Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cockatoo Island

"From the eastern side of the Opera House, you have easy access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in my opinion, one of the most impressive gardens in the world, certainly from a location standpoint. You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views and this is a great place to spend an hour or two in Sydney. Take a walk around the gardens to admire the many different types of plants and city views. You can also take a free self-guided walking tour."

"The Royal Botanic Garden has one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney – on the harbour, next to the Opera House, bordering the central business district. For visitors, it’s a stunning location that gives views of the Harbour Bridge and across to the north shore of the city. But it’s also one of the most important botanical institutions in the world with about 9000 species of plants."

"Opened in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest and most beautiful botanic gardens in the city. The gardens are open every day of the year and feature 30 hectares of exotic plants from Australia and places around the globe. The garden is also the oldest remaining scientific establishment in the country and provides a space for important botanical research and breeding."

"While waiting for my friend, I spent the time walking around the area, where Hyde Park is, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the structures. Several buildings were still designed the way they used to be 50 years back or older, giving the district art deco and gothic vibes. Parks were also well-maintained, wishing it were the same here in Manila."

"It starts every day at 10:30 am from the Town Hall and covers so much of the city including Hyde Park, Martin Place, Sydney’s hidden bars and tonnes of great tips straight from a local. To top it off the tour finishes on Observatory Hill boasting amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge."

"Another green space in the city, Hyde Park is great for a wander and located centrally. Make sure to see the Anzac Memorial and the statue of Captain Cook."

"One of Sydney’s worst kept secrets is Wendy’s Secret Garden, a green oasis of native plants, fig trees, beautiful flowers and a thriving community of birds. The garden is a beautiful place for office workers and local residents to wind down, eat their lunch, read a book or to simply enjoy the views. Wendy’s Secret Garden is now part of the Lavender Bay Parklands, a collection of green spaces and parks in and around Lavender Bay, such as Clark Park, Watt Park, Quibaree Park and also the Lavender Bay Foreshore."

"A serene spot in Lavender Bay, the garden was created in 1992 by Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse to artist Brett Whiteley, following her by then ex-husband’s death. We love Wendy’s Secret garden. It’s a really special space for kids to follow the weaving pathways through lush foliage and discover little secrets hidden in nooks and crannies."

"Near Luna Park via Clark Park, Lavender St, North Sydney, New South Wales 2060 N.S.W. Australia+61 2 9936 8100[email protected]http://www.wendyssecretgarden.org.au"

"Fairfield Adventure Park has been around for a few years but is one that impresses the young kids and the tweens too!. When the 30-metre slide at Hilltop Park in Schofields closed down due to safety concerns, Fairfield Adventure Park took back its title of biggest playground slide in Western Sydney. It twirls and glistens in the sun and simply has to be seen to be believed."

"Especially designed to provide a play space for kids of a variety of ages, the Fairfield Adventure Playground brings the “wow” factor in spades. The park opened in 2015 after a $1.4 million council investment. With the star attractions designed specifically for teens, this is a unique playground that provides a much-needed recreational space for older kids."

"Its historical and current culture, economy and beauty have all, in some way, been dependent upon the water, and the Australian National Maritime Museum helps visitors dive deeper into this relationship. The museum features exhibits that outline the indigenous and naval utilization of the area’s harbors and bays and boasts a collection of recreated submarine interiors, seafaring artifacts and vintage and modern boats to explore."

"The Australian National Maritime Museum is a great attraction particularly for families with kids. Join a guided tour or let the kids get their hands on some of the interactive displays. Find out what life was like above and below water through interesting exhibitions."

"The Australian National Maritime Museum is a distinct attraction that is strategically located at the far end of spectacular Darling Harbour. This family-friendly attraction is a popular choice for visitors who would..."

"Built by famous convict architect Francis Greenway, Sydney’s Conservatorium, part of the University of Sydney, began life as a Gothic picturesque stable for Governor Macquarie. Known as “a palace for horses”, the building was so expensive it caused Macquarie to be recalled to Mother England. Today you can visit the building to attend one of the many concerts put on by students or stroll the outside when touring the Botanic Gardens."

"Sydney’s premier music school is on the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden. The building looks like a castle but was actually originally built as stables for the nearby Government House. Because it’s a school, not all areas are open to the public but you can see three levels of the atrium."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia celebrates the work of living artists, bringing exceptional exhibitions of international and Australian art to as many people as possible – welcoming over a million visitors each year – in the belief that art is for everyone. Find creative opportunities for families to discover contemporary art and participate in fun and playful learning experiences together. They offer a range of free and ticketed programs for families with kids aged 0–12 years."

"Affectionately known as the MCA, Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art is one of our absolute favourite places to go - it is just so family-friendly!. While we love their ever-changing schedule of fantastic exhibitions, they also run family tours and kid's activities to introduce mini creatives to art. We recommend Art Safari or Art Baby for a perfect family day at the museum and the Bella Family program for families with special needs."

"Housed in a grand sandstone Art Deco building, the Museum of Contemporary Art building itself is a masterpiece, leading to the astounding works of art inside. More than 4000 Australian works of art can be found here, alongside regularly changing exhibitions which showcase both Australian and international artists. Its size, scale and calibre of artworks makes it the premier modern art gallery in Sydney."

"Booked for Valentine's Day, it was a great deal at $85 per person. The food was excellent. The accompanying matching wine offer was at $60 per person seemed too steep."