During isolation we’ve had the opportunity to explore Sydney in many different ways. One that provided entertainment was finding accessible viewing locations where we could enjoy Sydney Harbour’s activity without leaving the car. We think we’ve found the top 5 viewing locations for Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Not only are these locations great if you don’t want to get out of the car, but many of them have accessible walks which skirt the edges of Sydney Harbour. All of these locations also provide fantastic photo opportunities for the city’s two most iconic sites.
TOP 5 ACCESSIBLE VIEWING LOCATIONS FOR SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE & OPERA HOUSE
BROUGHTON STREET LOOKOUT, KIRRIBILLI
This popular elevated lookout offers beautiful views of Sydney Harbour and has multiple parking bays facing the harbour.
One accessible parking bay is available.
MILSONS POINT
Just below Broughton Street Lookout is Olympic Drive which is my favourite spot to appreciate our gorgeous city. It’s hard to get closer to the Harbour Bridge than this and the Sydney Opera House is just across the harbour.
If you’d like to go for a walk, or wheel, there is accessible parking In Olympic Drive, or you can stay in the car to watch the harbour’s water traffic.
Just around the corner is Luna Park. When we park here we walk around the harbour, through Luna Park and continue on to the Peter Kingston Walkway accessible path which takes you further around to Lavender Bay. You can read about the Luna Park to Lavender Bay walk here.
BLUES POINT RESERVE
While this isn’t the prettiest spot to sit in your car, the view is pretty spectacular. There’s no shortage of people who park here to sit in their cars sipping on a coffee or eating their lunch.
If you’d like to go for a walk, I recommend heading around the corner to Henry Lawson Drive, McMahons Point.
McMAHONS POINT
Just around the corner from Blues Point Reserve you’ll find McMahons Point. An accessible parking bay is available if you fancy taking a walk or grabbing a ride in a ferry across the harbour.
We found this a particularly quiet spot, ideal for a picnic or you can just do a drive by to enjoy the view.
WAVERTON
Berrys Bay Lookout, Larkin Street
We visited the Coal Loader and popped in to check out the view from Berrys Bay lookout on our way home.
The Opera House is obscured by trees but we think the sail boats make this a pretty location.
We highly recommend a visit to the Coal Loader while you’re in the area. It’s located on the Waverton waterfront and has a focus on the history of the site while exploring sustainability with community gardens and education around the environment.
THE ROCKS
Hickson Road Reserve
On the other side of the harbour to Milsons Point you’ll find Hickson Road Reserve. This is a busy spot on weekends with brides and grooms choosing it for their wedding photo backdrop.
There are multiple parking bays if you prefer to stay in your car and you’ll still be able to take in the views.
If you’d like to take a wander or wheel around the harbour there is a lovely level pathway. You can take the path towards Pier One, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, or follow it around to Circular Quay and on to the Opera House. Either direction is accessible and an enjoyable walk.
MRS MACQUARIE’S POINT
Mrs Macquarie’s Point is popular with tour group buses. The views here are stunning but pre-COVID it was often crowded. We visited while isolating and found it to be lovely and quiet.
The best view is in a no stopping zone so you really need to get out of the car here to see more than a glimpse. I’ll often take a drive here when we are in the city and I do a slow crawl for my passengers to take in the harbour view.
Whether you want an active day out or easy sightseeing from the car, we hope this list helps you explore Sydney Harbour from one of the many lovely vantage points.
HWWT TIP – Parking rangers patrol these areas daily so check you are parked legally and if you have a disabled parking permit make sure you use it.
You may also like to read about some of our other favourite Sydney Harbour Parks here.
If you’re keen to head to the coast this is one of our favourite Coastal Walks.
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