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10 of Sydney’s Best Picnic Spots
By Pillinger
With restrictions easing from Friday 15th May and outdoor get togethers allowed again for up to ten people, the question arises – Where is the best place in Sydney to have a picnic? Sydneysiders are blessed with some incredible picnic spots so we thought we would get a list together of our favourites. Some are well known, others hidden gems for you to discover, so pack your esky, blanket and enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends.
Centennial Parklands, Centennial Park
Centennial Park has been a firm favourite for generations as there are so many places you can choose to set up for the afternoon. Picnic by the water, under the Paperbark trees or in the Rose garden, the choice is yours. There is always space to find your own secluded spot and you can get coffee & lunch takeaways available at the homestead (check ahead if they’re open).
Nielsen Park, Vaucluse
One of the most beautiful and unspoiled heritage parks in Sydney, Nielsen Park ticks all the boxes. It has three great picnic areas where you can relax on the grass or in the shade of one of the ancient fig trees overlooking Shark Beach. There is a foreshore walking track to enjoy and you can grab a coffee at the harbourside kiosk (check ahead if they’re open).
Mckell Park, Darling Point
This secluded little park at the end of Darling Point Road is a delight and the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. With manicured lawns and grassed terraces surrounded by impressive gardens, it meanders down to the water’s edge and offers a great vantage point of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
South Head, Sydney
If you want to experience some of the best views of the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour, this is the perfect spot. Walk the South Head Heritage Trail up to Hornby Lighthouse, take in the fresh sea breeze and spend the afternoon watching the boats sail the harbour. Better still, stop and get some takeaway fish & chips at Doyles at Watsons Bay.
Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney CBD
Located in the heart of the CBD, the Royal Botanic Garden is picnic heaven with expansive lawns and walking paths through incredible themed gardens. You’re spoilt for choice with plenty of shade and lots of quiet spots. Stroll down to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for Sydney’s most famous harbour panorama or grab a coffee at the Botanic Gardens café (check ahead if they’re open).
Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
An oasis of native plants, giant Moreton Bay fig trees, meandering pathways and interesting artefacts, Wendy’s Secret Garden is a tranquil and picturesque spot for a picnic, created over the last 20 years by artist Wendy Whiteley, wife of renowned Australian artist, Brett Whiteley.
Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo
This 6-hectare waterfront park is an idyllic place for a picnic. The reserve is centred around a large man-made hill and features landscaped terrace gardens flagged with sandstone, various walking parks and more than 75,000 planted trees, palms and other plants.
Obervatory Hill, Sydney
Offering sweeping panoramic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour, Observatory Hill is a popular picnic spot. Just a stroll from Circular Quay, pick up some goodies at The Rocks and sit under a tree or by the old rotunda.
Balmoral Reserve, Mosman
One of the most romantic spots in Sydney, Balmoral Reserve adjacent to Balmoral Beach offers scenic views of Middle Harbour and North Head. With plenty of picnic spots along the large grassy area that line the esplanade, you can also take the little bridge over to Rocky Point and set up your picnic rug there. You are spoilt for choice with food options as many cafés do takeaway.
Cremorne Reserve, Cremorne Point
Cremorne Reserve sits on around 3 km of walking track around the Cremorne Point Peninsula. An idyllic picnic spot it offers expansive lawns and garden areas on the water’s edge with spectacular views of the harbour and city and plenty of shady spots.
