McKell Park

McKell Park is different from the Royal Botanic Gardens in many ways. It isn’t as beautiful. It isn’t as vast. It isn’t within walking distance from one of the world’s most compelling pieces of architecture. It doesn’t have a bamboo forest, nor birds as colourful as a rainbow.
None of these differences make it seem better by comparison, but there is one that might: its positioning — it’s further away from the hustle and bustle meaning it attracts far less people. You’re free, therefore, to use it as your sanctuary, as a way to relieve stress. A bonus is that you’re as close to the water as what you are at RBG.

In the famous words of George Michael, «Let’s Go Outside». And that’s exactly what you’ll wanna do when you catch a glimpse of this picture perfect harbourside park. A magnet for lovebirds, picnickers, and loners like myself who like to ‘smell the roses’ of life by visiting pretty parks. It’s generally very peaceful here, to the point that I feel guilty talking on my mobile phone, which I suggest you leave at home so you too can smell the roses. Just pray some extended family hasn’t decided to ‘go outside’ for their kid’s birthday party, as you may be driven to distraction by crazed lolly fuelled midgets running riot. Pack your sandwiches and some chilled champagne perhaps for a magical picnic experience. You can even get married here and many do. Touch base with Woollahra Council first though. Toilet facilities are available. And sorry, no dogs allowed. McKell Park is open between 7am — 7.30pm daily and is located at the end of Darling Point Road at the Harbour’s edge.