Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park sits on the harbour at Birchgrove, on the Balmain peninsula in Sydney's inner west. An award-winning park created on the site of a former industrial works, it's a genuinely distinctive green space — combining harbourside lawns, walking paths and dramatic terraces with striking design elements that honour the site's industrial past, all with spectacular harbour views.

The appeal is that combination of clever design, genuine heritage and a stunning harbourside setting: sweeping views across the water to the city and the Harbour Bridge, room to walk and relax, and the fascinating story of the site's transformation from industry to parkland. It's a lovely, characterful spot for a stroll, a picnic or taking in the harbour.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 600 reviews, it's a much-loved harbourside spot. The park is free and open, but it's exposed to the weather and facilities are limited, so it's worth being prepared — and taking sun protection — though for a walk, a picnic or to take in the harbour views, you can generally just turn up and enjoy this distinctive inner-west park.