Today we share our favourite picnic spots in the Blue Mountains. From family-friendly areas with all the amenities to secluded spots perfect for a romantic lunch, these locations offer the ideal setting for an outdoor meal surrounded by stunning scenery.
The Blue Mountains have been a popular picnic destination for Sydneysiders since the 1920s, and it’s easy to see why. With fantastic lookouts, great hikes, and plenty of things to do, sometimes all you want is to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.
Our guide covers everything from easily accessible locations to hidden gems, complete with tips on facilities, best times to visit, and nearby attractions. So pack your picnic basket and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful outdoor dining spots just a short drive from Sydney.
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The Best times for a picnics in the mountains
The Blue Mountains offer picnic opportunities year-round, each season has its unique charm.
- Spring (September to November) brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, which are ideal for scenic picnics. October can be very busy so nab your spot early in the day.
- Summer (December to February) offers warm weather perfect for waterside picnics at places like the Blue Pools in Glenbrook National Park, but be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
- Autumn (March to May) paints the landscape in golden hues, providing a stunning backdrop for your outdoor meal. Mount Wilson and Oberon are special favourites at this time of year.
- Winter (June to August) can be chilly, but clear days offer crisp air and spectacular views. Just pack some extra layers and hot drinks!
Our favourite picnic spots in the Blue Mountains
Many of the picnic areas in the Blue Mountains Region are inside national parks, so you can’t take your four-legged friend. However, there are several local parks and reserves where dogs are welcome, clearly marked below.
Our list contains a mix of the traditional table and bench setups and flat rocks or green spaces where you throw down a blanket.
If you have not packed a basket from home, we recommend the following shops:
- Leura Gourmet Deli, located at 159 Leura Mall in Leura, has all the goodies you could need for a gourmet picnic.
- Bakehouse on Wentworth in Springwood, Leura and Blackheath, offers sourdough and pastries.
- Hominy Bakery on Katoomba Street, Katoomba has lovely pies and pastries.
- Aldi – Waratah St Katoomba – Budget prices for cheeses, nuts, and cold cuts.
Picnic spots near Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls Lake
Wentworth Falls Lake, once an old railway dam, is now a popular spot for locals and visitors.
If you have young kids, this is an ideal choice. It has two playgrounds and a flat 3.5km track around the lake that is perfect for a stroller walk, wheelchair user or children cycling.
You can also swim or kayak in the lake. There is a small jetty making access easy. The council check water quality twice a week, so unless you see warning signs, you’re good to go!
You will find everything you need for an outdoor meal with plenty of seating, undercover barbeque facilities and accessible toilets. A shiny new playground has made this popular Blue Mountains picnic spot even more so, arrive early for a parking space.
Tip: Grab some treats from Bakery Patisserie Schwarz on Blaxland Road near the station. They do a fabulous meat pie!
The lake is easy to get to and just off the Great Western Highway, and there is usually plenty of free parking unless you visit at lunchtime on a nice warm day that is
Location: Sinclair Cresent Wentworth Falls – open the Google map
Tip: There is often a food truck here that makes a decent coffee!
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
You will find the spacious Wentworth Falls picnic areas opposite Jamison lookout in the Blue Mountains National Park.
A short walk from the main car park, there are several tables, some undercover. There is an accessible walkway from the parking areas to both the toilets and the picnic area.
There are no mountain views from the tables, but it’s a lovely shaded spot and quite contained for keeping young kids safe.
Wentworth Falls is an excellent choice for completing a couple of walks before or after lunch. Most people can manage the walk to the view of the top of the falls easily, and there is also an accessible lookout of the valley nearby.
Location: Sir H Burrell Dr Wentworth Falls – open Google map
Valley of the Waters Picnic Area
The Valley of the Waters picnic area is right by Conservation Hut, just a few minutes away from Wentworth Falls.
There are a couple of tables just to the side of the road, not exactly picturesque, but lookouts and waterfalls are just minutes away. This is the starting point for walks ranging from easy to super challenging.
There are also some tables a little further down the track that are more hidden from the road.
Tip: The Valley of the Waters walk is one of the most beautiful rainforest experiences in the mountains. However, it is not an easy walk and is best suited to those with reasonable fitness levels.
Location: Fletcher Street Wentworth Falls – Open Google map
Lincoln Rock
Lincoln Rock, aka flat rock, is a great spot for a sunset picnic. However you are unlikely to have it to yourself. This area became Instafamous in recent years so usually draws a crowd on weekends.
It’s an incredible view, to be sure, but its increasing popularity somewhat lessens its appeal. Looking out over the Kings Tableland, the vista seems to go forever.
A secret picnic spot: For something a little more private, perhaps a romantic proposal, this spot we found a few years back, courtesy of a local Reddit thread, is fantastic.
Drive down nearby Tableland Road until you reach Kedumba Valley Road. Not far past the abandoned Queen Victoria Sanitorium, you will find some flat rocky areas with outstanding views and likely not a soul about.
Directions: You can see the exact location here.
Location: Switzerland Drive – Open Google map location
Picnic spots in Leura
Sublime Point Lookout
Sublime Point Lookout is very popular at sunset because the views here are among the most scenic you will find in the Jamison Valley.
You will find a couple of basic tables and a picnic shelter about 100m or so from the car park, but other facilities are minimal. This area is not fenced, so it’s probably not the best choice for families with younger children.
Tip: There is no freshwater here, so bring plenty with you.
Secret picnic spot: If you want to get away from it all, there is a large flat rock to the left of the popular lookout for romantic picnics, but it is not fenced, so be very careful.
Location: – open Google map location
Gordon Falls Reserve
Gordon Falls Picnic area is perfectly positioned for a post-walk lunch with a lookout to Gordon Falls and Lyrebird Dell, just a short walk from the reserve.
It is located just off Prince Henry Cliff Walk, making a pleasant break after the Grand Clifftop Walk from Leura, which takes you past Lyrebird Dell and the Pool of Siloam.
The walk is closed north of here, so this is the perfect lunch break before continuing via the footpath or calling it a day.
You will see a couple of these historic cave-like shelters that remain scattered around the mountains, along with more modern seating. There are also some at Govert’s Leap, Pulpit Rock and Wentworth Falls.
Tip: Take some time to explore the memorials to soldiers who served at Lone Pine just a couple of metres from the reserve.
Please note: Prince Henry Cliff Walk is closed in two places because of landslides and repairs. The closures are between Leura Cascades Round Walk and Leura Cascades picnic area, and between Gordon Falls lookout and Olympian lookout. Check this site before planning any walks here.
Location: 16-26 Lone Pine Ave, Leura – Open Google map location
Lyrebird Dell Picnic Area
You can find the tables in the photo below just near Lyrebird Dell, a pretty waterfall in Leura. Head here mid-week, and it seems like one of the most secluded spots in the mountains; however, weekends can be different.
It’s just a short walk from Gordon Falls Reserve, so if you decide you want to get away from it all and eat your lunch in a more secluded spot, put on your hiking shoes – this is a great choice.
I am not sure when the tables appeared, but the cave was a shelter for local Aboriginal people for at least 12,000 years. The waterfall, pretty and secluded midweek, is one of our favourite spots in the mountains.
Location: 36 Gordon Road (off Leura Oval) Leura. Open Google map location
Picnic Spots in Katoomba
Lilianfels Park
This park, the closest picnic spot to the Three Sisters, offers plenty of shade and several tables. There are also a couple of the old picnic shelters here too.
Tip: Just 100m past the park, along Panorama Drive, you will find Lady Darley’s Lookout. It is only 200m from the road, and it is a worthwhile diversion with an unusual sandstone rock formation and a fantastic view down the Kedumba Valley.
Location: 23 Echo Point Rd, Katoomba – Open Google map location
Katoomba Falls And Katoomba Cascades
Katoomba Falls Reserve makes a good stopover for a picnic lunch before you take the Katoomba Cascades walk.
There are a few spots to choose from here. The first, Katoomba Falls Reserve, is right by the caravan park and includes a children’s playground and tables. It has a suburban feel, with plenty of room for kids to run around safely.
The entry to Katoomba Falls Lookout and Prince Henry Cliff walk is directly across the road behind the Katoomba Falls Kiosk. There is relatively easy access from the car park to the falls, but there are some stairs.
Maple Grove Park is a little further along Cliff Drive. It has a huge grassed area with plenty of tables on both sides of the road. There is almost direct access to the Katoomba Cascades without much walking at all.
On a quiet weekday, you could sit by the waterfall and enjoy your lunch on a couple of benches down by the lookout. I found it hard to leave on my recent visit – it really is a relaxing view.
Location: Our choice is Maple Grove Reserve at 102B Cliff Dr, Katoomba – open Google map
Narrow Neck Lookout
If you are looking for a quick, easy place to eat lunch, Narrow Neck lookout has a couple of tables overlooking the valley. It is also a stop on the HOHO bus.
There are no facilities other than the tables, but it’s a pleasant spot to eat a quick sandwich and take in the view.
Secret Picnic Spot: If you are looking for a romantic spot, drive down Glenraphael Drive to the Narrow Neck trail to the locked gate. Continue along the trail past the Golden Stairs turn off; 100 m along the path, you will find a turnoff on the right.
It’s a small track, but just a short way along, you will find a rock ledge with stunning views and enough space for a picnic blanket. We got this tip from a tour guide, and it’s a beauty!
Location: – open Google map location
Peckmans Plateau
One of the more secluded picnic spots on our list – you will most likely see it in Blue Mountains picnic shots on Instagram. You will find a small sign and unsealed track leading off Cliff Drive near Brougham Street. It’s just a little further on than Cahill Lookout.
There are no facilities here at all. Just a nice flat piece of rock, views of Radiata Plateau and Nellie’s Glen and most likely plenty of solitude.
Location: – open Google map location
Picnic spots in Blackheath and beyond
In Blackheath, there are plenty of shops where you can pick up some takeaway sandwiches if you have not packed lunch.
Evans and Valley View Lookout
Often overlooked for Govett’s Leap, we prefer the view and the relative peace you find at Evans Lookout, which is just a couple of minutes off the Great Western Highway before Blackheath.
There are tables here, but I prefer to eat my lunch at the lookout itself.
Location: – open Google map location
Govetts Leap Lookout and Picnic shelters
With picturesque views of the sandstone cliffs across the Grose Valley and a large car park, Govetts Leap is a brilliant choice. There are plenty of tables and some lovely shaded spots.
The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is just a short drive away- they have a small gift shop and restrooms.
Location: – open Google map location
Pulpit Rock
Reaching the fantastic views at Pulpit Rock requires some effort, with lots of stairs between the top of the valley and this amazing lookout. That just means you can indulge at lunchtime, right?
After you have taken in the view, make your way back up the staircase to the old shelters that line the track towards the top. On a recent tour we did, the guide prepared our lunch, a beautiful homemade soup, while we walked down and back.
Check the latest updates before planning your visit – this area is currently closed with paths being restored.
Location: – open Google map location
Blackheath Memorial Park
This park in Blackheath is a great choice for an extended family picnic. It has first-class facilities and plenty of things to keep kids entertained. Among them is a duck pond, playground, swimming pool and plenty of lovely shaded areas.
Tip: There are toilets here, but they can be a bit hit and miss.
Location: – open Google map location
Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens
Mount Tomah, also known as the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, is one place you will have no trouble finding a quiet spot. Make your way along the paths until you find an area that appeals.
For a more private spot, head to the picnic area in Heath and Heather garden. Many visitors don’t get that far.
Location: – open Google map location
FAQ for planning a Blue Mountains Picnic
Have we missed anything? Check out these FAQs, and if you don’t find what you need, head over to our Facebook group, we will do our best to answer you.
Are there any good picnic spots in the lower Blue Mountains?
There sure are. You don’t need to drive to the top of the mountain to find the perfect spot to spread out your picnic blanket. Try Glenbrook Park which has electric bbqs or Wilson Park in Lawson where you will find walking tracks to Dante’s Glen, Fairy Falls, and Empire Falls that you can enjoy after lunch.
Where are the most secluded picnic spots in the Mountains?
Looking to propose in the mountains? Want a calm spot away from the crowds? Check out the secret spots we included above, particularly Peckman’s Plateau, Narrow Neck trail and the site near Queen Victoria Sanitorium.
Which spots do you recommend that are acceessible?
I would choose either Wentworth Falls, Wentworth Lake, Gordon Falls or Katoomba Cascades.
Our guide to travelling to the Blue Mountains by train will be helpful for those without a car.
Have you decided where you will go?
The Blue Mountains offer some of the best picnic spots you’ll find anywhere. From secluded lookouts to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone. So pack a lunch,and your family, and head up the mountain for a day out. Trust me, nothing beats a sandwich with a million-dollar view.
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Have questions about the Blue Mountains? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
