Top Rated Parks to Visit in The Phoenix

"Opened in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest and most beautiful botanic gardens in the city. The gardens are open every day of the year and feature 30 hectares of exotic plants from Australia and places around the globe. The garden is also the oldest remaining scientific establishment in the country and provides a space for important botanical research and breeding."

"Featuring native and international plant species, the Royal Botanic Garden is a lush, green paradise. Whether you wish to examine the various exotic flowers or are looking for the perfect spot to picnic, the gardens are a favorite spot for visitors as well as locals. Opt for a free, guided walk and learn how the space served as the initiation ground for the Gadigal people."

"The park is full of art and hidden treasures, the sunken Sandringham gardens are a great place to spend a shady afternoon with the kids splashing about in the cool water of the central fountain feature. Explore the whole park before heading back into the bustle of the city."

"Ok, it is not really a secret – but Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is still very much an underrated attraction in Sydney often overlooked by locals and tourists alike. A free place to visit, this delightful Lavender Bay garden on the lower North Shore of Sydney Harbor has charming views and a unique feeling of peace and tranquility. A public garden and much-loved oasis formed on railway land at the bottom of Wendy’s Garden, the site has an intriguing history and is well explained by signboards dotted around."

"A serene spot in Lavender Bay, the garden was created in 1992 by Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse to artist Brett Whiteley, following her by then ex-husband’s death. We love Wendy’s Secret garden. It’s a really special space for kids to follow the weaving pathways through lush foliage and discover little secrets hidden in nooks and crannies."

"Near Luna Park via Clark Park, Lavender St, North Sydney, New South Wales 2060 N.S.W. Australia+61 2 9936 8100[email protected]http://www.wendyssecretgarden.org.au"

"Fairfield Adventure Park is our absolute favourite kids playground in Sydney, perhaps because we have tweens and teens amongst our little crew. This incredible park has a range of activities from a super tall climbing net which will take the kids up to a viewing compound a good 11 metres up in the air. Then there’s the ninja warrior course, a tug of war area and even a water mist shower to cool you off without drenching you wet."

"Fairfield Adventure Park has been around for a few years but is one that impresses the young kids and the tweens too!. When the 30-metre slide at Hilltop Park in Schofields closed down due to safety concerns, Fairfield Adventure Park took back its title of biggest playground slide in Western Sydney. It twirls and glistens in the sun and simply has to be seen to be believed."

"Especially designed to provide a play space for kids of a variety of ages, the Fairfield Adventure Playground brings the “wow” factor in spades. The park opened in 2015 after a $1.4 million council investment. With the star attractions designed specifically for teens, this is a unique playground that provides a much-needed recreational space for older kids."

"Located in Windsor by the Hawkesbury River, this fun playground is a good one for a party or a family gathering. Fully fenced, this park includes a climbing fort, slide, web swing, roundabout, rope tunnel, in-ground trampolines, musical instruments, and a water play area. There’s plenty of shady tables outside the play area for a picnic or just bring your own blanket and enjoy the grassy area overlooking the river."

"Wrapped around Farm Cove just south of the Sydney Opera House, the gardens, which were established in 1816, occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular waterfront positions. A relaxing day exploring the gardens is one of the best things to do in Sydney with kids. The Royal Botanic Gardens runs plenty of family and kids’ programs all year ’round (check their calendar for upcoming events) but we have the most fun practicing cartwheels on the shady lawns, watching eels in the pond and climbing rocks and trees."

"When it comes to Australian gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain is one you will want to visit with kids. There’s always something special on the show with a range of tours and activities developed frequently for kids (check their calendar for upcoming events). One of our favourite spots to visit with the area is Lady Macquarie’s Chair which boasts a spectacular view whilst being rich in history."

"Welcome to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, an oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city. Wrapped around Sydney…"

"The James Ruse Reserve Playground is almost brand-spanking new (it was built in 2014), and has a fantastic water play area, which is under cover. The playground has no shade cover so is best visited on cooler days. It features an excellent net climbing area."

"NICE 😋 • • • • • #lifesatreat #celebrate #icecream #icecreams... Come and relax at Royal Copenhagen which is situated on Bay Street. The interior of this restaurant is well decorated with beautiful bright walls and an upmarket cozy atmosphere."

"Bay Vista’s a little further, but totally worth the ride out. Stepping into the dessert bar, a selection of creative quotes pepper the walls with the likes of ‘Stressed is Dessert Spelled Backwards’ — it always brings a smile to my face. They offer an ample selection of creative pancakes and waffles, secret scrolls, stuffed crepes, cakes and ice cream."

"A summer essential for any Sydneysider, Camp Cove Swims’ colourful bikinis have been the go-to for a more sustainable beachside look since 2013. Produced down the coast in Jervis Bay, this brand is not only made locally but is designed to minimise its impact on the planet. Created with longevity front of mind, the lining of Camp Cove togs is made from regenerated nylon from rescued fishing nets that were heading for landfill."

"Escape from the crowds with a day spent at the secluded, picturesque Camp Cove. Nestled in Sydney Harbour’s National Park, near South Head, this hidden gem boasts harbour views and calm waters. This tranquil, relaxed environment makes Camp Cove the ideal spot to swim, snorkel, kayak or even scuba dive."

"Secluded, rarely crowded, and relaxed, Camp Cove is perhaps the most underrated of Sydney’s beaches. But that’s okay, because it simply means you’re likely to have a generous patch of sand all to yourself. Pack your snorkel, as the calm water makes for prime skin diving conditions."

"Positioned in Sydney Harbour, 1km from the mouth of Rose Bay, Shark Island – Boowambillee (booh-uhm-'bil-ee) is a picnic spot with a difference. Explore the island's foreshore, go swimming or relax in front of amazing Sydney Harbour views."