Nielsen Park kiosk serves breakfast and lunch with harbour views. Bushland walking tracks connect to Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Large grassy picnic areas with barbecues. Car parking fills early on weekends.
Parsley Bay — Vaucluse
A small, sheltered harbour beach popular with families. The bay is crossed by a heritage suspension footbridge (originally built 1909, reconstructed). Calm water, a grassy reserve with picnic tables and barbecues, and a bush track along the foreshore. Free entry, no parking fees.
Steyne Park — Double Bay
A harbourfront reserve next to the Double Bay ferry wharf. Playground, picnic areas and off-leash dog walking. Views across the harbour to the city. Adjacent to Double Bay beach and within walking distance of the village shops and restaurants.
Blackburn Gardens — Double Bay
A heritage-listed garden behind Seven Shillings Beach. Manicured lawns, a sundial, a water feature and a “secret garden” section. Views across the harbour to Clark Island. One of the quieter harbourside spots in the Eastern Suburbs.
McKell Park — Darling Point
A small harbourside park at the tip of Darling Point with views directly across to Fort Denison, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Easily missed by anyone who does not live locally, but one of the best vantage points in Sydney. Picnic tables and a lawn area.
Bellevue Park — Bellevue Hill
At the highest point of Bellevue Hill, this park offers panoramic views across the harbour to the city skyline, North Shore and harbour entrance. A small park with benches and a grassy area, best at sunrise or sunset.
Trumper Park — Edgecliff
A large sports reserve with an oval, 400-metre running track (open to the public from 6am), cricket nets and a playground. Bordered by residential streets and backing onto the valley that runs down to Rushcutters Bay. Well used by joggers, dog walkers and local sports clubs.
Camp Cove — Watsons Bay
One of Sydney’s smallest and most sheltered harbour beaches, at the base of South Head. Calm water, a sandy beach, and the start of the South Head Heritage Trail. Popular for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Gets busy on weekends but rarely feels crowded midweek. Free entry.
Yarranabbe Park — Darling Point
A waterfront reserve on New South Head Road with a playground, picnic areas and harbour views. Hosts community events throughout the year. A good starting point for the foreshore walk towards Rushcutters Bay.
Centennial Park (bordering Woollahra)
While managed by the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (not Woollahra Council), Centennial Park borders the suburbs of Woollahra and Paddington to the south. Its 189 hectares include cycling paths, horse riding, running loops, birdwatching ponds, playgrounds, cafes and event lawns. Three hours of free parking.
Lady Martins Beach — Point Piper
A small sandy beach at the base of Point Piper, accessible via stairs from Wolseley Road. One of Sydney’s more hidden public harbour beaches. Views across to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Gap Park — Watsons Bay
On the ocean-facing eastern side of South Head, Gap Park offers dramatic cliff-top views across to Manly and North Head. The site of the Dunbar shipwreck (1857). Walking paths connect to South Head Heritage Trail and the Hornby Lighthouse.