Attractions in Eastern Suburbs (Sydney)

Nielsen Park

Panoramic views over Port Jackson, a protected shark-proof harbour beach and a shady, pretty park are a few of the reasons that people flock (or pack) this park every summer. Nielsen Park is a lovely, peaceful place set in the upmarket area of Vaucluse. If hunger strikes and you have not bought a picnic basket there is always the Nielsen Park Kiosk, a great Italian restaurant or its adjoining snack bar.

Waverley Cemetery

This Australian location is a pilgrimage destination for visitors around the world; however it is a fully functional and operational cemetery first. In spite of its local, state, and national significance and being a treasure trove of history Waverley Cemetery receives no government funding for its operation. All revenue is derived from the provision of their services (the sale of Rights of Burial in graves and memorial gardens, burials and ash interments, grave maintenance plans, guided tours, etc).

Centennial Park

If you need a quick country fix, this is it; Centennial Park has 220 hectares of unspoilt parkland and is  just minutes from the city centre. Paddington pooches, young Mums, picnickers, in-line skaters and the obsessively fit, all make the most of this perfect park. It is lush, green and due to its size relatively uncrowded. Make the most of the free barbecues and picnic areas and if you forget to take your own comestibles, there are several kiosks serving drinks and refreshments throughout the park.

Sydney Seaplanes

Sydney Seaplanes are Sydney's longest-running seaplane operators. Options for your perfect plane trip are limited only by your imagination: from scenic flights, to idyllic destinations like superb harbour-side restaurants, championship golf courses, secluded beaches, national parks, you name it. The free-spirited can even charter their own plane and make it up as they go along. Seaplanes offers return flights to more than twenty restaurants and hotels near the water, as well as beach picnic flights and scenic flights. Check website for more details.

La Perouse to Henry Head Walk

This walking circuit is just under 10 kilometers and covers bush land, dramatic coastal scenery and historic sites. The track is rough in places and can become very slippery when wet. En route you will pass Laperouse Museum, the La Perouse Monument and the snake pit, where the snake man performs on Sundays. The part of the walk covering Botany Bay National Park will take you past the fortifications of Henry Head and to Pussycat Bay and Cape Banks. Catch a 393 or 394 to the city.

Bronte Beach

Popular with all age groups, Bronte Beach is close to the inner city and has managed to retain a great deal of its original charm. Choose between a superb body surfing beach and a twenty-five meter ocean pool. The large adjoining park offers picnic and barbecue facilities as well as shade and is patronized by an extraordinary, multi-cultural mix of families at weekends. Three inspectors patrol the beach daily (9am-7pm) between October and May; volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays (Summer only). Parking very limited.

Johnstons Lookout

Drivers should take care on this stretch of New South Head Road past Kambala Private Girls' School (rumored to be the most expensive in Australia) and Rose Bay Convent. The spectacular views across the Harbour are positively head-turning and take in both famous sights and the magnificent coastline. Stop instead at Johnstons Lookout a few metres up the road, where you can safely savor the sights at your leisure and take advantage of a fabulous photo opportunity.

Tamarama Beach

This tiny beach is nestled between Bondi and Bronte and is patronized almost exclusively by Sydney's beautiful people. While the surf can be dangerous and prone to rips, Tamarama beach is a haven for serious sunbathing as well as celebrity watching. The beachfront cafe has a well-deserved reputation and the park behind the beach offers picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Three inspectors patrol the beach daily between October and May (9am-7pm) and volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays (Summer only). Very limited car parking.

Coogee to Lurline Bay Walk

Ideal for walkers of all abilities and those in wheelchairs, this flat pathway has no steps, and the southern cliffs of Coogee Beach, have a 525 metre boardwalk for easy accessibility. The entire walk, returning to the car park is about 3.5 kilometers. Along the way, you will pass Sydney's last remaining, women only, seawater tidal pool, constructed in 1886, as well as Wylie's Baths which has been classified by the National Trust. Look out too for Wedding Cake Island one kilometer from the shore and named because of the "white icing" left by the seagulls!

Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach offers a totally different experience due to its protective breakwater. The waves splash over the wall of rocks into a large, sheltered rock pool which is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Sun-bathing is confined to concrete expanses although there is a tiny stretch of sand at the northern end. The adjacent park has picnic and barbecue facilities too. There are inspectors who patrol the beach daily and few volunteer as lifesavers over the weekends and public holidays.

Green Point Reserve

While crowds of tourists queue up for photographs at the The Gap, South Head and Watsons Bay lookouts, there is plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket at Green Point Reserve. Tucked away at the back of a dead-end street next to the equally-secluded Camp Cove, this grassy cliff-top has sweeping 180-degree views of Oz's own Emerald City. Watching the fiery red glow reflect off the water as the sun sinks behind the mountains is as romantic as it gets.

Rose Bay to Nielsen Park Walk

This five-kilometer walk begins with spectacular views of the Harbour. The track leads under the imposing Rose Bay Convent, offering more views and some great picnic spots. Along the way, you will catch glimpses of the millionaires' mansions of Vaucluse as well as the hidden Hermitage Foreshore Reserve, which forms part of Sydney Harbour National Park. This track can be steep in places: there are steps and can become muddy in wet weather. The walk finishes at Nielsen Park, which has an enclosed bay for a refreshing dip. Catch bus 325 back to the city. Call the visitor's center for more details.