Top 20 picnic spots in Sydney
Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks
Top 20 picnic spots in Sydney
Looking to spend some time outside with friends and family? Make a day of it and check out the best picnic spots in Sydney. From inner city parks and botanic gardens to harbourside haunts with breathtaking views, there are so many incredible picnic spots to discover across the city. Pull out your picnic basket, fill it with snacks and get your blanket ready for an afternoon in the sun.
Highlights
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Centennial Park
Situated in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Centennial Park is a popular picnic spot that has been loved by generations of Sydneysiders. Landscaped with gardens, ponds and plenty of open spaces perfect for setting down your picnic blanket, there’s plenty to see, do and discover throughout Centennial Park’s 189 hectares. The park is home to several playgrounds and even hosts pony rides for kids, making for a great day out with the whole family in tow.
What’s the parking like? Lots of free parking available within the park.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Views vary from landscaped gardens to water views.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Picnic in Centennial Parklands, Sydney
Hyde Park
Taking out the title of Australia’s oldest park, Hyde Park is a lovely inner city green space perfect for an impromptu picnic. Roll out your picnic blanket on the manicured lawns of this 16 hectare park and enjoy a lazy lunch just moments from Pitt Street, the Queen Victoria Building and many other popular Sydney attractions. Throughout the park, you’ll also find an assortment of statues and monuments to discover, including the ANZAC Memorial and Pool of Reflection, fountains and more.
What’s the parking like? On-street metered parking is available close to the park, but spaces may be limited.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Shady, well established trees, manicured lawns and inner city architecture.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Hyde Park near the Archibald Fountain, Sydney
Barangaroo Reserve
One of Sydney’s newest green spaces, Barangaroo Reserve overlooks Sydney Harbour, offering great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond. Landscaped with native plants and thousands of huge sandstone blocks, the reserve also features several lookouts and grassed areas, making it easy to find the perfect spot to soak up the stunning views.
What’s the parking like? Paid parking is available beneath the reserve.
Is there shade? Some. The park is still fairly new and the reserve’s trees are yet to become well established, so you may consider packing a sun umbrella or shelter.
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Sydney Harbour Bike Tours, Barangaroo
Fitzpatrick Park, Picnic Point
Less than an hour from Sydney’s CBD, Fitzpatrick Park in the aptly named Picnic Point’s combines lovely river views with open green spaces and providing plenty of room. Set within the Georges River National Park, the park is also a great place to enjoy an afternoon of fishing, set out on a kayaking adventure or simply kick a ball around with the kids.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available onsite.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? The park overlooks the Georges River.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Georges River Nature Reserve, Campbelltown
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
Filled with an assortment of native plants, flowers and established trees, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a lovely harbourside locale perfect for when you’re planning a picnic with a view. Overlooking Lavender Bay, the gardens offer views across Sydney Harbour, encompassing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
What’s the parking like? On-street parking is available around the garden.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
Parramatta Park, Parramatta
A local favourite for more than 150 years, Parramatta Park boasts no shortage of great places to settle in for a picnic. Home to a landscaped rose garden, an assortment of monuments and some intriguing historic sites, there’s plenty to see and explore throughout the park’s grounds.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available within the park. Parking fees may apply.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Views within Parramatta Park vary, featuring everything from open green spaces to historic precincts and landscaped gardens.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Parramatta Park, Parramatta
Davidson Park Picnic Area, Forestville
Around 40 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Davidson Park Picnic Area is a tranquil waterside spot nestled within the Garigal National Park. Overlooking the waters of Middle Harbour Creek, this picnic spot is home to a netted swimming area that’s perfect for a dip on a warm day, as well as plenty of room for kids to run around and enjoy a ball game or two.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available onsite.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? The waters of Middle Harbour Creek.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe
Part of the Glebe Foreshore precinct, Blackwattle Bay Park is located between Blackwattle Bay and Rozelle Bay. Providing great views of both the ANZAC Bridge and Sydney Harbour, there’s plenty of room to find your perfect picnic spot. Bring along your four-legged friends for a run in the off-leash dog area or set out on a stroll along the foreshore to see more of this beautiful part of Sydney.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available at both ends of the Glebe Foreshore precinct, including along The Crescent and Federal Road.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? The park overlooks the ANZAC Bridge, Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe
EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens, Caringbah
Overlooking Yowie Bay, Caringbah’s EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens is considered to be one of the world’s best camellia gardens, featuring an abundance of beautiful blooms. Dotted with manicured lawns, the gardens also happen to be a popular picnic destination, offering no shortage of great spots to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy quality time with friends and family.
What’s the parking like? Onsite parking is available.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Views of Yowie Bay and plenty of beautiful plants and flowers.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens, Sutherland - Credit: Sutherland Shire Council
Cremorne Reserve, Cremorne Point
Positioned along Sydney’s lower north shore, Cremorne Reserve is a scenic picnic spot offering great waterfront views. Home to a playground and other handy amenities ideal for a family day out, from Cremorne Reserve you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Sydney Park, St Peters
One of the Inner West’s most popular parks, within Sydney Park you’ll find 40 hectares of rolling hills, gardens and wetlands. Spread out your picnic blanket at one of the countless great spots across the park or pack your barbecue tools and cook up a storm on one of the park’s barbecues. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained too, with playgrounds, bike tracks and more, scattered throughout the park.
What’s the parking like? There are four car parks surrounding Sydney Park. They can be found on Barwon Park Road, Sydney Park Road, Euston Road and Campbell Street.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Covering a whopping 40 hectares, your view may vary from picturesque wetland to rolling hills.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Sydney Park, St Peters
Observatory Hill Park, Millers Point
A favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, it’s Observatory Hill Park’s incredible scenery that makes it one of Sydney’s best picnic spots. Spreading out your picnic blanket here, you’ll enjoy elevated views across the harbour, with Sydney’s northern suburbs and city icons, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in sight.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available along Watson Road, Upper Fort Street, Argyle Street and Kent Street.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? From Observatory Hill Park, you’ll enjoy great harbour views.
Are public toilets located onsite? No, but some can be found at the bottom of nearby Watson Street.
Observatory Hill, Millers Point
Burraneer Park, Burraneer
Surrounded by lush bushland, Burraneer Park is a sprawling reserve situated southeast of Caringbah. Featuring picnic tables and plenty of shaded spots perfect for setting up a picnic with the family, it’s a great spot to sit back, relax and unwind. Follow the park’s walking trails down to Burraneer Bay for a spot of fishing after lunch or to spend some time by the water.
What’s the parking like? On-street parking is available along Burraneer Road, with some dedicated parking situated on Dominic Street.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Bushland with plenty of established trees.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Clontarf Reserve, Clontarf
If a picnic and a swim sounds like the perfect way to spend a day, Clontarf Reserve, positioned just behind Clontarf Beach, is certainly well worth a visit. Overlooking Middle Harbour and the Spit Bridge, this picnic spot not only provides some great water views, but it also puts you in prime position for a fun day at the beach. Make the short walk down the water’s edge and enjoy a swim in the beach’s enclosed swimming area.
What’s the parking like? A paid car park is located onsite, with free on-street parking available nearby.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? From Clontarf Reserve, you’ll enjoy views of the Spit Bridge and Middle Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes. Shower facilities are also available.
Clontarf Reserve, Clontarf - Credit: Northern Beaches Council
Bungarribee Park, Bungarribee
Covering an impressive 200 hectares, Bungarribee Park is one of Western Sydney’s largest outdoor recreational spaces. Boasting plenty of space to discover and explore, you’ll have no trouble finding a lovely spot to set up a picnic. Kids will be kept entertained for hours by the park’s playgrounds, while off-leash dog exercise areas help to ensure that the four-legged members of your family don’t miss out on all the fun.
What’s the parking like? There are two large car parks outside the park, with some time restrictions applying.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Covering such an expansive area, views vary from wide, open green spaces to landscaped picnic areas.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Bungarribee Park, Bungarribee - Credit: Bungarribee Park
Como Pleasure Grounds, Como
Offering panoramic views of the Georges River, the Como Pleasure Grounds is a great place to head for a picnic or barbecue by the water. Surrounded by bushland and home to a variety of amenities, including a playground, a bike track and a walking path, there are plenty of great ways to spend a day out at this Como park.
What’s the parking like? Onsite parking is available.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? From the Como Pleasure Grounds, you’ll enjoy views of the Georges River and bushland.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
A sister site to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is home to over 400 hectares of themed gardens, open spaces and natural woodland. Providing countless places to enjoy a picnic with a view, you’ll find rolling hills, water views, and more, across the sprawling Western Sydney gardens.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available within the gardens.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Views within the gardens vary from rolling hills and landscaped gardens to water views.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan
Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, Mosman
One of Sydney’s most scenic picnic spots, Bradleys Head Amphitheatre provides incredible views of several Sydney Harbour icons, including Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Providing a picture-perfect picnic backdrop, a visit to this harbourside locale will leave you understanding why it's such a popular venue for weddings and other events.
What’s the parking like? Paid parking is available at Bradleys Head car park, North Head car park and along Chowder Bay Road.
Is there shade? No
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including Fort Denison, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Shelly Beach, Manly
A popular destination for diving and snorkelling, Manly’s Shelly Beach is also one of Sydney’s best picnic spots. Lay down your picnic blanket in the grassy area that sits behind the beach and soak up some stunning views towards Manly Beach. After lunch, head down to the beach for a lovely afternoon swim.
What’s the parking like? Metered parking is available.
Is there shade? Although there is little shade on Shelly Beach itself, you will find plenty of shady spots neighbouring the beach.
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? From Shelly Beach, you’ll enjoy views towards Manly Beach
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes. Shower facilities are also available.
Shelly Beach, Manly
Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove
Catch up with friends and family for a picnic or barbecue with a view at Birchgrove’s Ballast Point Park. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, you’ll find plenty of great places to lay out your picnic blanket, as well as some amenities including barbecue facilities, a playground and more. Covering a total of 2.6 hectares, the harbourside park is also home to some interesting outdoor art installations.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available in a car park outside the park or along neighbouring streets.
Is there shade? Yes, some.
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Ballast Point Park offers great views towards Goat Island and Sydney’s city centre, and across Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
