Large urban park located near the Broadway Sydney shopping center, Victoria Park has a large pond…read morenamed 'Lake Northam' in its northern part. We were in the area while visiting Sydney, so stopped by. Unfortunately, the pond was so full of blooming algae, that it appeared as if you could walk across it because it was solid ground. It's nice to have open green space in an open area, but it must be difficult to maintain any body of water if there isn't much water flow. We did two Australian white ibis pecking away at something.

Great park in the middle of the city and a stone's throw fro km Sydney Uni…read more It's got a lot of great play equipment for kids, a basketball court for shooting hoops and a large duck pond to sit by and ponder about the world. There is also a pool and gym complex in the middle which is a bit steep for a single visit but well priced if you join as a member. The only downside is that the huge grassy area gets easily water logged and becomes a muddy mess because local frisbee teams (yep you read right) play there rain, hail or shine tearing up the surface. There are plenty of other grass areas so it isn't too big of a deal but the council should really put in better drainage on the big area. There are events held at the park on the odd occasion too which are always worth a look.

I don't even know whether what I write will give justice to this wonderful local park after Jessie…read moreA's review below which captures what this park is like so well. It is without a doubt one of the best maintained parks in Balmain and us locals are so fortunate to have it. There is an eclectic planting if trees: figs, palms and elms that give shade and uniqueness. Right in the middle is a beautiful gazebo for picnics, parties and weddings. The lawn is always lush and beautifully manicured and there is a small rose garden so you can smell the flowers during a sunset stroll, watching the kids on the excellent playground or walking the dog. The wonderful and historic Dawn Fraser tidal pool is at one end and as the park is on a small peninsula you have glorious views of Cockatoo Island around to the Iron Cove Bridge. Ellington Park is a wonderful place a quick stroll or lying on a blanket with a book and a glass of wine on a sunny day.

Elkington Park, ye King of Parks. This park juts out on a…read morerocky Balmain Peninsula, looking out to the Parramatta River and Cockatoo Island. It has the well-manicured but rambling feel of an old English estate - picturesque pretend wilderness. There are tall palm trees and wide, heavy figs. Plenty of shade, and a bit of a hill to climb when you're walking back home. There's peculiar postmodern play equipment (it used to be excellent creepy wooden stuff, before they made it all "safe"), and a public toilet that gives you the heebie-jeebies. There's a grand central rotonda (available for hire for parties), and it's a 1 minute walk down to Dawn Fraser Pool. Best of all, if you go right to the end of the peninsula, you can explore rocky sandstone caves and alcoves (a favourite haunt of Balmain bong-smoking teenagers). The end of the peninsula is also an off-leash dog area, so long as you don't get too close to the kids' play equipment.

Beauty and the …read more... Jubilee Park lies at the end of Glebe Point Road and I can honestly say, has The Best views in Sydney. I am partial towards the Anzac bridge and prefer that to harbour bridge. The view is stunning. You can see the city skyline and the water is sparkling. I love running along the track but have to stop every two minutes as its a leash free park for Dogs and they like running too! Ugh!! I hate being chased by little puppies yelping away at my feet.. But what I detest even more is the bigger dogs who seem to be a bit out of control and should be restrained no matter what! (I apologise if you're a dog lover. I'm just terrified of them) To be fair, I do believe Dogs need places where they can run about freely too and this is one of the few parks I have come across which offers them that luxury. There are plenty of pets and pet owners who are enjoying the park, I guess it's just not a park for me..

Went here for a ladies only family picnic yesterday and I have to say that we loved the location,…read morethe views of Anzac Bridge were fantastic as it is such a majestic bridge. Oh and how could one forget the lovely houses along the walk around the bay? Without knowing I got rather sunburnt, however the day was spent eating, meeting new puppies that kept running up to our blankets and saying hello as well as going for a relaxing walk around the bay. If you don't like dogs then I would suggest you probably don't come here. It's a leash free park for dogs and they are also allowed to swim in the water which I think is a great option for the four legged furry beasties, especially in summer! I loved watching them play fetch with various items in the water. Entertainment plus! There's public toilets that aren't the best, however I have seen much much worse. At least they had toilet paper. There's also a lot of children and families having picnics and using the play area. But not so many people that you felt that it was over crowded. It's such a lovely spot that we're ear marked it again for our next months picnic!

This seems to be the location for the cruise ship to park and people to disembark. Several small…read morecafés in the area but the best is at least a block off of the main park area. Make sure you head out into the city and find all the fun places to shop and eat.

I never knew this was called First Fleet Park. Just 'the little park next to the MCA with the fab…read moreviews of Circular Quay and the Opera House', or 'where to wait and watch the ferocious one-legged seagulls before you catch a ferry'. Or, at the moment, 'where to have a bit of a sit and people-watch under the divine purple snow of the jacaranda trees'. There's an enormo grove of palms, some big kangaroo paws and a bunch of ferns just planted, making it a welcome bit of green space in such a built up area. It's often a busker hangout too, and whether they're in residence or not, just watching the world go by is the cheapest entertainment there is. Just keep your eye on the seagulls.

do appreciate these green spaces in the middle of the urban sprawl that happens to be inner Sydney,…read moreespecially when they have facilities like this one. In fact, there is a fairly modern indoor swimming centre here, which is pretty awesome, and the park itself is quite nice as well. There are also some nice places around it, included what appears to be a really cool pub.

Enmore Park is a lovely space to come for a bit of chill-out time. Whether you want to find a quiet…read morespot under a tree to read a book, or you're bringing family and friends for a picnic, there's enough space and lush green grass for the entire neighbourhood. It's also super flat, so you'll often see kids learning to ride bikes along the paths or running amuck in the playground. (Must admit, I was tempted to join in.) A big drawcard is the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, which has had a reno and now offers an eight-lane 50-metre pool and a mini pool for toddlers. There's also a café and a gym in the complex. The park sits close to the border of Enmore and Marrickville. There's usually parking available around the outskirts of the park or there's a bus stop directly out the front. If you need a bit of replenishment, stop by the café, head across the road to Serendipity ice-cream or take a stroll to the pub Vic on the Park.

As a name suggests best to enter the Harbour through Globe Street. There is construction at the…read morefish market where it terminates and you have to walk around a school. Think of it more as a urban walk along the shoreline. Completely paved. It and shade. Glad I chose a cloudy day to walk on it. If you're starting at the fish market at the other end , maps only lead you with the bad route option to public transportation. Opal and Google Maps took me through an extreme busy highway path. Best to continue to (Rezulli ?) Park where there is a walkway to the bus stops.

A relaxing place to come, besides that one time a creepy fat homeless person was walking the…read moreperimeter footpath yelling obscenities at cars and spitting every where. Except that one time, this place is great just to sit with friends and catch up. There is a shaded fenced off area with play equipment. I've never had the chance to check out the quality (seriously, a dude hanging around play equipment by himself is NEVER a good look) but the kids sound like they're always having fun. There are a couple of tennis courts (no idea if you need to book them or if you just rock up). A few open field areas where sports can be played. The trees here are HUGE and offer great cover from the afternoon sun. I use to come here with a old friend and just talk for hours.

Burwood Park is conveniently located across from Westfield Shopping Centre, and two hundred meters…read morefrom Burwood train station. During the day, this place is a hub of activity. From tardy school kids to meditating seniors, Burwood Park is a multicultural hotpot buzzing with activity. The covered playground is perfect for little ones, while the outdoor chessboard, tennis courts and barbeque facilities are great for people of all ages. Standing in the shadows of the War Memorial Arch and Sandakan Memorial are Burwood Park's beautiful gardens and duck pond. If you hang around long enough you might even catch a glimpse of the 'bird man', who marches through Burwood Park every evening, with a bulging bag of bread in hand and a determined grimace on his face. But be careful not to loiter too long, because after dark Burwood Park is inhabited by somewhat undesirable characters (despite the extensive lighting). So be careful, and don't walk alone.

Stop running in the middle of the city on crowded sidewalks and dangerous roads! Make your way to…read moreJackson's Landing, where the Foreshore promenade, found along the Pyrmont Point Park (say that three times fast!), makes for a relaxing and scenic jog, stroll, or sprinting session. Interestingly, the promenade actually reflects the natural shoreline. I've seen people do yoga and boot camp on the freshly mowed grass as well. Facing Balmain, this innovative waterfront park is beautifully designed and landscaped. The park, including the children's playground, was constructed with recycled and sustainable material. While in the park, you can catch glimpses of the area's industrial history. Huge rusted artifacts are reminiscent of the maritime industry and the Colonial Sugar Refinery that once stood here. Beautiful apartment complexes made of sandstone surround the park, as well as a few cafes and restaurants. The best time of day to come here is around sunset, where panoramic views of the city (from the Anzac to the Harbor Bridge) and the water are lit with an orange glow. I've also heard that jazz festivals take place here during the year.

This park is great for having BBQs because its a little easier to get access to a BBQ stove (as…read moreopposed to the beaches) - and because there is a supermarket and well stocked bottle shop nearby you can easily get supplies for the BBQ. There is also plenty of space for other activities as well as as a very nice view of Sydney Harbour from here. I think this is one of the few harbourside parks which have BBQ cooktops.