📍40 Best Sydney Lookouts At Sunrise, Sunset & NYE Fireworks. (2024.)
WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE BEST SYDNEY LOOKOUTS ARE?
Sydney is one of the most stunningly beautiful cities in the world. Even before it established itself as a thriving metropolis and bucket list destination, it was highly regarded for its natural charm.
John White, the Surgeon General of the First Fleet to Australia said this of the stunning cliff-lined port that would more famously become known as Sydney Harbour, “Port Jackson, I believe to be, without exception, the finest and most extensive harbour in the universe…” And that was way back in 1788!
While the inner areas, in particular, have evolved enormously in the 300 years since the British arrived, the outer reaches have retained much of their natural charm. So between the gorgeous cityscape, rugged cliffs and scattered beaches, here is a lengthy list of the best Sydney lookouts I’ve discovered through the multiple times I’ve visited the New South Wales capital, including spending two weeks just exploring the Northern Beaches, scouting out the many spectacular viewpoints to satisfy my love for landscape photography that no visitor should miss.
👉 My top 3 picks for the best lookouts in Sydney:
- Inner Harbour: Sydney Harbour Bridge: BridgeClimb or Pylon Lookout.
- Outer Bays: Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Coastal Lookouts: North Bilgola Lookout.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Renting Vehicles: I recommend RentalCars.com.
10 Best Lookouts In Sydney.
Sydney has a tonne of incredible lookouts all throughout the city and greater suburbs, thanks to its spectacular skyline and breathtaking cliff faces, but they’d take a long time to explore. Those looking for a condensed list will find these have some of the best views of Sydney.
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge. – $.
No list asking, “Where is the best view in Sydney?” is complete without having the Sydney Harbour Bridge high up on the list. It is the city’s number #1 must-visit attraction and is the creme de la crop for its beauty, grandeur and the magnificent scenery it affords.
That’s because this landmark is the showpiece of the nation. It’s one of the most distinguishable pieces of architecture in the world set in the heart of one of the globe’s most breathtaking natural harbours, and is unquestionably synonymous with Australia. But beyond its spectacular visual appeal and core functionality as a water crossing the bridge is also home to the city’s most iconic experience.
BridgeClimb offers people the unique opportunity to see this outstanding world-class city from atop the illustrious “Coathanger“, where over 4 million people have summited the famous arches, including a lengthy list of high-profile celebrities and enjoyed the breathtaking, uninterrupted 360-degree view of the magnificent harbour.
It’s unforgettable in every direction and while it is a fantastic activity to undertake at any time of the day, however, I highly recommend undertaking the Twilight Tour as the combination of the soft sunlight casting a gorgeous orange glow over the landscape and watching the lights come on as the city transitioned from day to night is what made our climb so magical. We were also fortunate enough to experience thunder, heavy rain and distant lightning whilst summiting the bridge, which for us, made it even more unforgettable. Dawn would also be a phenomenal time to do the walk.
- Type Of Lookout: Formal attraction & landmark open-aired bridge summit experience.
- View: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Circular Quay & skyline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Dawn or Twilight Tour.
- Best For: Quintessential traveller experiences.
- Romantic dates and proposals.
- Overall views of the city.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney.
2. Pylon Lookout. – $.
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a great experience but it is expensive. Fear not, because hiding in plain sight in the southwest pylon is one of the best secret lookouts in Sydney, and costs only a fraction of what it does to scale it.
The aptly named Pylon Lookout provides similar sweeping views of Sydney’s majestic landscape and is a sensational way to experience seeing the city from the bridge on a budget. It has other perks too. You can enjoy the view as long as you like, and you can photograph the heck out of it too, which is something that as an avid landscape photographer I thoroughly appreciated being about to do as it’s not something you can do climbing the bridge, so it’s perfect for people who want to snap unforgettable images of the scenery themselves.
Lastly, it’s also a fantastic alternative for people who are afraid of heights and prefer having a more secure place to take in the beautiful scenery.
- Type Of Lookout: Formal attraction, open-aired observation deck.
- View: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Circular Quay & the skyline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset.
- Best For: Budget travellers and those who like to take their time and snap their own photos.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: YHA Sydney Harbour.
3. Bennelong Point. (Sydney Opera House.)
A short walk east along the foreshore will bring you to Bennelong Point and the spectacular Sydney Opera House. It’s easy to see how it earned its acclaim as one of the most beautiful structural landmarks in the world. From afar, it’s gorgeous from every angle, but it’s even more breathtaking up close. It’s truly a sight to behold.
But the Opera House is only part of the picture here because, with uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in one direction and the skyline in another, this sensational spot is not only one of the most scenic places around Sydney but captures the remarkable essence of the city as nowhere else does.
👉 You can also book a ticket to see a performance or get a guided architectural tour or backstage tour inside the stunning theatre.
- Type Of Lookout: Landmark harbourside attraction.
- View: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay & Skyline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise before everyone gets there.
- At night when all the lights come on.
- For Sydney’s famous NYE Fireworks.
- Best For: Appreciating the city’s two most iconic landmarks.
- Enjoying skyline views.
- Viewing projections on the Sydney Opera House.
- NYE Fireworks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.
4. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair & Royal Botanic Garden.
Over on the next headland lies Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a stone chair carved by convicts for Governor Macquarie’s wife, who loved the scenery from this spot.
Today, the spot is less known for its historical significance and more for being an outstanding location to view the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge (albeit it’s not quite the direction the chair is facing as they didn’t yet exist back in the day). This makes it one of the best places to see the two spectacular landmarks side-by-side, especially at sunrise and sunset thanks to the viewpoints’ position east of the icons.
It’s even more spectacular when there’s a slight haze in the air to give the landscapes a warm nostalgic feel. As for where to be during Sydney’s famous New Year’s fireworks display, while I haven’t visited during the spectacular event myself, I would put top money on this public location being one of the prime locations given that view.
Note: Don’t just go to where the historic chair is, because that would be missing out on one of the loveliest walks in the CBD. The path along the western foreshore links to the Opera House through the Royal Botanic Garden and has over 1km of uninterrupted views of the stunning landmark. It is certainly one of Sydney’s most romantic places to take your loved one.
- Type Of Lookout: Harbourside walkway.
- View: Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise or Sunset.
- At night when all the lights come on.
- Best For: Romantic Dates.
- Sydney’s famous NYE Fireworks.
- Sydney Opera House Projections.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The Pacific House.
5. Circular Quay.
One of the best lookouts in Sydney is also the easiest to find. That’s because people typically arrive in the city by train or light rail, and the closest stop to the harbour is Circular Quay.
Rail travellers needn’t even get off the platform to get incredible views of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. But a short stroll out of the railway and light railway station will land you at the Circular Quay Ferry Terminal, where the stunning sails of the Sydney Opera House will also come into view.
Three forms of public transportation smack bang between Sydney’s world-famous landmarks is a super sweet deal for such an epic sight! It’s perfect for people on a tight schedule, such as those only in the city for a layover or pit stop. Just pop a ride down to Circular Quay, day or night, and boom, you can say you’ve seen Sydney!
There is also a more official lookout above the train station. Simply walk along the pathway between the station and ferry terminals and take the lift up to the highway and its along there you’ll find the Cahill Walk Lookout, where you can enjoy unchaotic, clear views of both the city’s globally recognised landmarks from the seating provided.
👉 If you have time, head out on one of the ferries! They provide unforgettable views of the city and are the perfect and affordable way to see the harbour.
- Type Of Lookout: Roadside/ trainside/ harbourside viewpoint.
- View: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House & Circular Quay Ferries.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, sunset and night.
- Best For: Visitors short on time.
- NYE Fireworks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney.
6. Sydney Eye Tower. – $.
The lookouts listed above are all fantastic, but they pretty exclusively overlook the harbour. For a much greater view of the city, nothing comes close to the Sydney Eye Tower.
The thin structure with several viewing and dining decks that looks like the distant cousin of the Seattle Space Needle is an icon of the city’s skyline after the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and provides outstanding 360-degree panoramic views of the city’s endless urban landscape.
Levelling things up a notch is Skywalk. This incredible 1 hour guided activity takes participants outside the building above the observation decks, where participants get the unequivocally best views of Sydney as an entire city, which includes standing on a glass-floor platform! Port Jackson, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Luna Park, Botany Bay, the cricket and football stadiums and, of course, sneak peaks of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are just some of the things observable from its 268m elevation, the highest point in the CBD.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there are also restaurants on the other decks that share that epic view, so it’s also a great place to spoil yourself or your family and friends for lunch or have a romantic dinner with your significant other.
- Type Of Lookout: Observation deck and external open-aired experience.
- View: 360-degree views of the city, including Sydney Harbour.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset & Night.
- Best For: Overall views of the city.
- Romantic dates, dinners and proposals.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
7. Fairfax Lookout.
(Sydney National Park.)
Surrounding Sydney’s famous harbour are cliffs. The closer to the ocean you venture, the taller and more dramatic the cliffs become. It’s a significant feature of the landscape, and it is worth venturing out that way because there’s no shortage of outstanding scenic places to explore.
One of the favourites is in Manly, which is perfect because no trip to the NSW capital is complete without visiting this beautiful harbourside and seaside suburb. When in town, make a beeline south toward North Head and follow Scenic Drive until the end. You’ll come across one of the best car lookouts in Sydney just before you do with City View, but the Fairfax Trail in Sydney National Park yields even more rewards.
The short trail offers several viewpoints taking in the rugged coastline. But Fairfax Lookout takes in the most majestic view of the city’s gorgeous skyline, including the aforementioned Eye Tower and the beautiful harbour as it empties into the sea. And because it has such a broad degree of scenery to overlook, it’s also one of the best places in Sydney to see the sunrise and the sunset.
👉 Hot Tip: Check out North Fort and the North Head Quarantine Station to glimpse what Sydney was like during less stable times when they needed to defend the harbour.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland viewpoint, walking trail & car lookout.
- View: Sydney Harbour, cliffs and skyline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise and sunset.
- Best For: Visitors to Manly & North Fort.
- Escaping the city.
- Coastal walks.
- Romantic dates and proposals.
- Wheelchair users & people with limited mobility.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The nearby Quarantine Station has been transformed into a unique accommodation venue called Q Station.
8. Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
Palm Beach is a fair bit out of the way for most travellers to the New South Wales capital. But it’s worth heading out to because the region’s northernmost point is also home to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse and one of my favourite scenic views in Sydney.
The beautiful, rustic sandstone lighthouse and the accompanying cottage residence have been operating here in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park since 1881 and sits at the end of a slender, hammerhead-shaped peninsula.
Only now, it is also a much-loved tourist attraction. The main reason is that the short walk through the headland is abundant with spectacular natural lookouts. It’s scenery galore! There are plenty of glimpses of the landscape along the trail, but the nearer to the lighthouse, it only gets better.
The most impressive view is Palm Beach’s sliver of a peninsula straddled by the ocean and the bay, but that’s not to take anything away from the endless rows of mountains on the other side of the glistening harbour either. It’s magnificent from every angle. And it’s especially so during sunrise and sunset. And then, when darkness falls, and the twinkling lights of the illustrious suburb come on, the former becomes one of Greater Sydney’s best night lookouts.
👉 Hot Tip: Palm Beach is where the iconic Australian soap “Home and Away” is filmed, & you may see some of the stars, crew or equipment in & around Governor Phillip Park!
- Type Of Lookout: National park lookout & hiking trail.
- View: Coastal views of Palm Beach Peninsula, America Bay, and the Central Coast Mountains.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, sunset and night.
- Best For: Nature & heritage hikes.
- Proposals.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Palm Beach Bed & Breakfast.
9. The Gap Lookout National Park.
Another highly regarded lookout in Sydney sits in the eastern suburb of Watsons Bay. While people typically head to these parts for the Hornby Lighthouse and Macquarie Lighthouse, which are both beautiful spots, no trip to this suburb at the edge of the harbour would be complete without including a visit to Gap Lookout National Park.
That’s because while it’s only tiny, it packs a visual punch. Better yet, you needn’t walk far from the road to see the spectacular cliffs. A short walk around the park provides even more fantastic vantage points making it one of my favourite viewpoints in Sydney to appreciate its breathtakingly rugged sheer cliff face. There’s also the odd view of the skyline and even the Sydney Harbour Bridge is visible too!
And because it is such a beautiful area that sits just across the road from the Watsons Bay township, the ferry terminal and the picturesque Robinsons Park, it’s perfect for a romantic or family-orientated day trip from the city.
👉 Hot Tip: Parts of The Gap National Park are wheelchair friendly so everyone can enjoy the magnificent views.
- Type Of Lookout: National park lookout & coastal pathway.
- View: Rugged coastal cliffs, distance views of the skyline and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Coastal walks.
- Wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
10. Cape Solander. (Kamay Botany Bay National Park.)
Capping off the list of best lookouts in Sydney is Cape Solander. Located on the southern headland of Botany Bay near Cronulla, this picturesque spot is in Kamay Botany National Park and has magnificent views of the coastline’s rugged cliffs.
It’s a beautiful place to visit, but you needn’t walk far to appreciate the landscape. The view starts right from the road, making it also one of Sydney’s best car lookouts, perfect for when it’s too unsafe to walk the clifftops or for people with walking difficulties or who want to appreciate it from the comfort of their vehicle.
👉 Hot Tip: Don’t forget to explore the trails and see the monument where Captain Cook landed in his Endeavor!
- Type Of Lookout: National Park Lookout, Car Lookout.
- View: Rugged coastal cliffs.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Nature escapes.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Nightcap at Caringbah Hotel.
8 Magnificent Sydney Harbour Lookouts.
Inner Sydney Harbour.
11. Dawes Point Park.
The Rocks is one of Sydney’s most notable suburbs thanks to its heritage buildings dating back to the earliest days of British colonisation. Located east of the bustling tourist epicentre of Circular Quay, this harbourside suburb has gone through many evolutions since European settlement and is now a vibrant boutique shopping and upscale restaurant precinct.
It’s also home to one of the best viewpoints in Sydney’s inner harbour. Dawes Point Park sits directly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and offers a unique perspective of the famous structure. There are also wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House and Luna Park.
👉 Hot Tip: Follow the paths lining the harbour for even more spectacular views.
- Type Of Lookout: Harbourside park & walkway.
- View: Underside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks & Luna Park.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, Sunset or Night.
- Best For: Visitors to The Rocks.
- Unique perspectives of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- NYE Fireworks.
- Sydney Opera House projections.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney.
12. Observatory Hill Lookout.
Halfway between the Rocks and the famous Darling Harbour is the historic Sydney Observatory, the first building in Australia dedicated to looking deeper into space. Today, it’s also a science museum, an education centre and a function venue. But this list isn’t about the historic buildings and whatnot. It’s about where to find great lookouts, and the hill the observatory sits on has such an epic view that I was in no way expecting it to be that magnificent.
The most notable feature in the landscape is the gorgeous bridge Sydney is famous for, and when it’s framed by the branches of the trees on the hilltops, it’s a particularly picturesque site. But that’s not the only thing you can see from here. There are also expansive views of everything west of it, such as the skyscrapers on the northern side of the harbour. And because Observatory Hill is in the heart of the city, it’s also one of the greatest night lookouts.
- Type Of Lookout: Hilltop park.
- View: Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset and night.
- Best For: Romantic picnics and proposals.
- NYE Fireworks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The Langham Sydney.
13. Barangaroo Reserve.
Adding to the prolific list of scenic places in Sydney to see is Barangaroo Reserve. Located a short walk away from the Sydney Observatory on the banks of the harbour, the picturesque parkland has picturesque views of two of the things that make the city iconic.
The southern side has beautiful views of the skyline around Darling Harbour, most notably the Crown Casino. On the northern side, the Harbour Bridge is the showpiece here, making it yet another spot that is perfect for watching the sunset over Sydney or seeing the iconic structure glisten at night.
- Type Of Lookout: Harbourside park & walkway.
- View: Darling Harbour, Crown Casino and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset & Night.
- Best For: Scenic strolls around the harbour.
- NYE Fireworks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Hotel Palisade.
14. Milsons Point.
Across the other side of the harbour lie even more fantastic views of Sydney. The most well-known spot is the Milsons Point Ferry Terminal because it’s one of the main ways to access one of the city’s major attractions, Luna Park.
This stretch of the foreshore near the beloved amusement park is just like Dawes Point Park where it sits right under the bridge allowing an intimate look at the underside of the iconic structure. But there’s more to it than that.
There are also uninterrupted views of the Opera House and the magnificent skyline behind Circular Quay, so it’s a fantastic place where you can appreciate 5 iconic parts of the city in one place.
- Type Of Lookout: Harbourside Walkway.
- View: Underside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, sunset & night.
- Best For: People visiting Luna Park.
- Enjoying harbourside walks.
- NYE Fireworks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Milson Serviced Apartments.
15. Blues Point Reserve.
Another spot that provides fantastic views of the city is Blues Point Reserve. This beautiful harbourside spot is almost perfectly perpendicular to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, making it the best spot for those wishing to appreciate the famous landmark in its entire length.
It’s also typically less congested than most of the other inner harbour viewpoints on this list, so it’s one of the most romantic sunset and night lookouts in Sydney.
- Type Of Lookout: Harbourside reserve & walkway.
- View: Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, Sunset & Night.
- Best For: Peaceful harbourside picnics.
- Romantic dates & proposals.
- NYE Fireworks.
Outer Sydney Harbour.
16. Hornby Lighthouse. (South Head.)
Watsons Bay lies on the southern edge of Port Jackson and is home to the stunning Hornby Lighthouse, a beautiful tower with a distinguishable red and white striped exterior. It’s one of the eastern suburbs’ top attractions.
As with many lighthouses, the heritage structure is located atop a sheer cliff face and is a spectacular one of that. Its elevated position provides not only incredible views of the harbour but also of the city’s spectacular skyline.
And because it is one of the outermost headlands of the harbour, it also has spectacular scenery of the rugged coastline that make navigating these waters so treacherous.
👉 Note: Scattered around the Hornby Lighthouse lie more remnants of Sydney’s historic forts.
- Type Of Lookout: Lighthouse headland viewpoint & coastal walkway.
- View: Hornby Lighthouse, coastal cliffs, Sydney Harbour, distant views of the city skyline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise and sunset.
- Best For: Nature lovers exploring the outskirts of the harbour.
- Heritage walks.
- NYE Fireworks from afar.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
17. Robertson Park.
To get to Watsons Bay and the Hornby Lighthouse, it’s either by car, bus, ferry or car share service. Whichever way you go, the route takes you along Robinson Park which is right in town and between where the ferry docks and the main road passes.
It’s a reasonably sized park with a playground and BBQ facilities but the most notable thing about is it’s views over the harbour where the city’s beautiful skyline is visible. And it’s also directly opposite the Gap Lookout National Park which is one the best coastal lookouts in Sydney.
- Type Of Lookout: Harborside park.
- View: Distant views of the city skyline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise & Sunset.
- Best For: Nature lovers exploring the outskirts of the harbour.
- Family days out, picnics, BBQs.
- NYE Fireworks from afar.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
18. Middle Head Fort. (Sydney National Park.)
Swapping over to the northern side of the harbour is one of my favourite places to visit: Middle Head Fort. Located directly opposite the entrance to Port Jackson, this place of historical significance is yet another of Sydney’s many defence precincts developed during the city’s early say to protect it from invasion.
Today, it’s a tourist attraction where people can roam the heritage-listed fortifications to get a feel for what it was like in those days. But it’s not just a great insight into history. It is also a beautiful place to observe the outer reaches of the harbour, so this location is a two-for-one.
And because it predominantly looks straight across to the ocean between North Fort (Manly) and South Fort (Watsons Bay), it’s easy to see why these three locations were chosen as part of the city’s defence strategy.
- Type Of Lookout: Historic headland viewpoint.
- View: Entrance to Sydney Harbour.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Those interested in the military history of the area.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The Albert Mosman.
4 Beautiful Outer Bay Lookouts.
Sydney not only consists of a spectacular harbour but is also home to two expansive bays. Many folks are familiar with Botany Bay on the southern side as it’s the first place Captain Cook landed in the region on one of his numerous voyages to the continent, and it’s infamously where the British first built a convict settlement on Australian soil.
On the northern side lies a less historically significant bay. Broken Bay is a beautiful expanse of water surrounded by undulating mountains and caps off the northernmost area of Greater Sydney and looks across to the Central Coast.
Hawkesbury River/Broken Bay Lookouts.
19. West Head Lookout. – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Sydney’s northernmost national park and somewhat of an unknown gem to those who visit the city.
While more people are aware of the gorgeous Barrenjoey Lighthouse trail at Palm Beach (No.8 on this list), the main section of the national park is less frequented, which means many people are missing out on one of the best scenic places in Sydney.
West Head Lookout lies almost parallel to the stunning sandstone structure and provides breathtaking views of the bay and the ocean divided by Palm Beach’s sliver of a peninsula. It’s a breathtaking site that is well worth visiting.
👉 Note: Gates open 6 am to 8.30 pm during daylight savings & 6 am to 6 pm during the rest of the year
- Type Of Lookout: National park lookout.
- View: Palm Beach Peninsula & Broken Bay.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Nature Hikes.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Currawong Beach Cottages.
20. America Bay – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Another trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase that has fantastic views of the Hawkesbury River is along the America Bay Walking Track. This moderately challenging 1.8km return trail follows a sandstone ridgeline leading walkers to a rock platform by a picturesque waterfall and offers stunning views of Cowans Water.
It’s a beautiful little spot made better by taking a short detour from the track leading to an Aboriginal engraving site, so you can appreciate a bit of history while taking in some lovely views.
- Type Of Lookout: National park lookout.
- View: Hawkesbury River.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset.
- Best For: Nature Hikes.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: YHA Pittwater Eco.
Botany Bay Lookouts.
21. Mills Stream Lookout & The Beach. (Planespotting.)
Down at Botany Bay, the landscape is a little less scenic. It’s smaller, less rugged and mostly beach. But two Greater Sydney lookouts aren’t there to enjoy the scenery, but to watch the planes coming in to land and take off at the Sydney Airport.
Mills Stream Lookout is along Foreshore Road, which is a fantastic spot to see the infrastructure that lifts shipping containers on and off the ships, but because it is so close to one of the runways, it’s also an excellent place to observe the metal birds of the sky.
On the other side of the airport is The Beach, a small non-descript lookout almost as close to the airport’s eastern runway, making these two perfect for plane-watching enthusiasts and photographers.
- Type Of Lookout: Airport lookout.
- View: Planes arriving and departing.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Day.
- Best For: Plane spotters and photographers.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Meriton Suites.
22. La Perouse Lookout – Bare Island.
The suburb of La Perouse occupies the northeastern headland of Botany Bay. It has some of the oldest ties to pioneer French explorers in the country and is home to even more fortification ruins that are so prominent throughout Sydney, so there’s plenty of early European history to explore here.
One place that stands out, in particular, is Bare Island Fort, which as the name suggests, is a small island used to defend the bay from invaders. It’s connected to the mainland via a bridge and you can explore it and its stories with a prebooked guided tour, but just before you head across it to reach the landmass, there’s a lovely viewpoint that overlooks the tiny island.
👉 Don’t forget to check out the sandstone cliffs around the base of the island as there are some cool weathered formations to discover.
- Type Of Lookout: Roadside viewpoint.
- View: Bare Island
- Optimal Time To Visit: Day.
- Best For: Those who love military history and fortifications.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Southend Hotel.
5 Spectacular Coastal Lookouts.
Northern Beaches.
23. Shelly Headland Upper Lookout.
In the eastern part of Manly lies Shelly Beach, a tiny swimming beach protected from the sea, making it a particularly great place for families to frolic in the ocean.
Behind it lies Shelly Headland and one of Sydney’s many picturesque lookouts. Follow the trail for a while and it won’t be long before it arrives at some stunning viewpoints. Look out across the vast ocean, and the rugged coastal cliffs and enjoy scenic views of the Northern Beaches’ southern coastline. It’s a gorgeous place to visit for anyone staying in Manly for a while.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland viewpoint.
- View: Northern Beaches southern coastline.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Scenic coastal strolls.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Stoke Beach House.
24. Long Reef Point Lookout.
Long Reef Point Lookout is another beautiful lookout in the Northern Beaches worth discovering. It lies at the tip of Long Reef Headland and provides breathtaking views of Dee Why Beach to the south.
Aside from an unforgettable view, what also makes this lookout such a gem is that the track from the car park to the viewpoint is concrete, so it’s more accessible to those with mobility struggles.
Additionally, there’s a rugged dirt track from the lookout to the base of the headland for those looking to enjoy more of Long Reef Headland and the surrounding Long Reef Aquatic Reserve.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland lookout.
- View: Coastline north and south.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Scenic coastal walks.
- Wheelchair users & those with limited mobility.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Narrabeen Sands Hotel.
25. North Bilgola Lookout.
Sitting even further up the coast is the North Bilgola Lookout. This beautiful, easy-to-access viewpoint has one of the best scenic views in Sydney because you get two spectacular views in one.
North has gorgeous views of Avalon Headland, Bilgola Beach, and several headlands jutting out in the distance are observable from the viewing area, located right next to the car park. Meanwhile, the south showcases even more spectacular headlands and beaches.
Because of that, it’s the perfect spot for photographers looking to catch the softest light touching the landscape on a newly dawned day and for people looking to find the best places to watch the sunset in Sydney.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland lookout.
- View: Headlands and coastlines north and south.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise and sunset.
- Best For: Photography.
- Romantic dates and proposals.
- Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Avalon Horizons.
Eastern Suburbs.
26. Ben Buckler Lookout.
Over on Sydney’s southern coastline lies Bondi Beach, one of the world’s most famous strips of sand. Around 2.7 million people from all over the globe visit this gorgeous Instagram-worthy spot 1km beach to lap up the most quintessential part of the Australian lifestyle.
It’s a beautiful place to go, albeit crowded oftentimes. But for a nice break, head over to Ben Buckler Lookout on North Bondi Rocks on the headland and see the iconic beach from a different perspective.
👉 There’s even a TV Show based on Bondi Beach called Bondi Rescue, which follows the professional lives of the lifeguards as they work to keep the beach safe.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland viewpoint.
- View: Bondi Beach.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Visitors to the famous beach.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Miss Baker’s Boutique Accommodation Bondi.
27. Mackenzies Point Lookout.
One of the favourite things people like to do while in Bondi besides swimming at the iconic beach is to walk the seaside pathway to Bronte Beach. Aptly called the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, the scenic trail follows the coastline to the lesser-known beach and has many lovely viewpoints to enjoy.
Two of the highlights are the Mackenzie Point Lookout and Arin’s Point, which although close to each other, take in different views. The former looks across to Bondi, while the latter overlooks the coastline to the south.
Both are beautiful spots, and well worth the visit, so even if you are unable to complete the whole trail, at least head to these two spots because they are some of the most picturesque coastal lookouts in Sydney’s south.
- Type Of Lookout: Coastal walkway.
- View: Bondi Beach & Bronte Beach.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Scenic coastal strolls.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Miss Baker’s Boutique Accommodation Bondi
13 Best Secret Lookouts In Sydney.
Outer Harbour Lookouts.
28. Gunners Barracks – George’s Head Lookout.
A short distance from the aforementioned Middle Head Fort is George’s Head Lookout. Located within the Gunners Barracks section of Headland Park behind the fascinating Chowder Bay Precinct, this scenic spot is easily the best secret lookout in Sydney.
Not only was this location used as a fort to protect the harbour from invaders entering from the sea and therefore has picturesque views overlooking that direction, but it also has unexpectedly magnificent views of the city it was guarding, which in combination with the heritage value of the place was definitely one of the highlights I came across whilst scouring the greater region.
There are plenty of fantastic places around the region where observers can enjoy the prolific skyline, but none of them showcases Sydney in such an intimate way. It’s one of those sites that unintentionally does a marvellous job of displaying the essence of a place, allowing you to appreciate the history, the harbour and the city all in one location.
And because the lookout lies directly between the entrance to the harbour and the city on an east-west axis, it’s one of those rare places that is amazing to see during sunrise, sunset and at night to see all the lights come on. It’s epic all around.
- Type Of Lookout: Harbourside heritage site.
- View: City skyline & harbour.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, Sunset & Night.
- Best For: Discovering local heritage.
- Peaceful picnics.
- Romantic dates and proposals.
29. Tania Park. – Arabanoo Lookout & Crater Cove Lookout.
The Northern Beaches suburb of Bangolwah Heights is home to more beautiful viewpoints, including one of Sydney’s best car lookouts. Tania Park is a spacious park with a playground, perfect for residents to get some exercise, but it’s the two beautiful and easily accessible views that put this place on the map.
Arabanoo Lookout is in honour of a local Aboriginal Man and has picturesque views overlooking Manly, while the nearby Crater Cove Lookout has sweeping visuals of the harbour, which also includes Port Jackson, Watsons Bay. For the latter, you needn’t even leave the car. There are fantastic views right from the car park.
- Type Of Lookout: Park lookout/car lookout.
- View: Manly, entrance to Port Jackson.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Family outings and picnics,
- People with limited mobility and wheelchair-accessible users.
- Harbour walks.
- Romantic dates & proposals.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Quest Manly.
30. Fairlight Lookout & Dobroyd Lower Lookout.
(Dobroyd Head, Sydney National Park).
You needn’t venture from Tania Park to discover even more of Sydney’s best secret lookouts as it sits on the edge of Dobroyd Head and is the starting point of one of Sydney National Park’s most picturesque walks.
Starting from either Arabanoo Lookout or Crater Cove Lookout, the trails converge and lead to Fairlight Lookout, a spectacular natural viewpoint that has stunning views of the seaside suburb of Manly and the entranceway to Port Jackson.
The track continues down to the Dobroyd Lower Lookout, where Manly is the focus and is a great spot to watch the numerous boats and ferries arriving and departing from the popular tourist town.
- Type Of Lookout: National park lookouts.
- View: Manly, entrance to Port Jackson.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Scenic harbourside walks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Quest Manly.
31. Cutler Road Lookout.
The Dobroyd Head section of Sydney National Park has such an abundance of incredible lookouts, that this next hidden gem is also there.
Cutler Road Lookout is just as the name suggests. It’s a scenic viewpoint located on Cutler Road, not far from Tania Park. As a residential street in the outer suburbs, it’s not typically on tourists’ itineraries, but it’s such a fantastic spot, that it’s worth adding to the list.
Not only is it one of the best secret scenic places the city has to offer, but it’s also one of the best car lookouts in Sydney, so for those looking to enjoy breathtaking views of the middle part of the harbour from the automobile at a location few people know about, this is the ultimate place to go.
- Type Of Lookout: Car lookout.
- View: Sydney Harbour.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, sunset & night.
- Best For: Romantic dates.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Quest Manly.
Northern Beaches Coastal Lookouts.
32. Manly Wormhole.
When it comes to the best secret lookouts in Sydney, none are quite like the Manly Wormhole. because while it’s not hard to access, it requires a little local knowledge. There are a couple of reasons for this.
The name, for starters, is misleading. It’s not in the Northern Rivers beachside suburb of Manly but in Queenscliff, the one next over. And there are no signs suggesting where the hidden gem is, but it’s a short easy trail. To locate it, just follow the path past the Queenscliff Rock Pool and skirt your way around the headland for a little while until you reach a tunnel.
On the other side lies a beautiful secluded viewpoint nestled in the cliff face overlooking the ocean. It’s a fantastic find and even better in the morning because it’s one of the best places in Sydney to see the sunrise.
- Type Of Lookout: Natural cliff face.
- View: Pacific Ocean.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Watching the sunrise over the ocean.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Manly Waterfront Beach Stay.
33. McKillop Park.
On the headland next overlies another fantastic lookout that not enough people visiting the New South Wales capital know about. Freshwater Lookout in McKillip Park has lovely views overlooking the ocean and a little bit of the coast, but there’s a spot just down the road before the park that is the real star of the headland.
It doesn’t have a name, but it’s just before the car park on the southern side opposite the hidden Duke Kahanomuku Memorial and has incredible views of Freshwater Beach. There is even a seat there, so you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery for longer.
- Type Of Lookout: Roadside viewpoint.
- View: Freshwater Beach.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Beach views.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Manly Waterfront Beach Stay.
34. Curl Curl Boardwalk – Freshwater Lookout To South Curl Curl.
Just around the corner from McKillop Park is the Curl Curl Boardwalk. Following the shoreline to Curl Curl Beach, this short, easy trail provides beautiful views of the picturesque rugged coastline between the headland and the sandy foreshore.
- Type Of Lookout: Coastal pathway.
- View: Curl Curl Beach & Dee Why Head.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Relaxing walks along the coast.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Manly Waterfront Beach Stay.
35. Dee Why Head – Rulinga Lookout, Don’t Jump Rock & Tea Tree Lookout.
On the northern end of Curl Curl Beach is Dee Why Head, home to a few more beautiful scenic spots. Tea Tree Lookout looks north along the coastline while Don’t Jump Rock overlooks the ocean from the headland’s rugged cliffs, but the gem here is Rulinga Lookout.
This fantastic viewpoint has impressive sweeping views of Curl Curl Beach and Freshwater Headland. It’s an impressive spot at any time of the day but is better in the late afternoon as it’s one of the nicest places to watch the sunset in Sydney along the coast.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland trail.
- View: Curl Curl Beach & the Pacific Ocean.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise and Sunset.
- Best For: Coastal walks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The Lighthouse.
36. Narrabeen Headland Lookout & Wedding Lookout.
To find even more of the best hidden scenic spots in Sydney, head to the headland at North Narrabeen. You needn’t even head up the stairs to get amazing views.
Just walking alongside the South Creek Lagoon to the rockpool is picturesque enough, but for elevated views of the stunning landscape, the steps up to the viewing platform are the way to go.
Follow the track further around the headland to Wedding Lookout, where the spectacular scenery of Turimetta Beach is on showcase.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland trail.
- View: South Creek Lagoon, Narrabeen Beach & Turimetta Headland.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise and Sunset.
- Best For: Short coastal walks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park.
37. Turimetta Headland Reserve & Warriewood Blowhole.
Adding to the already robust list of best secret lookouts in Sydney is Turimetta Headland Lookout in Turimetta Headland Reserve. This little-known place in the suburb of Warriewood has magnificent views of the coast’s rugged cliff face known as Warriewood Blowhole.
Even when the seas aren’t rough and forcing water up the rocks in an epic show of nature, this spot is spectacular, particularly during golden hour when the soft light hits the landscape.
There’s another gorgeous viewpoint further around the reserve so make sure to follow the steps to find this lovely spot too.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland trail.
- View: Warriewood Blowhole, Narrabeen Beach & Turimetta Beach.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise and Sunset.
- Best For: Short coastal walks.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park.
38. North Monavale Headland.
Continuing with the abundance of secret lookouts in the Northern Beaches part of Sydney is North Monavale Headland Reserve.
This beautiful viewpoint, located about halfway between Manly and Palm Beach, has two magnificent views overlooking Basin Beach to the south and Bungan Beach to the north.
Not only is it a fantastic spot to take in the scenery, but this hidden lookout is also a launch site for paragliding and hang gliding, so you may even spot some thrillseekers taking to the skies here.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland trail.
- View: Basin Beach & Bungan Beach.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Short coastal walks.
39. South Bilgola Viewing Platform.
North Bilgola Lookout on the northern side of Bilgola Beach is one of the most scenic places in Sydney for coastal views as listed above, but on the other side of the beach is a lesser-known secret lookout also worth checking out.
The South Bilgola Viewing Platform is accessible from the end of the car park for Newport Beach and has gorgeous views overlooking the beautiful coastline.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland viewpoint.
- View: Newport Beach & Bungan Head Reserve.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Proposals.
40. Bangalley Headland.
Nearing the top of the Northern Beaches’ coastline is the Bangalley Headland, home to some of the best secret lookouts in Sydney and one of the region’s most underappreciated hidden gems.
This little-known reserve has numerous natural outlooks along the trail that have magnificent views of the towering seaside cliffs, headlands and beaches that line the foreshore in both the northern and southern directions.
It’s a photographer’s dream and was one of my absolute favourite finds in a region abundant with amazing lookouts and is certainly one you need to add to your itinerary if exploring breathtaking coastal scenery is your thing.
- Type Of Lookout: Headland trail.
- View: Rugged coastline north and several headlands south.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Coastal Walks, scenic proposals.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Palm Beach Bed & Breakfast.
Lookouts In Sydney Map.
Lookouts In Sydney: Frequently Asked Questions.
Where Is The Best View In Sydney?
Asking, “Where is the best view in Sydney?” is like asking, “Where is the best view of the Grand Canyon.”
They both have a prolific amount of places with epic viewpoints, so picking the ultimate scenic spot is nigh on impossible, but seeing the world-class city from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge is, by far, the most unbeatable and most iconic way to see Sydney.
Where Is The Best Place To Watch The Sunset In Sydney?
The inner harbour area is robust with fantastic lookout spots to visit for sunset, but Mrs Macquaries Chair, Sydney Eye Tower, Observatory Hill Lookout, Barangaroo Reserve and Blues Point Reserve top out the list, but the ultimate spot is, undoubtedly, from the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Meanwhile, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Georges Head Lookout take out the best spots along the coast to enjoy seeing the setting sun.
Where Is The Best Place To See The Sunrise In Sydney?
For those who don’t mind rising early, climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is epic any time of the day, but sunrise is something else entirely.
Elsewhere in the harbour are many more that are lovely to visit in the morning but some of the nicest are Mrs Macquaries Chair, Georges Head Lookout and Fairfax Lookout.
All of the lookouts along the coast are also beautiful at dawn but the Gap Lookout National Park, Cape Solander, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, North Bilgola Lookout and Bangalley Headland are particularly stunning.
Where Can I See Night Views?
There are plenty of lookouts in Sydney that are excellent to visit at night.
Number one to four and seven in the “Best Lookouts In Sydney” section of this post are fantastic spots to enjoy the city’s landmarks lit up after nightfall, while number eight, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse has amazing after-dark views of Palm Beach.
All of the inner city harbour viewpoints under the “Magnificent Sydney Harbour Lookouts” headline are also fantastic viewpoints to enjoy at night.
Further down the list, North Bilgola Lookout is a great spot along the coast while Georges Head Lookout and Cutler Road Lookout are some of the best secret lookouts Sydney has to offer for twilight views.
Are There Any Car Lookouts In Sydney?
Yes!
While there aren’t any places to enjoy the view from a vehicle in the inner city and harbour areas, there are a handful of car lookouts in Sydney’s outer suburbs where you can.
Crater Cove Lookout in Tania Park and the nearby Cutler Road Lookout are fantastic car lookouts overlooking the outer harbour, while the City View Lookout in Sydney National Park in Manly is an epic spot to enjoy looking back across Port Jackson and the Sydney skyline from your vehicle.
In the Northern Beaches, the little-known Turimetta Headland Reserve has a car park that overlooks the ocean and has a small area where you enjoy a picnic with views.
In the Eastern Suburbs, you can also enjoy the scenery at Cape Solander in Kamay Botany National Park from the car as well as gaze out at Bare Island from La Perouse Lookout.
Conclusion: Best Views In Sydney.
With a stunning urban landscape with globally recognised beauty and architecture set around the breathtaking natural harbour lined with cliffs that get more sheer and dramatic as it rounds closer to the entrance and continues up along the coastlines, Sydney’s lookouts are a phenomenal way to explore this beautiful and vibrant city.
If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, consider checking out these other posts.
