Sylvania Waters is located 21 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD and surrounds Gwawley Bay on the southern side of the Georges River.  Sylvania is a separate suburb to the west, and Sylvania Heights is a locality within that suburb.  Much of the waterfront areas of Sylvania Waters were reclaimed from Gwawley Bay.

Sylvania Waters is home to Southern Districts Rugby Union Club, Sylvania Waters Tennis Centre, Doltone House and Sylvanis Waters Athletics Track.  There are neighbourhood shopping centres located on Belgrave Esplanade opposite Taren Point Bowling Club, on the corner of Belgrave Esplanade and Box Road and on the corner of Belgrave Esplanade and Richmond Avenue.  A public boat ramp is situated in Hawkesbury Esplanade.

Many streets and houses are built on man made islands.  The suburb is very flat and comprises of family homes and waterfronts on the canals.