Sydney's Observatory Hill Park

Observatory Hill Park is a popular attraction for locals, workers and tourists boasting one of the City’s best terrestrial vantage points for unobstructed panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. The Agar Steps provide pedestrian access from Kent Street and a cutting through the Harbour Bridge pylons provides pedestrian and cycle access from Cumberland Street. Public toilets are located nearby on Watson Road at the foot of the Lower Fort Street park entrance. The park is well serviced by bus routes however no parking is available within Observatory Hill Park. The park contains numerous works of public art and a wooden rotunda flanked by magnificent mature Port Jackson Figs. The rotunda is the City’s most popular outdoor venue for weddings and naming ceremonies; bookings are required for exclusive use of the rotunda. The park is an off-leash area at all times and is highly popular location for walkers, joggers and fitness enthusiasts. The park’s shaded benches located around the orbital pathway are a popular destination for the less sports inclined visitor. The heritage listed Sydney Observatory, built in 1858 is located at the apex of the park. The Observatory, Australia’s first, containing numerous historic and modern telescopes, scientific artefacts and a beanbag planetarium, is open to the public throughout the year.

Write up: Courtesy of City of Sydney

Photo by Sidney Toh