One of Sydney's great green spaces, Centennial Park spreads across 189 hectares of gardens, ponds, and open grassland just southeast of the city centre. It was set aside in 1888 to mark the centenary of European settlement and formally became the spot where Australian federation was proclaimed in 1901.
The park is big enough to lose yourself in. A 3.8 km loop road is popular with cyclists and joggers, and the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre offers horse riding through the grounds. Birdwatchers will find black swans, cockatoos, and kookaburras around Lachlan Swamp and the lily ponds.
On weekends, locals spread out on the grass for picnics and barbecues. The park borders the entertainment quarter at Moore Park and is a short walk from Paddington and Bondi Junction. Entry is free; the gates close at sunset.