If you need a good spot to take in the beauty of Sydney’s scenery or architecture, your best bets are the selection of amazing lookouts sprinkled around the city. Whether you are a photographer, a tourist or an adventurer, you can’t help but enjoy yourself at the Sydney’s best lookouts. Here’s a selection of some of hidden lookout gems to seek out on your next visit to town.
West Head Lookout
West Head offers a view of three of Sydney’s best landmarks. Standing on the lookout, you can see an amazing panorama consisting of Broken Bay on your left, Pittwater on your right and Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse in front. The lookout is a sandstone viewing area with informative interpretive signs, and it has benches where visitors can sit and enjoy the sights and sounds that nature offers in this part of the world. And, there is a nearby Resolute picnic area where you can have lunch. Further ahead is a path called Aboriginal Heritage Walk. You can also enjoy other areas and activities by the Hawkesbury River, Lion Island Nature Reserve and Central Coast’s beaches, including Patonga and Umina beaches.
- Image courtesy nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
The Pylon Lookout
A 200-stair climb inside the South-East Pylon to the Pylon Lookout is worth it, as the bridge offers views to the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and Harbour surrounds. The bridge is a good spot to take photos of the sweeping views as backdrop. The four pylons of the bridge are created for aesthetic purpose only. However, did you know that 250 Australian, Scottish and Irish stonemasons worked together to prepare the granite for the pylons? The South-East Pylon, which has been enjoyed bý the public since 1934, is also home to the Pylon Lookout Museum. The museum holds a vast collection of displays that commemorate the bridge’s construction, as well as showcases the stories of challenges of Australia’s forefathers
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Observatory Hill Park
The Observatory Hill Park has been described as a park that offers a million dollar view. You can view Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge for free on Observatory Hill. The popular spot is a favorite not only among locals but also among workers and visitors. There are many activities that you can do while in the park, because of facilities, such as exercise stations, rotunda and tennis court. Sydney Observatory, Australia’s first observatory, is also located on the park. The observatory is open to public all year long.
Milsons Point
Milsons Point, also known as Lavander Bay and Milsons Point Circuit Walk is a walking trail in the north lower shore. The scenic trail provides you two amazing views: the iconic Sydney Harbour, which is home to the Sydney Opera House, as well as the Harbour Bridge. You will not get bored when you are at Milsons Point, not only because it has sweeping views but also because Bradfield Park, Luna Park, North Sydney Olympic Pool and Wendy’s Secret Garden are situated close by. If you want a panoramic view of the city skyline, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, just walk along Bradfield Park until you reach Broughton St Lookout. Have a good time at the amusement park that is Luna Park.
Dawes Point Park
If you want to take in the beauty of Sydney Cove, you can go to Dawes Point Park. The lookout is rich in history, as it was the first fortified position of Australia. It was built in 1788 as a protection for the cove from invaders. Dawes Point Battery was manned until 1916, and you can find five cannons at the site as reminders of the past. Another fun fact is that a dig was completed at the site.
- Image courtesy postcardsydney.com
Dobroyd Head
Dobroyd Head has a lookout that allows you to see whales swimming in the ocean, as well as enjoy the beauty of North and South Heads and spectacular Pacific Ocean views. The lookout is named after the first aboriginal man to live among European settlers, Arabanoo. If you are interested in the history of the location, you can find signs and monuments here and there, which are like clues to the bygone era that Dobroyd Head had witnessed. Also, not far from the area are the Grotto Point Lighthouse and aboriginal rock engravings. You can also visit another lookout, which is the Dobroyd Head lookout, as well as Reef Beach.
South Head
Picturesque scenery awaits you at South Head. When you climb to the top of the lookout, you will be able to gaze out over the Sydney Harbour and Tasman Sea. It is also possible to catch a glimpse of whales on their yearly migration journey. Lookouts abound the South Head Heritage trail. There are more things to see at South Head, such as the Hornby Lighthouse and 19th century gun replacements. Exciting activities can also be done in the area, including swimming at Camp Cove or Lady Bay Beach, touring the Dunbar shipwreck memorial and site, and stopping by at Robertson Park or any Watson’s Bay restaurants for fish and chips.
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