18 Lookouts for The Best Views in Sydney
Sydney is without a doubt one of the best cities to visit and explore with plenty of top vantage points from which to observe it. The variety of spectacular lookouts scattered throughout Sydney allow you to appreciate the beauty of the city's surroundings, landscapes or architecture.
The top lookouts in Sydney are a treat for everyone, including photographers, tourists, and adventurers. See, Sydney is the location of some of the most well-known landmarks in the world and additionally, it is home to some of Australia's most stunning beaches. Finding a beautiful view of the region is therefore very much guaranteed, whether you're relaxing on the beach or perched high above it on a bridge! Oh, and keep in mind that you don't need to reach frightening heights to get a decent perspective. In Sydney, this is especially true. There are several locations in Sydney that provide some of the best views without requiring you to climb even a single step! In light of this, we’ve rounded up the best lookouts for the best views in Sydney.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The amazing thing about scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge is that you get to see so much because your perspective is so different and continuously changing. You see, ascending the Sydney Harbour Bridge is undoubtedly one of the scariest but nicest vistas in all of Sydney. However, if you get vertigo or are afraid of heights, you might want to pass on this. For what it's worth, the view from the bridge's sidewalk is still breathtaking. The optimum time to do a bridge climb is just before sunset, but if you're feeling particularly daring, attempt to get there for sunrise. It's a breathtaking view.
West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
From West Head Lookout, you can see three of Sydney's most famous landmarks plus an incredible panorama with Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse in front of you, as well as Broken Bay on the left and Pittwater on the right. The overlook is a sandstone viewing area with interpretive signs that provide useful information, as well as benches where guests can relax while taking in the sights and sounds that this region of nature has to offer. This Sydney viewpoint offers breathtaking coastal views of a wide horizon, as well as background noise from birds and the surf below. With the Resolute picnic area and Aboriginal Heritage Walk nearby, West Head Lookout's spacious sandstone viewing area offers a storehouse of knowledge. Additionally, driving through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a thrill in and of itself.
Luna Park & McMahons Point
One of the city's most interesting sights is the entrance to Luna Park. Luna Park has unmatched views of the city from the side of the Harbour Bridge opposite it, and the waterfront boardwalk allows you to see the city from there as well. You can see the water from a number of beautiful views by strolling along the shoreline from Luna Park to Milsons Point or Kirribilli. You can also go for a spin on the Ferris wheel for a birds’ eye view.
McMahons Point, which is close to Luna Park, provides an unobstructed view of the Harbour Bridge and The Opera House. Since most people go to Luna Park, it's also less congested, allowing you to take in the vistas unhindered.
Taronga Zoo
Although there is an entrance fee, it is well worth visiting Taronga Zoo for incredible views plus all the magnificent animals while taking in the picturesque cityscapes. A gondola lift that was installed at the ferry pier in the middle of the 1980s allows passengers to access the zoo. Visitors can use the gondola lift to look over the zoo from above and take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour as they travel upwards. Amazing views of Sydney Harbor can also be had from the giraffe enclosure.
Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point in the Blue Mountains, another well-liked viewing area, looks out over the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. Take your time to enjoy the vista for they are ones you won’t forget. This famous vantage point, which is also among Sydney's top lookouts, is the best site to photograph the fabled Three Sisters rock formation and the surrounding blue-hued mountains and forests. It is hardly surprising that the elevated platform is the most popular observation spot in the Blue Mountains given that the stunning Echo Point Lookout picture includes Orphan Rock, Kings Tableland, Mt. Solitary, and Narrow Neck.
Saddleback Mountain, Kiama
At Kiama's Saddleback Mountain, take in the panoramic views for days. Saddleback Mountain offers genuinely stunning views across immaculate green meadows and even a peek of Cronulla to the north if you feel like getting out of town for the weekend or having a weekend drive, so why not book your GoGet today and start planning your trip. It's a terrific Sunday drive to head to Saddleback Mountain Lookout in Kiama, which is only ten minutes from the Kiama Blowhole and around two hours south of Sydney. Even before you get at the Saddleback Mountain Lookout, the trip up the escarpment to will transport you to a different world of sparkling rolling hills, historic dry-stone walls, and the most breathtaking landscape! For this one, you won't want to forget your cameras!
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach
One of Sydney's most well-known sights is still the viewpoint from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and for good cause. It's a peaceful area, and Palm Beach's is wonderful. After the 25-minute hike to the lighthouse, make sure to eat and drink at The Boathouse. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, perched 91 metres above sea level on Sydney's northernmost point, offers spectacular ocean vistas that extend from Broken Bay to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Central Coast. The gorgeous Barrenjoey trail which leads to the accessible Barrenjoey Lighthouse allows you to spot pods of whales during the whale migration season.
The Pylon Lookout
Since the bridge provides views of the Sydney Opera House and its surroundings, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site, it is worthwhile to walk up the 200 stairs within the South-East Pylon to the Pylon Lookout. The bridge climb is an excellent location for pictures with the expansive vistas in the background but it comes with a hefty price taf. The bridge's four pylons were only designed for decorative purposes. The Pylon Lookout Museum is located inside the South-East Pylon, which has been a favourite of the general public since 1934. The museum houses a sizable collection of exhibits that honour the bridge's construction and highlight the struggles faced by Australia's ancestors.
Observatory Hill Park
Observatory Hill Park has often been referred to as a park with a million dollar views. From Observatory Hill, you can see Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge without paying anything at all. Due to amenities including fitness stations, a rotunda, and a tennis court, there are numerous things you may do at the park. The park is also home to Sydney Observatory, Australia's first observatory. It just takes around 10 minutes to hike up to the hill, where you may bring a picnic and enjoy beautiful city views. The expansive parkland, perched on one of the city's highest elevations, creates a tranquil viewpoint site surrounded by thick Moreton Bay fig trees and breathtaking scenery from all angles. The views of the setting sun are stunning!
Sydney Opera House
Although everyone enjoys a grand panorama, there are times when being much closer to your subject will leave you completely speechless. One of those occasions for many is seeing the Sydney Opera House up close. You'll be treated to some of Sydney's best views of the Opera House as you stroll around Circular Quay.
Royal Botanic Gardens & Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney offers one of the best vantage points for photos of the Sydney Opera House. The view of the famed city Opera House is quite stunning, especially when it is framed by the garden's lush vegetation. It's the ideal spot to unwind for a while and fully enjoy the Sydney sunshine.
For those looking for a spectacular view, head to Mrs Macquarie's Chair. It faces west, so you also have the sunset as the backdrop, making it a total win-win situation. It contains both the Opera House and The Harbour Bridge in one frame. The view from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair is among Sydney's best. The exposed sandstone rock bench that was hand-carved by convicts in 1810.
Milsons Point
Milsons Point is a walking path on the north lower shore that is also known as Lavender Bay and Milsons Point Circuit Walk. You get two breathtaking views from the scenic trail: the Harbour Bridge and the famous Sydney Harbour, which is where the Sydney Opera House is located. There are plenty of things to do at Milsons Point, including Bradfield Park, Luna Park, the North Sydney Olympic Pool, and Wendy's Secret Garden, so you won't be bored while you're there. Simply stroll through Bradfield Park to Broughton St Lookout to get a panoramic view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge plus the city skyline.
Wendy's Secret Garden
One of Sydney's best views and lookouts is found at Wendy's Secret Garden, a hidden gem and little sanctuary. A peculiar, tranquil paradise, Wendy Secret Garden is a haven of tree ferns, herbs, flowers, and palm and fig trees. Additionally, it is a fantastic location in the Lavender Bay Parklands, right on Sydney Harbour. One of the ideal spots for a family picnic while admiring the magnificent seaside surroundings is this tranquil nook, which includes picnic tables and artistic items scattered throughout the park.
Cockatoo Island
One of the slightly unique Sydney attractions worth seeing is Cockatoo Island, and it also provides great views. It is a former prison compound and a UNESCO World Heritage site offering vistas of the Sydney cityscape and Harbour Bridge in addition to the old convict buildings. If you want to see some of the nicest views in Sydney that aren't exactly typical, it's definitely worth a trip – just don’t expect views of the Opera House, though.
Bondi Icebergs
Sydney natives are familiar with Bondi. The Bondi Icebergs are the ideal location to relax and take in the views, with its white pool lining standing out against the water's blue and green hues. What's even better is that it isn't locked off or behind a posh hotel. Instead, it's always accessible to the general public. The pool has been available for use by the public for more than 100 years and is situated close to Bondi Beach. It also happens to be the most photographed swimming pool in the world. Views are available from Icebergs Club Bistro. Every table offers a view of the stunning Bondi Beach, and the food is excellent and priced like a bistro. There are options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mackenzies Point, Bondi to Coogee Walk
It would be outrageous of us to mention Bondi while omitting the renowned Mackenzies Point. The famed Bondi to Coogee walk, as well as the worn cliffs leading to Tamarama and Bronte beach, can all be seen from this lookout, which gives some of the best views in the area. In the winter, it's also an excellent place to keep an eye out for whales travelling through, and if you're lucky, dolphins as well!. Icebergs is about 10 minutes' walk inland from Mackenzies Point. If you prefer, you can drive to Kenneth Street and park there, but there aren't many spots available.
Dobroyd Head
There is a lookout on Dobroyd Head where you can take in the grandeur of North and South Heads as well as breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and whales swimming in the water. The overlook is named after Arabanoo, the first native Australian to live among European settlers. There are a few markers and monuments scattered over the area that serve as little hints to the past Dobroyd Head witnessed for anyone who are interested in the history of the area. The Grotto Point Lighthouse and indigenous rock inscriptions are also nearby.
Sydney Tower Eye
The Sydney Tower Eye is the best option for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the city. From a great height, it offers one of Sydney's best and highest viewpoints. You can see the busy streets and the city's top attractions immediately below from the glass-floor Skywalk, which is 286 metres above sea level. On a bright, crisp day, you can also see the Blue Mountains beyond Sydney.
Looking for more amazing ways to explore Sydney? Read our guide to the Best Free Things to Do in Sydney, the Best Waterfalls Near Sydney and the 15 Best Beaches in Sydney.
