North Sydney

Cross over the harbour and get a different perspective on the city from the waterfront neighbourhood of North Sydney.

As you cruise into Sydney Harbour, look out to starboard and you’ll see the eclectic foreshore of North Sydney. There are rows of apartment buildings lining the harbour, expansive green parks, ferry wharves and the huge clown face of Luna Park smiling out across the water. Built right around the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney is quieter than its southern counterpart but there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. 

In the charming suburb of Kirribilli, on the eastern side of the bridge, you’ll find some of the city’s most spectacular homes – including Kirribilli House, the Sydney residence of the Prime Minister. Wander the beautiful tree-lined streets and dream about what you could do with a lottery win. Further along the coastline there are a series of secluded bays with calm beaches for swimming and walking trails offering stunning views.

How To Get There

Catch the ferry from  Circular Quay to Milsons Point (for Luna Park), McMahons Point (for  Lavender Bay) or Taronga Zoo Wharf. You can also walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or catch the train to Milsons Point.

Top 5 things to do

1. Talk to the animals at Taronga Zoo. Australia’s largest zoo – home to more than 4,000 animals – is perched right on the edge of the harbour, giving the giraffes the best view in town. taronga.org.au
2. Ride the rollercoasters, try your luck at the sideshow games and take a spin around the classic Coney Island at Luna Park, which has been thrilling Sydneysiders since the 1930s. lunaparksydney.com
3. Escape into leafy seclusion at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. Wendy, wife of acclaimed painter Brett Whiteley and an artist herself, gifted the garden to the people of Sydney. wendyssecretgarden.org.au

4. Hunt for vintage fashion, bespoke jewellery, stylish homewares and local designer pieces at the excellent Kirribilli Markets, held on the first and second Saturday and fourth Sunday of every month. kirribillimarkets.com
5. Walk from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay and discover the most beautiful parts of the North Sydney coast. This gentle four-kilometre bush track also gives gorgeous glimpses of the Opera House across the harbour. sydney.com

Top 6 places to eat & drink

1. Celsius Coffee & Dining. Great coffee, bountiful breakfasts and views for days at this cosy café set over the water at Kirribilli Wharf. instagram.com/celsiuscoffeeco
2. Ripples Chowder Bay. Mediterranean-inspired dining in a striking waterfront heritage building. rippleschowderbay.com.au
3. Kirribilli Hotel. A classic Sydney pub that’s been serving a thirsty community for almost 100 years. kirribillihotel.com.au
4. The Greens North Sydney. Sprawling family-friendly venue where you can eat, drink and play a game of lawn bowls. thegreensnorthsydney.com.au
5. Sails on Lavender Bay. Elegant fine dining with a focus on seafood and French techniques overlooking the harbour. sailslavenderbay.com 
6. Bistro Lou Lou. Heavily French-inspired café and boulangerie that’s all about the best breads, croissants, cake, charcuterie and cheeses. shop.loulou.sydney