Barangaroo Reserve Sydney
A stunning harbourside parkland with native flora, walking paths, and a unique swimming cove, offering a tranquil escape in Sydney.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Barangaroo Reserve Sydney
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning harbourside parkland with native flora, walking paths, and a unique swimming cove, offering a tranquil escape in Sydney.
"A pocket of calm in the heart of Sydney, perfect for slow mornings and scenic sunsets."
🚢 Scenic Ferry Arrival
Take a ferry for stunning harbour views on your way to Barangaroo. It's a memorable start to your visit!
💰 Parking Costs
City parking can be pricey. Consider public transport to save money and hassle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marrinawi Cove
Northern end of Barangaroo Reserve
A sheltered, native bushland swim spot in Sydney Harbour. Perfect for a refreshing dip with stunning views.
The Cutaway
Underneath the southern part of Barangaroo Reserve
A vast underground performance and exhibition space, offering a unique cultural experience.
Harbour Views & Native Bushland
Throughout Barangaroo Reserve
Wander through beautifully landscaped native flora with breathtaking panoramas of Sydney Harbour.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Scenic Ferry Arrival
Take a ferry for stunning harbour views on your way to Barangaroo. It's a memorable start to your visit!
💰 Parking Costs
City parking can be pricey. Consider public transport to save money and hassle.
🏊♀️ Harbour Swimming
Enjoy a dip at Marrinawi Cove, a unique swimming spot in Sydney Harbour. 
🎬 Outdoor Cinema
Check for nightly outdoor movie screenings during certain seasons for a unique date night.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Scenic Ferry Arrival
Take a ferry for stunning harbour views on your way to Barangaroo. It's a memorable start to your visit!
💰 Parking Costs
City parking can be pricey. Consider public transport to save money and hassle.
🏊♀️ Harbour Swimming
Enjoy a dip at Marrinawi Cove, a unique swimming spot in Sydney Harbour.
🎬 Outdoor Cinema
Check for nightly outdoor movie screenings during certain seasons for a unique date night.
🚶♀️ Explore Native Flora
Wander through the reserve's native bushland for a peaceful escape with harbour vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Barangaroo Reserve's stunning harbour views, native landscaping, and the unique swimming experience at Marrinawi Cove. It's praised as a peaceful urban oasis and a great spot for picnics and leisurely walks. Some find parking expensive, and the underground cultural spaces could benefit from more frequent programming.
"We only went here for vivid Sydney at night so take this with a grain of salt. But we loved the exhibits over here! The lit orb structures were our absolute favorite! The swans on the pond were interesting too but not as entertaining. The orb display was set to music that just made it feel tingly and awesome!"
Emily Turner
"Barangaroo Reserve has become one of my favourite spots in the city. It’s hard to believe a place this peaceful exists right next to the CBD. The views over the harbour are absolutely stunning, and it’s such a great place to go for a walk, whether you’re on your own, with family, your partner, or walking the dog.
The landscaping blends in so well with the harbour, and there’s a real sense of space and calm. It’s the kind of spot that makes you slow down and take it all in.
A beautiful addition to Sydney, and one that actually adds something meaningful to the city."
Louie W Ong
"Beautiful place to sit on some rocks to look at the aircraft flying into and out of SYD as well as the ships and boats float bye in Sydney harbour. Very peaceful especially at sunrise and sunset."
Seeing the world In a different way
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barangaroo Reserve is easily accessible via public transport. You can take a ferry to Barangaroo Wharf, a train to Wynyard Station (followed by a short walk), or various bus routes. Many visitors enjoy the scenic ferry ride for its harbour views.
Yes, there is a carpark located under the northern part of Barangaroo Reserve. However, parking in the city can be expensive, and some locals recommend using public transport to avoid high costs.
Absolutely! Barangaroo Reserve features dedicated cycling paths, making it a great destination for cyclists. Enjoy the waterfront views as you ride.
Yes, Barangaroo Reserve is very well-connected by public transport. Ferries, trains, and buses all service the area, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Sydney.
Many visitors find arriving by ferry offers the most spectacular introduction to Barangaroo Reserve, with stunning harbour vistas unfolding as you approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Barangaroo Reserve is a public park and is free to enter. You can explore its walking paths, green spaces, and enjoy the harbour views without any admission charge.
Barangaroo Reserve is generally open to the public from dawn till dusk. Specific areas or facilities might have different hours, so it's always good to check for any event schedules.
No, Marrinawi Cove is a public swimming spot within Barangaroo Reserve and does not require pre-booked tickets. It's open for everyone to enjoy.
Barangaroo often hosts various events, including outdoor cinema screenings, markets, and performances. It's advisable to check the official Barangaroo website or local event listings for current happenings.
Access to The Cutaway, the underground cultural space, may vary depending on exhibitions or events. While some areas might be free, specific ticketed events could apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking and cycling paths, relax in grassy areas, swim at Marrinawi Cove, explore native bushland, and visit cultural spaces like The Cutaway. It's a versatile waterfront park.
Yes, Barangaroo Reserve offers numerous grassy areas and scenic spots perfect for picnics. It's a popular location for enjoying a meal with a view of the harbour.
Yes, you can swim at Marrinawi Cove, a designated and sheltered swimming spot located at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve.
The reserve features a large central mound made from recycled sandstone and other materials, surrounded by walking paths and landscaped areas. It offers gentle slopes and accessible pathways.
While Barangaroo Reserve focuses on natural landscapes and cultural spaces, there are nearby playgrounds in the broader Barangaroo precinct. The reserve itself is more about open spaces and harbour access.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Barangaroo Reserve itself is primarily a park, but the surrounding Barangaroo precinct is a vibrant dining hub with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering diverse cuisines.
The Barangaroo precinct boasts a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, including Japanese-Peruvian fusion, seafood, and international cuisine.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly encouraged and a popular activity at Barangaroo Reserve. There are many lovely spots to enjoy your meal.
While the reserve itself is a park, you'll find cafes and eateries within the wider Barangaroo precinct, just a short walk from the reserve's main areas.
Popular spots include restaurants offering harbour views and diverse menus. For example, Japanese-Peruvian fusion is a notable cuisine available in the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the panoramic harbour views, Marrinawi Cove, the native bushland, and the unique architecture of The Cutaway. Sunset also offers beautiful lighting.
Yes, Barangaroo Reserve is an excellent location for sunset photography, offering stunning golden hour light over the harbour and city skyline.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near busy areas like harbours to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the diverse scenes. Wide-angle lenses are great for landscapes and harbour views, while telephoto lenses can capture details of the city skyline.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and their privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, as it's a relaxed and scenic way to dine with children. The ferry ride to Barangaroo is also an adventure in itself for kids, offering exciting views of the harbour and city skyline.
couples
The reserve is particularly magical during golden hour, providing a beautiful backdrop for memorable moments. Consider checking for outdoor cinema screenings during the warmer months for a unique and intimate date night experience.
budget travelers
Opting for public transport, especially the ferry, is not only budget-friendly but also offers a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the reserve, avoiding potentially expensive city parking fees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Landscape of Barangaroo Reserve
The design of the reserve was a collaborative effort, aiming to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically functional. The winding paths offer various perspectives of the harbour, while the native flora attracts local birdlife. It’s a testament to how urban spaces can be revitalized with a focus on sustainability and natural beauty. The reserve also features a significant cultural element, with its design intended to reflect the area's Indigenous heritage.
Beneath the headland lie significant underground structures. The northern section houses a carpark, while the southern section contains 'The Cutaway,' a vast, multi-purpose cultural space designed for exhibitions, performances, and events.
Swimming and Recreation at Marrinawi Cove
The cove is situated at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve, blending seamlessly with the native bushland and offering stunning views of the harbour. It's a place where people can cool off, relax, and appreciate the waterfront environment. The opening of Marrinawi Cove was celebrated by local officials, highlighting its importance as a new recreational amenity for the city.
Swimming in Sydney Harbour at Barangaroo Reserve is a unique experience, allowing people to connect with the iconic waterway in a refreshing way. The reserve itself provides ample space for other activities like walking, cycling, and picnicking, making it a comprehensive destination for a day out.
+1Cultural and Event Hub: The Cutaway
The Cutaway is part of the broader Barangaroo development, aiming to integrate cultural experiences with the public parkland. While the reserve above offers natural beauty and recreation, The Cutaway provides a space for artistic expression and community engagement. Its design complements the modern aesthetic of the surrounding Barangaroo precinct, including the nearby Pier Pavilion.
Access to The Cutaway can vary depending on scheduled events. While some exhibitions or areas might be accessible freely, others may require tickets. It's advisable to check the official Barangaroo website or event listings for current information on what's on and how to access this unique underground venue.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit