Best things to do in Kirribilli
Kirribilli is a charming harbourside village where spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge meet historic mansions, leafy waterfront parks, vibrant markets and cosy cafés.
Whether you’re strolling beneath the blooming jacarandas of Spring, exploring hidden lookouts or taking to the water, Kirribilli is a quintessential Sydney experience with a relaxed picturesque feel.
Mary Booth Lookout Reserve
Check out Sydney’s iconic Sydney Harbour panorama at this peaceful public reserve.
A great scenic reserve with wonderful scenes to photograph.
Mary Booth Lookout Reserve is a beautiful spot for anyone and a must-see for scenic photographers.
It is highly accessible and is close to cafés, restaurants and public facilities.
For those looking for a longer walk along the foreshore or an alternative to Mary Booth Lookout, there’s also the nearby Copes Lookout, Bradfield Park and Lady Gowrie Lookout to check out as well.
Kirribilli Markets
Established in 1976, the Kirribilli Markets are one of Sydney’s most well-known community markets located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge!
With hundreds of stalls, a lively atmosphere and the surrounding waterfront scenery, it is a great place to combine shopping, food and local culture.
The Kirribilli Markets are held on the first and second Sunday and the fourth Saturday of every month. In December, it is held two extra times for the holidays.
Fashion, ranging from vintage to handmade and brand-new, is one of the major draws of the Markets. Come look at the dazzling variety of clothing and accessories available.
Arts, crafts and unique gifts are another large focus point of the vendors.
Take a break from the shopping to enjoy food and refreshments at the mix of food stalls available, and take in the fresh harbourside breeze and scenery.
Jacaranda Trees
Every Spring, watch as Kirribilli is transformed by the beautiful purple blossoms of the Jacaranda Trees.
Each year, tourists and photographers come in droves to experience their beauty on full display in McDougall Street.
The best time to visit and see their purple brilliance is from mid-October through to the end of November and the best location is McDougall Street, although the nearby Milson Park and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden also have plenty of Jacaranda’s to view at the same time of year.
Cafés and Restaurants
Go no further than Broughton Street and Burton Street for food and beverages while you’re in Kirribilli.
Or try out the harbourside café experience with Celsius Coffee & Dining at Kirribilli Wharf.
There are plenty of great options!
Broughton Street is the most central and has the most variety of shopping and restaurants, including:
Morgans (Seafood restaurant and Café)
BACARI (Modern Italian)
Thai Fusion (Thai)
Kirribilli Woodfire Kitchen (Italian Pizza)
Greenhouse Kirribilli (Asian Salad)
Burton Street has a distinctive village feel and is best known for its coffee. Includes:
Then there’s Celsius Coffee & Dining at Kirribilli Wharf and, a little further out, Willoughby Street (which was already covered in our article the “Best things to do in Crows Nest”.
Admiralty House (and other heritage residences)
Serving as the Governor-General’s Sydney residence since 1936, Admiralty House is an imposing sandstone residence located in Kirribilli.
Although not usually open to the public, there are plenty of good lookout points to check out its Victorian architecture.
Together with the Kirribilli House (the Prime Minister’s official Sydney residence), the historic Kirribilli Avenue and the heritage properties of Carabella and McDougall Streets, Admiralty House tells a story of colonial wealth, Sydney’s early society and Australian political history.
For those looking to experience Kirribilli’s history in person, the North Sydney Council has published the Kirribilli History Walk that routes the walker through and past these historical locations, and more.
On the Water
Kirribilli is an excellent location to spend the day out on or by the water of the Sydney Harbour.
Catch a ferry, kayak around the harbour or hire a boat.
With its very own Kirribilli ferry, the Sydney Harbour is your oyster.
Whether you arrive for a day trip at Kirribilli by ferry or you take off from Kirribilli to one of the many other great harbourside locations, you will not be disappointed with the views and atmosphere of riding the ferry.
Set off from Milson Park for a kayak tour that takes you through the waters of Kirribilli!
Or hire a boat at Lavendar Bay and set off on an adventure of your own making!