Outdoor gym

The Best Outdoor Gyms in Sydney for All Fitness Levels

Greta Mayr
By Greta Mayr - Guide

Published: Last Updated: 

Readtime: 10 min

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Sydney’s got no shortage of gyms with mirrors, protein shakes, and blokes grunting loud enough to scare small children. But why pay through the nose for a membership when Sydney has some of the best outdoor gyms sitting in prime real estate? We’re talking harbour views, ocean backdrops, and parks full of equipment that’ll give you a good workout without waiting for Michael to finish his 20-minute superset on the bench press. These outdoor gyms in Sydney aren’t just for ripped Bondi locals either. They’re for anyone who wants to sweat, stretch, and maybe sneak in a few chin-ups before hitting the surf or grabbing a post-work feed. So, let’s get into the list!

Looking for more? Check out all of our fitness guides here, and workout guides here.

What Are the Best Outdoor Gyms in Sydney?

Best Outdoor Gyms with Harbour Views

Observatory Hill Park Outdoor Gym, Millers Point

  • Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000

With three fitness stations and views of Sydney Harbour, what more could you need to inspire your body to get up and moving? Observatory Hill Park is one of the top outdoor gyms in Sydney as it features vaulting bars, sit-up benches, pull up rings as well as stretching poles for your warm up and warm down. If you love a bit of midday cardio torture to break up your day be sure to make use of the nearby stairs or hill, while also enjoying the resting benches, public toilets and water bubbler. This outdoor gym is ideal for the city commuter, or can be enjoyed sans crowds on the weekends.

Christison Park Outdoor Gym, Vaucluse

  • Address: 165 Old South Head Rd, Vaucluse NSW 2030

Enjoy an extensive workout at Vaucluse with the old school wooden exercise equipment plus the newly added elements-resistant kinetic equipment: an elliptical trainer, hand cycle and rowing machine. One of the more picturesque outdoor gyms in Sydney, it has a hill to give your workout a bit of an edge, not to mention an expansive park with two football fields and cliffside harbour views. Plus the park links up to the South Head Heritage Trail, which would be the ideal way to cap off a rewarding outside workout.

Dudley Page Reserve Outdoor Gym, Dover Heights

  • Address: Military Rd & Lancaster Road, Dover Heights NSW 2030

To give your workout some extra pizazz, take it over to Dover Heights, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline while utilising eight pieces of equipment, complete with instructions. There’s lots of grass around, so you can focus on cardio, or you can make the most of the stunning area by tacking on a walk to Watson’s Bay or Rose Bay beach. Be sure to bring plenty of water as there’s no bubbler in sight.

Best Beach Outdoor Gyms

Clovelly Outdoor Gym – Burrows Park, Clovelly

  • Address: 17-31R Ocean St, Clovelly NSW 2031

Thinking of going for an after work dip in the crystal blue waters of Clovelly? Make the swim even more enjoyable by doing a session on the 13 pieces of cardio and strengthening equipment first. Take advantage of the bright green, marine grade stainless steel treadmill, cross trainer, rowing machine, triple pull up bar or other machines that use your own bodyweight to help you work up a sweat that can only be removed by the salty ocean water.

Bondi Park Outdoor Gym, Bondi Beach

  • Address: Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

There’s no doubt you’ve heard of Sydney’s Muscle Beach equivalent – but it has a reputation for a reason. Bondi Park (the most renowned of outdoor gyms in Sydney) was recently given a $100,000 facelift to guarantee fit Bondi babes top notch triple dip bars, chin up bars, body curlers, steps, chest height push up bars, ballet barres, monkey bars and more. There’s no moving parts here – that is left entirely to your body. Enjoy Sydney’s most iconic beach as the backdrop to your workout and then cool off with a swim in the ocean when your muscles have been sufficiently pumped.

Prince Alfred Park Outdoor Gym, Surry Hills

  • Address: 197/195 Cleveland St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

This centrally located park features panoramic city views, the city’s first heated outdoor swimming pool, five plexi-cushion tennis courts, basketball courts and multiple fitness stations. Prince Alfred Park features all your favourite, versatile exercise equipment including chin up bars, push up bars, sit up benches and a number of wheelchair-friendly options. The award-winning outdoor gym has the latest filtration and underground water re-use systems as well as energy efficient light bulbs. It’s also right next to Central Station so you have no excuse not to make the most of this comprehensive facility.

Sydney Park Outdoor Gym, St Peters

  • Address: 416 Sydney Park Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015

Want to work out but need to look after the kids at the same time? Get the best of both worlds at Sydney Park outdoor gym – three Spartan fitness stations for you and an epic playground and go kart track for the youngens (or the other way round, no judgement here). Also make the most of 40 hectares of serene wetlands and ponds and a cricket pitch just to top it off.

Wentworth Park Outdoor Gym, Ultimo

  • Address: 3 Wentworth Park Rd, Glebe NSW 2037

Go solo with four different exercise stations featuring pull up bars, sit up benches and the other usual suspects, or join a group yoga, kickboxing, bootcamp, soccer or taekwando class. With four floodlit fields and cricket nets you can’t go wrong by making regular visits to Ultimo’s outdoor gym.

Queens Park Outdoor Gym, Queens Park

  • Address: Darley Rd, Queens Park NSW 2022

For a less crowded outdoor gym option still in a stunning Sydney setting, look no further than Queens Park. Located at the base of Centennial Park, you can fit in your pull-ups, step-ups, body curls and more at this expansive exercise hot spot.

Sydney Civic Park Outdoor Gym, North Sydney

  • Address: 220 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060

If you’re based on the North side of the bridge, Sydney Civic Park outdoor gym is spot-on for a midday sweat or pre-9/post-5 workout. The park has rings, bars, steps and plenty of grass to cover all your strengthening needs.

Outdoor Gyms in the Inner West

Camperdown Park Outdoor Gym, Camperdown

  • Address: Mallett St, Camperdown NSW 2050

If you’re more of a group fitness fanatic, Camperdown Park is a great place for tennis, basketball or training sessions. Enjoy the elliptical, standing bike and pull down machines and you can also make use of the bandstand stairs to give yourself that extra bit of cardio. This comprehensive and centrally located park (not to be confused with Camperdown Memorial Park) is ideal for anyone living in the Inner West.

Marrickville Park Outdoor Gym, Marrickville

  • Address: 111 Frazer St, Marrickville NSW 2204

When it comes to outdoor gyms in Sydney, the brand new, bright green moving machines at Marrickville Park are enough to get the endorphins flowing – although you might need to actually make use of the elliptical, pull down machine, vaulting bars, parallel and pull up bars for the hormones to really take effect.

Johnson Park Outdoor Gym, Dulwich Hill

  • Address: Constitution Rd, Dulwich Hill NSW 2203

The new stainless steel moving machinery at Johnson Park is the ultimate way to build strength while getting a solid dose of Vitamin D. It’s located in a tree-lined park directly adjacent to a kid’s playground and toilet block, easily making it one of the most convenient outdoor gyms in Sydney.

Outdoor Gyms in the Eastern Suburbs & Surrounds

Rushcutters Bay Park Outdoor Gym, Rushcutters Bay

  • Address: 2A New South Head Rd, Darling Point NSW 2027

The enticing views of Rushcutters Bay will be sure to spur you on to pull that extra chin up, crunch one more sit up or push that final step up. The astro-turfed outdoor gym area features a whole array of exercise equipment, complete with instructions on how to compete the exercises to your level. There’s plenty of grass and scenic surrounds to make your training all the more worthwhile.

Moore Park Outdoor Gym, Moore Park

  • Address: Moore Park, NSW 2021

If the sight of water makes you want to move your limbs but you’re that bit too far from the ocean, Moore Park’s compact outdoor gym overlooking the lake is the perfect compromise. There are bars and steps and other useful equipment and it’s right near Centennial Park, making it easy to combine with a scenic walk or run.

Things to Know Before Using an Outdoor Gym

Before you jump straight into the pull-up bars, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind:

  • Check the weather. These gyms don’t come with air-con or heating. Hot days can make the bars scorching, and winter mornings can be a shock to the system. Time your sessions for early mornings or evenings when it’s more comfortable.
  • Hygiene and safety. Outdoor equipment is used by everyone, so bring a towel and maybe some sanitiser. Check the gear before using it, as weather and heavy use can wear things down.
  • Plan your workout. The gear is more limited than a commercial gym, so think about how you’ll use what’s there. Mix in runs, stairs, or bodyweight moves like push-ups and squats to round out your session.
  • Crowds. Bondi and other scenic spots get busy, especially on weekends. If you don’t like waiting for a chin-up bar, pick a less touristy park or go early.
  • Facilities. Some gyms are right near toilets, bubblers, or playgrounds, which makes life easier. Others don’t have much around, so bring water and be prepared.

Alternatives to The Best Outdoor Gyms in Sydney

Outdoors Gyms Sydney FAQs

Are outdoor gyms in Sydney free?

Yep. You don’t need a membership or a key card, you just turn up and use the equipment. The only thing you’ll pay is with a bit of sweat.

Do I need to be super fit to use them?

Not at all. Most outdoor gyms are built for all levels, with bodyweight gear and clear instructions. Whether you’re starting with sit-ups or smashing out chin-ups, you’ll find something that works for you.

What kind of equipment will I find?

Expect the basics: pull-up bars, dip bars, sit-up benches, step platforms, and sometimes cardio machines powered by your own body. It’s not a full weights room, but it’s plenty for a good workout.

Can I train at night?

Some spots like Wentworth Park have lights, others don’t. If you’re heading out after dark, stick to the lit-up parks or bring a mate for company.

Do outdoor gyms get busy?

It depends on the location. Bondi is always popular, but places like Marrickville or Queens Park are usually much quieter. If you prefer space to yourself, aim for early mornings or suburban parks.

What should I bring?

A towel and a water bottle will do the trick. Sneakers are handy if you’re planning on stairs or sprints, but otherwise you just need to show up ready to move.

Greta Mayr

Contributor

Greta Mayr

Greta Mayr is an established writer and content producer with over seven years’ experience in the media industry. Specialising in culture, food and lifestyle reporting, Greta’s work has appeared in Concrete Playground and Weekend Notes. She holds a Bachelor of ...

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