When I first moved to Sydney I lived a few doors up from Taronga Park Zoo in Mosman and we shared the zoo’s killer views of Sydney harbour. I loved it at the time, but as a country kid who was new to Sydney I didn’t quite get just how special those views really were.
It took years of living, Sydney harbour view-less in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, and then in London to get super excited about seeing those views again and now when I stay with friends who have gorgeous harbour views I just gaze at them.
I now totally get why having the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in your sights can tip potential homeowners over the edge, and why visitors love to get a room with a view.
On New Year’s Eve, Sydney Harbour views really come into their own, and create a place where you can watch that huge fireworks show without having to deal with crowds.
Read: The best hotels for Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks
Now I should point out that some of the holiday homes on Stayz, Booking.com and Airbnb that I’m about to share aren’t available on New Year’s Eve because their owners know the best night to move back into their own home. And others will book out waaaaay in advance for it.
But the beauty of harbour is something special year round, so if you’re planning a trip to Sydney and want to wake up and smile at the Harbour Bridge, here are six of the best homes you can rent with a view.
The Sydney Harbour View Apartment, Cremorne Point
While everyone knows the Bondi to Bronte walk, the Cremorne Point Walk is one of my favourite things to do when I’m showing people around Sydney, and when I just want to go somewhere gorgeous by myself for a morning or afternoon.
Those Cremorne Point views are gorgeous for a picnic or a swim and in the right home, like the one that’s coming up right now, you can just gaze out the window at a perfect harbour scene.
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The Sydney Harbour View Apartment at Cremorne Point has direct access to the Sydney Harbour foreshore and takes up the entire bottom floor of a block of seven apartments.
The two-bedroom apartment is just two minutes from the McCallum Pool, has a modern kitchen, a marble bathroom, and I’m loving the way the stone window frames the Opera House.
And when you want to go into the city you go the fun way, by hopping on a ferry.
Heatherbrae, Kirribilli
This Kirribilli pad has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a large kitchen. But it’s that large balcony with a view that’s stealing the show in my book.
Read: 20 incredible Airbnb Queensland ways to stay
And speaking of that balcony, I know what you’re thinking about having some friends over, but no, you can’t throw a big party here. It’s only for the people who are staying, or you might get permission for a visitor or two if you ask very nicely. And get written permission.
Harbourside Studio, Lavender Bay
This harbourside studio apartment in Lavender Bay is serving up stunning views, and is just a few minutes from public transport, restaurants and cafes, making it a great option for a business or pleasure trip.
Read: Darwin’s best luxury hotels and holiday homes
It also has something that many can’t offer with a view this good – parking! Yes, if you have a car you’ll find some places around Kirribilli and Lavender Bay will explain that there’s a two hour limit even if you’re lucky enough to find a car park.
But this apartment has free parking in a secure area. Bonus!
Boutique Kirribilli family stay
While you could draw straws for who gets the king bed and who gets the bunk beds for a group of adults, this Kirribilli stay is best for a family who want to soak up those Sydney harbour views.
Read: New Perth Hotels – the latest ways to stay in WA
This boutique two-bedroom apartment features a sleek marble kitchen and bathroom, modern appliances, laundry facilities and a Juliet balcony with views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
There are black out blinds in both bedrooms as well as air conditioning and heating if you need it. And the TV comes with streaming options as well as the usual free to air channels for when you want to just relax at home before heading back out into the city.
Postcard views, Kirribilli
What’s that outside the window? Oh just a perfectly framed Sydney Opera House. No biggie.
Step out onto the balcony and the Harbour Bridge is right there too.
Read: NSW silo art – how and where to see them all
The image at the top of this story also comes from this Kirrbilli apartment, which is the sort of place where you could watch the tele or read a book.
But I just know I’d spend most of the time just staring out at that view. Watching the light dance on the water until the sun went down and the city lights came up and it was a whole new view to gaze at. Sigh.
Sweet Studio, McMahons Point
This fully renovated studio apartment may be relatively small inside but outside those views are huge.
Apart from being walking distance from the North Sydney train station and the McMahons Point Wharf where you can catch a ferry into the city, it also has a coveted free car parking spot. That’s right, when you stay here you don’t have to worry about moving your car every two hours during the day or whether you’ll manage to find a car spot.
And when you come home from a day of exploring you can sit out on your balcony, look out at the city lights reflecting on the harbour and raise a glass to making new memories in Sydney.
So there we have it, some beautiful Sydney harbour view homes to (temporarily) call your own. You can also find Sydney apartments and homes through Rentola if you’re looking for a much longer stay in Australia. After all this is one city that could have you itching to put that return flight back for as long as you possibly can.
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