Centennial Park

I finally got around to being able to explore this place. Well, not quite since this place is monumentally huge, and it is absolutely impossible to pretty much explore every nook and crany in the limited amount of time that was available to me, but I did get a decent chance to wander around a large part of it, and at least say that I have been to Centenial Park, or at least more than just running in there and looking for a toilet. They do have barbeque areas, and quite a few of them, but they also have lakes, and just plain old good parkland to wander around.

Better than a hundred parks! This park is huge! It's a sprawling park, full of all kinds of amenities! There's so much to see and do here- it's a fantastic park in the middle of Sydney. I rode a bike through here on the many improved trails that crisscross through this public space. Through here, there were teams practicing rugby, enough bicyclists to start a biker gang, joggers, runners, and people who were out to just take in the sunshine. As you cross through this park, you find lots of green open spaces large enough to play a full game of rugby, without running into a park bench or a tree. There's restrooms available. My favorite thing about this park is the huge stone gates at each entrance that remind you that you're entering an important public space. There's monuments throughout the park, and plenty of parking! I felt safe riding through here, just due to the sheer number of people who were out having a stroll in the park!

Similar to Central Park in NYC, Centennial Park is slightly smaller but a lot cleaner and best of all....smell-free :) I love running here during weekdays as it is not crowded (except for school kids that literally block the path as they walk in big groups....ugh !). This place is perfect for picnic/ exercise/ wedding/ photography etc ! It does get crowded during the weekends, but can still be fun. A great getaway in this concrete jungle ! Do watch out for the cyclists on the bike lanes....they can be aggressive / mean if you don't cross the road fast enough.

Who would've thought that in the centre of a city as big as Sydney, there would be a park big enough to give the impression you had been transported miles into the countryside. Centennial park does just that - it's vast expanses of greenery stretching into the distance. The park is brilliantly designed - they have a children's play area, a cricket pitch and playing fields, an equestrian centre and a delicious café and restaurant - but there is also a lot of open space. So often, parks are crammed with buildings and things-to-do, which totally overlooks the fact that people go to parks to relax, escape and explore. Walking or running through the park is beautiful - shady trees, well-worn tracks, lakes teeming with hungry birds, cycle paths and climbing frames. As the days get longer and sunnier, Centennial park is the best place to go to relax, have a picnic or barbeque and enjoy the summer.

On a beautiful Sydney blue sky day there are few places better than Centennial Park to come in and chill out. The thing I like best about this park is that is actually gets used... alot! Whether you are dodging horses, bikes, prams, joggers, or trying to avoid couples who are trying to avoid everyone (*cough* get a room... ) this park has it all. And because of the excess space, it allows you to enjoy the park without bumping into to too many people. I do recommend however that you put your car away for a bit and walk through or around the park. Normally I would drive around the circuit making the park seem a little bit smaller than it truly is. Stopping and smelling the actual roses is awesome and relaxing. But.... don't bother with the Centennial Parklands Dining. About the only thing it has going for it is the kids playground out the back (which naturally is only useful if you have kids).

The best place in Sydney to reside and closest to CBD. A walk in the park is recommended in good weather at any time.

After walking for hours through Centennial Park we wound our way to the information centre. Finding a map, we traced our way around what we thought had been a complete circle of the park. It had not been. Rather, we realised that despite trekking for hours through the parklands, stumbling upon what seemed like at least eight different parks in the one, we had really only discovered less than a quarter of what Centennial Park has to offer. Centennial Park is massive. And beautiful. In each new section we were greeted by shimmering ponds with fluffy ducks, rows of old paperbark trees whose canopies housed hundreds of sleeping bats, tiny bridges arching over a flock of black swans and wide open lawns full of big fat geese - geese that did not run at, attack or intentionally intimidate us in any way at all! Walking through an arched hedge, we found the perfect Alice in Wonderland park, almost expecting to get our heads knocked off with flying hedgehogs/croquet balls. With wild lilies, symmetrical rows of stout trees and an open green all surrounded by thick hedge, this area is fit for a queen (of hearts) and has inspired our next (mad hatters) tea party. Crossing into another world (seriously, this is what it feels like as you leave one area of the park and enter the next), we stumbled upon our doggy-heaven - or doggy-hell, as one struggling dog-walker corrected us. Dodging falling pine-cones along a dirt track surrounded by pine trees, we came across three different packs of dog-walkers along with a string of solo dog-owners (a good 20 dogs between them). With dogs leaping and running all over the place, this off-leash area is the perfect rugged escape for otherwise city-bound dogs. Centennial Park gives you a comprehensive list of reasons to go back. Whether it's to join the joggers lapping the fields, picnic amidst gaggles of geese, taking your kids (or someone else's) to the Mum's clubs/playground near the information centre, playing petanque in the parks or riding a horse along the tracks, you'll find a reason to return. I'm going back just to play with the puppies again, and to see if it's actually possible to see all that Centennial Park has to offer.

There was a Sunday in August that I was fortunate to pay a visit to Centennial Park for a walk around. A great horse riding mecca, and a sanctuary just off Woollahra for relaxation, picnics, peace, tranquility and for sun bathing. A great place to take out your diary and plan your week ahead; and just (if your that way inclined) to meditate on your findings. Immersing yourself in nature feels great; and this is the perfect oasis to make this happen to lift up your happy, feel good feelings in Sydney. Now back to the Sunday I visited this park back in August. There was a day where, that's right cars (and any motor vehicles for that matter) were banned from driving through the park. It was great to walk around in the open without worrying about being hit by a car: this is a big deal as the traffic can be quite full on; especially during the weekends. You can easily lose yourself for a couple of hours in tall, pristine tress and an abundance of well moved lawns with ponds positioned along the way. A great and popular hang out spot for families from all over Sydney come here as well. Amen.

Horse riding, foxy boxing, and lounging beneath weeping willows in a French provincial daydream. Plus way less stabbings than Central Park. Every great city has a great park, and this is ours. It's almost too big, a giant green heart with so many areas and fields and parks and things you didn't know were there until you tumble upon them that it's never not surprising. Home to some truly kick-ass events - Taste of Sydney, Tropfest, Moonlight Cinema, music festivals up the wazoo - but it's worth pencilling out an afternoon and coming for a laze, there's some cracking lakes to get all rancho relaxo around and more private picnic spots than Rupert Murdoch has evil plans to take over the world. If you see a duck you are morally obligated to play duck, duck, goose with anyone nearby.

A massive park in the middle of Sydney. It's only a few km from the centre, and close to the eastern beaches. Like many large city-centre parks its got several zones. There are cultivated flowerbeds, large lawns, trees with benches and picnic tables, areas for outdoor concerts, paths for running and cycling, ponds and a café. I found it a welcome break after braving the shopping areas of Paddington and high-end Woolahra to grab some takeaway chicken and salads and have a picnic here. You've got to watch out for hungry dogs, though.

One of the great city escapes. Driving in and out can be confusing for first timers as the park is a one way street going clockwise. Weekends parking is rare in and around the park. The culture in the other hand is fantastic, everyone seems friendly helpful and in a good mood. Any sport you can imagine is played in a park is practised there. I personally like to play soccer there at one of the many self organised weekend teams. Due to its central location, many European and South American play there, keeping the level at a good standard. You see horse riding and often there are pony rides for the little ones. If you don't have to go to the coffee shop,/restaurant, don't. They don't seem to need your business with their rude service, long lines and staff being slow and disorganised. One of Sydney's many weekend attractions.

I love Centennial Park. You must check out the statue of Dickens at Dickens Dr. This is a park that I can't get enough of. You can run around the inner track, walk to many gardens and ponds, and discover statues or friendly ducks, geese, swans, to name just a few bird life. The treat for me is buying a sandwich from the Organic Bread Bar on the way through to the park, on South Dowling St (about 1k walk); walking through Federation Gates and then sitting amongst the roses in the Rose Garden where a monument of some commanding Romantic themed female figure in livery stands on a corinthian column by the main Duck Pond. Top this off with a soy latte at the Centennial Dining's adjoining kiosk near the Grand Main drive near Paddington Gates. If you like shopping then walk to Oxford St Paddington for some fine boutique shoppoing.

You really need to read a review of cenny park? Well I guess I'm writing one. This is a great big park which has always been close enough to where I live. So many lovely areas here and I've had countless chicken breadroll picnics here. Very busy on Mothers and Fathers day, and family intensive areas, but big enough if you need to just be on your own and chilling out.

I Love Centennial Park because it has great facilities and great places to eat and run around with the kids and with your pets and ride your bikes or scooters

Yesterday was abnormally hot for October, I'm talking 35C+. We already had a picnic organised with a large group of friends in Centennial Park, so were a little concerned that it may be too hot. But I needn't have worried. We met between the two duck ponds, and sprawled out beneath a large fig tree. It was pleasant in the thick shade (and it was large enough that it didn't move off us off the afternoon), although the guys managed to work up the energy for a brief game of cricket. Surprisingly for a public holiday, there weren't many cars around (headed instead to the beach?), so it was no issue to park. I've also regularly visited the park for the monthly Dachshunds in the Park meet-up, and really enjoyed it. (Keep well away on the last Sunday of the month, if you're not a fan of hordes of barking sausage dogs!) The one down side is there isn't much shade in the off dog leash area (on the left, just past the cafe), and the grass can get quite brown during dry summers, the same most places in Sydney.

For a place that is so big and popular it's hard calling Centennial Park a hidden gem but that's what it is. Surrounded by busy Paddington, Woollahra and Randwick there is plenty of park land to find some space and escape the busy hustle and bustle of the city. Don't get me wrong, it can get packed in there depending on when you go however with a bit of patience you'll find a spot and from there there a options a plenty. You might decided on a bbq or picnic. Restaurant or cafe. Go for a walk or run. There is bike hire, roller blade hire or horse riding available too and if none of that tickles your fancy maybe you can just have a lie down on the grass and enjoy the tranquility. On weekends there always seems to be some social sports activities going on plus there's a few ponds scattered around where you can go see some feathered creatures if you're that way inclined. It's a great place with plenty to do and I can't recommend it highly enough!

Its almost comparable to the greatest city park of them all. I said almost because it doesn't quite make that grade. There is only one Central Park of course. Centennial Park certainly holds its own though. Its big. Big enough to get lost in. Big enough to run half way around and still have had a good work out. And it is made for cyclists, runners and all types of exercise / sports enthusiasts. The roads are superb and come rain or shine, if its a weekend you will find dog walkers, boot camp enthusiasts and nature lovers out and about. There are kiddies play parks, a big restaurant, lakes, sports fields, monuments... plenty to keep you occupied. So pack that picnic, haul out those bird watching binoculars, switch off the pc, unleash the hound and get some good old fashioned fresh air!

Centennial Park is located approximately 5 km south of Sydney's CBD and it is covers an area of almost 200 hectares! That is a very long walk! But a great biking track. It can be difficult to find a parking spot on weekends, so I highly recommend riding a bike from home, if you live close by or are an avid cyclist. The Park provides a nice picnic spot and sitting by the water is a favourite activity for many families. Although it is quite a popular park, it doesn't feel crowded. The park is a prominent feature for many events in Sydney. The marathon course navigates through the park and the moonlight cinemas also screens there.

Skating through this park on the way from Bondi to Paddington, I'm reminded how big Centennial Park is as well as how nice a visit to this park can be that borders Paddington, Moore Park, Bondi, Randwick and Surry Hills. This place has got something for everyone, a good bike and running track around the park, nice picnic spots, a kid sized bike track and playing equipment, playing fields and other recreation, leisure and social activities throughout the year that can be viewed on their website. I've come to this park on numerous occassions throughout my life and think it holds a special place for most Sydney siders.

Pros: Stunning gardens Ponds Wildlife Clean Excellent location Extensive parklands Cons: Couldn't see many restrooms. I visited mid-week and was surprised by the lack of park visitors. It was a beautiful escape from the urban surrounds. Rich colors and flowing trees, swans and pelicans, ducks and ponds, waterlillies, and plenty of seemingly secret retreats to rest and ponder.

One of my favourite things about living in Woollahra is being a five minute walk from Centennial Park. Beautiful grass and trees and how's the serenity! We take our dog here for ball throws every morning and he loves it. I also love the running track (3.75k loop if anyone was wondering) and have struggled though many a km on this track- it's pretty flat, especially for the eastern suburbs but watch out for the mother's groups walking four abreast and not moving to the left...

Excellent. Park in the middle of Randwick/Moore Park with heaps of things to do from hiring bikes, separated bike path (max speed 30km/hr), horse riding, running and tonnes of other activities. Really enjoyable to spend some time, plus there is a good cafe close to the entrance. It's also very close to Oxford St so there are plenty of other cafe options if you don't want something expensive.

Unless you have brats, avoid Centennial Park at all costs on any sunny Saturday or Sunday morning, or prepare to face a treacherous obstacle course fraught with mobile hazards a.k.a. crazed kids of all ages scootin' round with reckless abandon on any amount of wheeled contraptions. I'm talkin' skateboards, scooters, roller blades, prams and bikes galore. Prepare to dodge dogs on leads left right and centre, and keep an eye out for rogue parents chasing after their maniac kids... not to mention the diehard runners darting in and out of the a.m. mayhem. Consider all of this, and the simple act of taking a weekend walk in the park becomes a traumatic and nerve-racking experience that would drive anyone to drink - at 9am on a Sunday morning. Hello Nelson Hotel. ... but weekends aside, this can be a tranquil urban escape to gather your thoughts, observe the soothing grace of resident swans gliding round pretty lakes, and marvel at the ceaseless wonders of nature. So don't avoid this place altogether, just pick your timing - or suffer the consequences.

While Centennial Park is nothing like New York's Central Park, the views are simply stunning and the park is impressively large. It's great for a walk or run, depending on what you prefer. You can also buy horse riding lessons, which are suitable to all riding skills. Parking is available in the form of side street parking, which isn't the greatest but is still convenient. It might just take a bit of extra time to find a park. There is also a small carpark within the park. Benches and BBQ areas are also in abundance and make a great day out in the sun.

Huge park! Has places to do BBQ but one needs to get there early. Very nice for day out.

This is a great part for walking the dog with off lead areas and nice coffee shops. Parking in the park is usually available.

Very nice and popular park. You just can't imagine the crowds that gather in here. There are all kinds of people from different age groups and with all kinds of interest, so this place is a great spot for meeting new people. I regularly take my daughter here and we have a great time. She met her best friend here and they have been inseparable since then, but that's one more excuse for me to come here. It is a perfect place for BBQ and picnics or just for a nice stroll in the evening.