Despite its reputation as an urban hotspot, Potts Point enjoys great proximity to a range of parks.
Why Potts Point parks?
Potts Point is one of the most densely populated areas in Sydney. And with most residents living in apartments, a patch of green to soak up the sun and stretch the legs becomes vital, and functions almost like a backyard.
As one of Sydney’s most walkable suburbs, visiting the best parks in Potts Point is simple.
Plus, visiting parks with such proximity to other cultural delights, such as museums, art galleries and historic sights, means that being in Potts Point with kids will never be boring.
So, let’s explore the must-visit parks for those living in and visiting Potts Point.
Arthur McElhone Reserve – Source: Yelp
Arthur McElhone Reserve
Known by the locals as “Fishpond Park”, Arthur McElhone Reserve sits on the edge of Potts Point next to Elizabeth Bay House. It was named in 1950 after Arthur McElhone, an alderman for 44 years who died in 1946, and designed by Latvian landscape architect Ilmar Berzins.
Originally designed as an extension of the lush grounds of Elizabeth Bay House, the reserve features an ornamental lake with a stone bridge, providing panoramic views down to the heads of Sydney Harbour. With tropical plant life and beautifully maintained gardens, the reserve is a popular spot for photography and intimate garden weddings.
The manicured lawn makes the perfect place for a scenic picnic and leisurely lunchtime stroll, earning its spot as one of the most picturesque parks on our list.
Rushcutters Bay Park skyline, Sydney, Australia
Rushcutters Bay Park
While you’re out and about enjoying some of the best walks in and around Potts Point, you’re almost guaranteed to find yourself at Rushcutters Bay Park.
Situated on the edge of the calm waters of Rushcutters Bay, this grass-meets-sea park has all the makings to be enjoyed by the whole family. That includes your beloved pups too, with dogs permitted in the park at all times while leashed, and unleashed between 3:30pm and 10:30am.
With playgrounds, kiosks, close access to water sports at the CYC, tennis courts, and space for long picnics, this is one of our favourite parks that will keep you entertained with its views and amenities.
View of Elizabeth Bay promenade in Beare Park
Beare Park
For a small park tucked away on the corner of Elizabeth Bay, Beare Park carries a long history with many charming modern touches.
The seawall that borders the park was built in 1901 as part of a reclamation strategy to create new parkland. The octagonal pool may date back to the 1870s, with the spray fountain added in 1954 to further bring the sea to the shore. The most ornate feature, the canopy fountain, is one of a group of eight highly detailed drinking fountains brought from Glasgow in 1870.
The modern touches of a ship-themed playground with swings and a climbing fort provide hours of shade and enjoyment, with the Heart of Glass cafe by the marina offering refreshments throughout the day.
Entry to Embarkation Park
Embarkation Park
Sitting opposite Challis Avenue, Embarkation Park is a local favourite for New Year’s Eve, with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge drawing crowds at a maximum of 1,200 well before the 9pm fireworks.
During the rest of the year, the park is a dog-friendly haven, being an off-leash area open from sunrise to sunset every day.
Known informally as the Mick Fowler Reserve after the Victoria Street Green Bans campaigner, it was later officially named Embarkation Park as a homage to the area’s Navy roots.
The area offers sweeping views across Sydney Harbour including the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens, making it a year-round hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The park contains a series of formal grass lawns, garden beds and hard paved areas with plenty of seating.
Pockets of parks
Potts Point is known for playing by its own rules, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the other spaces which also showcase a park-like appeal.
From cafes to bars, there is a celebration of the natural amongst the cityscape throughout Potts Point. Most of our favourite coffee, breakfast, bars and dining spots feature the great indoor-outdoor lifestyle we enjoy in Sydney.
Historic landmark Elizabeth Bay House provides a sanctuary of outdoor space, with the gardens surrounding the house making it a magnificent atypical park visit.
Fitzroy Gardens on Macleay Street is a unique space that also celebrates the natural elements, being home to the weekly markets, a newly-designed playground for the kids and the El Alamein Fountain which was named to commemorate the deeds of the Ninth Division of the AIF during World War II.
And finally
Potts Point is only a hop, skip and a jump from one of the best parks of all – The Royal Botanic Gardens.
Want to make the parks of Potts Point an extension of your backyard? Talk to our expert team today.
