Sydney has many great Harbour viewpoints, but the view from Blues Point Reserve in
McMahons Point is arguably the best. Nowhere else do you get a full frontal, point blank, uninterrupted view of every single one of Sydney Harbour's jewels, from the Opera House through to the ANZAC Bridge in the west. And the peaceful, little visited village of McMahons Point is a sure better place to enjoy the harbour than jostling with the tourists in Kirribilli or The Rocks. Despite the world-class views, on any given day (okay, apart from New Year's Eve) you'll more or less have the place to yourself.
View over Sydney Harbour from Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point
A short stroll from the ferry terminal will bring you to the park where there is plenty of green grass and shaded areas to set your picnic out. There is even a tiny beach if you are brave enough to face the waters of the inner harbour. Facilities are scarce, although there is a great playground for the kids and a toilet block.
Blues Point Reserve in McMahons Point
The play park has recently had a nautical themed makeover and kids especially love the sail boat which heaves gloriously from side to side as it cuts through the imaginary waves. The young at heart though should be warned it has unceremoniously dumped many an unsuspecting parent on the ground, much to their children's glee.
Playground at Blues Point Reserve in McMahons Point
Once you've sailed the world, there is a lovely walk that runs around the headland where you can get further Harbour views across to Balmain, Goat Island and Balls Head. The sandstone that forms this part of Sydney is beautifully exposed alongside the path and the huge blocks have been bullied into marvellous formations by centuries of wind and salt water. Keep an eye out for a slightly shabby staircase that cuts through the sandstone towards the end of the path, a decrepit remnant of the Victorian villa that once adorned the bluff above. This side of the Point is a popular place to fish on weekends; if you fancy catching your picnic lunch yourself, remember you need a permit.
If you know your way around you can continue along through the back streets of McMahons Point to Sawmillers Reserve further north, but whilst you have that view all to yourself you may as well kick back and make the most of it. There's no better place on a warm summer's evening to enjoy the sunset over the best view in the world.
Ferries run from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay to McMahons Point wharf every 20 minutes on weekends, every 30 minutes during the week. Alternatively, bus 265 runs from North Sydney station every hour. There is very limited free on-street parking adjacent to the reserve.
