Prince Alfred Park — Attraction in Sydney

Prince Alfred Park is a breath of green right beside the city. Step off the bustle near Central and within a minute you are on open lawns framed by big shade trees, with the skyline peeking over the canopy. Joggers loop the paths, kids chase a football across the grass, and there is usually a pocket of quiet where you can claim a rug and watch clouds drift over the station clock. In the late afternoon the light is beautiful, birds chatter in the trees, and the park feels like it belongs equally to commuters cutting through and locals settling in for an hour.

The facilities make it an easy habit. The 50 metre outdoor pool is the headline, sparkling even on cooler days, with neat lawns and bright umbrellas for a post swim sprawl. Change rooms are tidy and staff keep things moving so you can slip in for laps before work or wind down after. Tennis and basketball courts hum along most evenings, the playground keeps younger kids happy, and the wide paths are friendly for prams and scooters. Drinking fountains, benches and a handful of picnic tables mean you can stay without planning, and there are cafés a short stroll away if the mood turns to coffee and a pastry.

A few tips from repeat visits. Shade shifts, so bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan to linger at midday. Weekend afternoons get lively, so aim earlier for space on the grass, and bring a ball or frisbee because the open areas invite it. If rain has just passed, the colours pop and the air smells clean, though the lawn can hold a little moisture, so a picnic rug helps. Trains and light rail make arriving simple and the walk across the park is a small pleasure in itself. Easy to reach, well kept and...

My favorite park in Sydney. It is big enough to go for a run, approximately 20 minutes for each lap. The park is a very recreative place visited by many people everyday, not only locals (Sydney siders) but also backpackers from everywhere in the world. Its has facilities. There are many sports that can be played there. First of all 2 basketball courts in excellent condition. They are free. Also there are 5 tennis courts. All of them made of cement (hard surface). They are very well maintained. Renting a court for a foreigner is 30 dollars an hour, but if you are an student you pay only 23 dollars an hour. In both cases you have to show a current and valid id (passport in case you are a foreigner or student card in case you are a student). You have to lodge all this documentation in the reception room next to the courts. Once you pay (before playing the match) you get a code that you have to press in the keyboard outside every court doors. You also have the choice to buy new tennis balls and to rent a racket for 3 dollars an hour. besides the courts you have many facilities to make exercise. And finally there is a swimming pool of about 25-30mts length in which you can practice anytime that the...

A lovely bit of respite in the city. This green space is more likely a 'take a breather' spot than 'tourist destination' (unless you're here for Equality Green, more below).

It's a green space with a bit of walking trail and fitness amenities.

🎾🏀 Multiple tennis courts as well as basketball courts, easily spotted with their blue paving.

🏋️ Multiple adult fitness exercise areas, all on the west side by the courts.

🏊‍♀️ Public swimming pool, too. Paid entry.

🍭 Mediocre kids playground. One slide and a few swings. And then a second are with a few bits and pieces (and an elephant), close to the pool. Again, will do the job for a stop and rest, not a destination.

🌈 Home of Equality Green (has it's own Maps listing), commemorating the marriage equality decision. Gorgeous rainbow painted footpath, which is a highlight!

🚻 Next to the pool facilities.

💦 Bubblers next to Cleveland St and the entrance next to Central station. Likely a couple more I...