01 Sep 2021

5 of the best public parks in The Rocks

If you’re looking for a green space among the bricks, we’ve got you covered. These are the five best parks in The Rocks.
5 of the best public parks in The Rocks
The Rocks is famous for its panoramic harbour views, delicious eats, lively nightlife and character-filled heritage buildings. But what you might not know about this little Sydney seaside precinct is that it’s absolutely brimming with lush, leafy parks.

So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, these are the perfect spots for a run, walking your dog, or having a serene picnic.

Get in touch with nature without leaving the city at the five best parks in The Rocks.

Dawes Point Park (Tar-ra)

As a heritage listed site full of curios and relics from Sydney’s colonial past, Dawes Point Park offers the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch and learn a little about the city’s history at the same time. Cannons, officer’s quarters and a guard house from Sydney’s first ever fort promise a fun (and free!) way for curious historians to relive the past. It is not all about history either, this is one of the prettiest parks in Sydney.

Find it on the northern side of The Rocks, just below the start of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Hickson Road Reserve

Sometimes when you’re in the city, all you need is a wide open space for the kids to run around in. Hickson Road Reserve, part of the waterfront promenade, offers precisely that, making it a favourite among families. The gorgeous views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge also make it a perfect place to snap a few holiday pictures, or something lush for Insta.

Find it next to Hickson Road, just around the corner from Dawes Point Park.

First Fleet Park

Sunbathe in summer, walkabout in winter, picnic in spring, party in autumn, First Fleet Park is a wide open grassy space that has a little something for anyone, in any weather. First Fleet Park also has the honour of being a popular event space, helping to host Bastille Festival, Australia Day and more. The park’s gorgeous scenery probably has something to do with that.

Find it along the edge of West Circular Quay.

Bligh and Barney Reserve

If you’re looking for somewhere cosy for your park outing, Bligh and Barney Reserve should be top of your list. Named partially after William Bligh whose statue guards the space, this wee piece of green paradise is a popular spot for new arrivals or those waiting for a boat to get a last breath of Sydney air before they head away on holiday.

Find it adjacent to the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Tallawoladah Lawn

What better way is there to finish a day appreciating art than soaking in the majesty of Sydney’s cityscape? Tallawoladah Lawn might look like a little park outside the Museum of Contemporary Art, but it’s actually a gallery all of its own. Take a moment to sit on the grass and you’ll be able to spy Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in just one turn of the head. Our advice? Head there during sunset - the glinting water just a few steps away is truly breathtaking.

Find it near West Circular Quay outside the Museum of Contemporary Art.