The Domain is the venue for large-scale events such as Opera in the Park during the Festival of Sydney in January and Carols by Candlelight in December each year.

The main part of the parkland takes in the peninsula on the eastern flank of the Royal Botanic Gardens, just next to Mrs Macquarie's Point. Other features of the peninsula include the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool and the Fleet Steps that lead down to the Farm Cove shoreline.

The parkland also consists of a narrow strip of land between Macquarie Street and the Botanic Gardens. The main part of The Domain includes the sports fields and large open spaces used for special public occasions. On its rim there is a kiosk and the Pavilion on the Park Restaurant, as well as the Art Gallery of New South Wales.