First Fleet Park
First Fleet Park is a grassy open space on George Street in The Rocks, between the Museum of Contemporary Art and Circular Quay. Its most notable feature is its panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay, and its lawns also host events.
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About First Fleet Park
Harbour Views at First Fleet Park
First Fleet Park looks out over Sydney Harbour and adjoins the waterfront promenade along West Circular Quay, where visitors can watch Sydney's ferries and jetcats. The park is used for gathering, passive recreation, informal meetings and pedestrian circulation, and its grassy lawns are crossed by paved pathways. First Fleet Park makes a relaxed stop between sightseeing in The Rocks. The wider precinct that includes the park was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 5 August 2011.
Events at First Fleet Park
First Fleet Park hosts events, activations and live sites, and past events include AROMA Festival in 2014 and 2016, Vino Paradiso in 2015 and Australia Day in 2017. The park has an event support area with first aid, catering and a security information centre. Two power boxes sit in garden beds: Box 1, near the First Fleet steps, has three 32 amp 3 phase outlets (5 pin Wilco) and one dual 10 amp single phase outlet, while Box 2, near the Cahill Expressway, has two 32 amp 3 phase outlets and one single 10 amp single phase outlet. Event set-ups must sit 1.5 metres back from public footpaths and keep clear of the pit covers in the northeast corner.
Facilities at First Fleet Park
Visitor tips for First Fleet Park
- ✓Come on the Sunday in September when The Rocks Aroma Coffee Festival brings pop-up food bars to the area.
- ✓If you are running an event, check whether a ship is in port at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, as vehicle access is restricted then.
Getting to First Fleet Park
First Fleet Park is on George Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000, between the Museum of Contemporary Art building and the Circular Quay transport interchange, which includes Circular Quay Train Station. Pedestrians enter from George Street through the corridor under the Cahill Expressway, from the Circular Quay West promenade, or through the step-free Circular Quay and Alfred Street entrances. There is no public parking, and vehicle access is limited through George Street south. Accessible spaces for RTA permit holders are on Cumberland Street, Harrington Street, George Street and Hickson Road.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby The Rocks
- 📍Museum of Contemporary Art
- 📍Sydney Opera House
- 📍Sydney Harbour Bridge
- 📍Overseas Passenger Terminal
Frequently asked questions about First Fleet Park
Is First Fleet Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Circular Quay and Alfred Street entrances are step-free, and the ground is hard and flat with paved paths over the grass.
Where can I park near First Fleet Park?
The park has no public parking of its own, so plan to come on foot or by public transport. Visitors with RTA permits can use the designated accessible bays in the surrounding streets.
How do I get to First Fleet Park by public transport?
Catch a train to Circular Quay, as the park sits right beside the transport interchange there.
Are there cafes near First Fleet Park?
Yes, accessible cafes and eateries are close by at Circular Quay and The Rocks.