Looking for picnic spots in Sydney? Nothing beats lunch outdoors on a sunny Sydney day. Over the years, we’ve scoured the city to bring you our top picnic picks. What started as a handful of favourites has grown into this list of 21 stellar spots. Some are well known, some are a little off the radar, but all are places we are sure you will enjoy visiting.
Often the most stressful part of having a picnic in Sydney is finding parking so to make life easier, we have added public transport information so you can leave the car at home.
This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here.
We’ve also noted which places are wheelchair-friendly and dog-friendly, because everyone deserves a great picnic.
Picnic Spots with views of Sydney Harbour
Some of the most beautiful spots for a picnic in Sydney are on the south and west side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and they are perfect for those on a short visit to Sydney.
The Royal Botanic Gardens
For an impromptu picnic, the Botanic Garden is hard to go past. I am sure you are aware of the view, but did you realise that just minutes away from the Macquarie Street gates is David Jones Food Hall or the IGA supermarket at Martin Place? Stop here and gather your ready-made treats to enjoy in the sun.
Why picnic here:
- Admire the fantastic views of the harbour and city skyline.
- Enjoy plenty of shade and lots of quiet spots.
- Explore the rose garden.
- Join one of the free walks or tours.
- Grab a fresh coffee (or a picnic meal) from the Botanic Gardens cafe.
- Take a seat in Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
Where: Enter from Macquarie Street near Bent Street or by the Opera House
Accessibility: Yes – and accessible bathrooms
Getting there: Less than 10 min walk from Martin Place, St James or Circular Quay Stations.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Observatory Hill Sydney
Just a short walk from Circular Quay through the Rocks and under Harbour Bridge will get you to Observatory Hill. Once there, you will find a beautiful old rotunda and a lovely place to view the harbour from a different perspective.
Why have a picnic at Observatory Hill?
- Just minutes from the city, but lovely and quiet.
- Fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Beautiful old rotunda
- Shaded by a gorgeous tree
Where? 1001 Upper Fort St, Millers Point
Accessible: Not especially – very hilly
Getting there: Walk along Kent Street from Town Hall right down to Observatory Hill.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash
You could then walk off your lunch by either exploring The Rocks on foot or taking a walk over the Harbour Bridge.
Barangaroo Reserve
Since it opened in 2015, Barangaroo has become a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. This park has helped to open up a whole new vista for Sydney, with its 70,000 plus trees starting to mature and water views to the west to the Anzac Bridge and east to the Harbour Bridge. There are no BBQs here, so this is strictly a picnic basket affair.
The reserve was named for Barangaroo, an important Aboriginal woman at the time the first fleet arrived. She was said to be the partner of Bennelong, whose name is given to the point where the Opera House stands.
Why picnic at Barangaroo?
- A quiet oasis just minutes from the city chaos.
- Fantastic views of two Sydney bridges
- Plenty of room to run around.
- Excellent facilities
Where? Hickson Rd, Barangaroo
Accessibility: Yes, bathrooms, level path and elevator to the upper level
Getting there: Walk from Wynyard Station via the Barangaroo shops to pick up picnic supplies or stroll through The Rocks.
Dog-friendly: Yes The reserve is dog-friendly (on leash)
Combine your picnic with a self-guided tour of the Rocks – add a history lesson to your day
Pirrama Park (Pyrmont Point Park)
Pirrama Park has revitalised this part of the foreshore, from a former base of the Water Police and a dockyard. It won an Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture design award in 2012.
This is one of the best places for picnics with kids in the inner city.
The park has great views of the Anzac Bridge and views back up the harbour to the Bridge.
In 2015, the park became known as Pirrama, which means ‘rocking stone’ in the Gadigal language.
Why Picnic in Pirrama Park?
- Playground with shaded play areas, including a giant sandpit and water spray jets.
- Café for coffee and dessert
- Several parking areas and lots of BBQs and tables
- Check out the Stevedore Walk, which celebrates the history of wharves and dock workers.
Where: Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Accessibility: Yes, paths and boardwalks, bathroom, parts of the playground
Getting there: Take the 389 bus from Town Hall
Dog-friendly: Yes
Blackwattle Bay / Glebe Foreshore walk
Blackwattle Bay Park, one of the four Glebe foreshore parks that hug the water on this western side of the harbour, opened in 1983 on former industrial land. We think it’s one of the best picnic spots in the Sydney inner west.
Several reminders have been left in place, including a crane and some old incinerators designed by Walter Burley Griffin, who won the competition to design Canberra in the 1920s.
Why Picnic at Blackwattle Bay Foreshore Park
- Great boardwalk and bike track to stretch the legs after you eat.
- Kids’ playground
- Covered picnic tables
- Café (Bellevue Cottage) for coffee and cake
- BBQ facilities
Where: 53 Leichhardt St, Glebe
Accessibility: Yes the path is flat
Getting there: Light rail to Glebe and or 431 bus to Glebe Point Rd at Toxteth Rd both about a 500m from the park.
Dog-friendly: Yes, There are on and off-leash areas
Cockatoo Island
Did you know you can picnic at a UNESCO-listed site in Sydney? You can kill two birds with one stone with a picnic on Cockatoo Island. This is one of the biggest of Sydney’s 6 UNESCO sites.
Cockatoo Island sits on the western side of the Harbour Bridge. Unlike most harbour islands, this one has a regularly scheduled ferry service making it easy to visit.
The island has a fascinating past with colonial and industrial buildings to explore, and there is even an old mine shaft. It was also once a reform school for girls charged with petty crimes.
- Tour the historic buildings on site.
- 2 BBQs with plenty of seating or put your rug on the grass on top of the hill.
- You can’t bring your own drinks, but you can drink in the licensed venues on the island.
- Play tennis or use the life-size chess set.
Where: Cockatoo Island is on the western side of the Harbour Bridge
Accessibility: Most areas are great – some uneven ground – accessible bathroom
Getting there: Take the ferry from Circular Quay
Dog-friendly: No
If you would like to stay longer, you can also camp or book a residence on the island. Learn more about the history of the island from the team over at 2 Aussie Travellers.
Illoura Reserve Balmain
Illoura Reserve runs along the Balmain waterfront from the ferry wharf at East Balmain to Peacock Point. It’s a relatively large area with several paths and viewing platforms to explore. Illoura is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a pleasant place’, and that is a very apt description.
Why Picnic at Illoura Reserve Balmain?
- Excellent views of the city and Darling Harbour
- Picnic tables but no BBQs
- Great playground
Where: Weston St, Balmain East
Accessibility: There are paths to access various parts of the park but no accessible toilets
Getting there: short ferry ride from Circular Quay
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly on and off-leash areas – check this map
When you are done picnicking, head up and explore Darling St Balmain and one of the old pubs the area is famous for.
Best picnic spots to the north of Sydney Harbour
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Wendy’s (not so) Secret Garden is hidden behind an old railway line in Lavender Bay. The park is built on a steep embankment that runs down to the harbour. The terraced areas lend themselves to exploring, with many hidden features waiting for you to find them. There are tables and chairs dotted about the place and some green lawn areas for stretching out with a book.
Why picnic in Wendy’s Secret Garden?
- Small nooks and crannies make it perfect for quiet romantic picnics.
- The garden is dog-friendly.
- Shady spaces perfect for escaping the summer heat
- Harbour views through the trees make it a photographer’s delight.
- Fun for older children to play hide and seek
Where: Lavender St, Lavender Bay
Accessibility: No
Getting there: Walk from Milsons Point Station or wharf
Dog-friendly: Wendy’s Secret Garden is not dog friendly
We have outlined the walk from Milson’s Point and highlighted the best spots along the way.
Blues Point Reserve
Blues Point is the only place where you can stand directly opposite the bridge. This park on the northwestern foreshore has views across to Darling Harbour and both up and down the harbour. The best thing about picnicking here is the tower is not in your sight.
In 1817, Governor Macquarie awarded Billy Blue 80 acres of land here. It was here that he began his ferry service to Circular Quay, making harbour crossings available to the first settlers. This service operated until the Harbour Bridge opened in 1932.
After your picnic, take the stairs up to the lawn in front of the infamous Harry Seidler Blues Point Tower, which many consider the city’s ugliest building. From there, you can enjoy fantastic harbour views.
Why picnic at Blues Point Reserve?
- Fun and fenced children’s playground
- Fantastic water views
- Lovely old Morton Bay figs provide good shade cover.
- Picnic tables
More details: North Sydney Council
Where: Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Getting there: Walk from McMahons Point Wharf
Accessibility: Yes – accessibly toilets
Dog-friendly: yes, outside the playground
Berry Island, Wollstonecraft
Berry Island is a great picnic spot that is virtually deserted during the week and a perfect place for a romantic picnic and harbourfront walk. It is hidden away on the western side of Sydney Harbour, 2kms from the Harbour Bridge just before it splits into the Parramatta and Lane Cove River. On weekends it is a little busier with families, but this is a hidden gem outside the local community.
Technically, Berry Island is not an island at all anymore. In the early 1800s, resident Edward Wollstonecraft attached the island to the mainland by creating a causeway. Along with being a lovely picnic spot, it also offers a 20-minute bush walk, the Gadyan track. The track around the island details the history of the Cammeraygal people on a series of signboards.
Why picnic at Berry Island?
- A large flat grassy area perfect for picnic blankets and accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
- Children’s playground
- Electric BBQ facilities
- Public toilets
- Aboriginal middens to explore on the walking trail.
Where: 10 Shirley St Wollstonecraft
Accessibility: Yes
Getting there: Take the train from Town Hall to Wollstonecraft Station. Berry Island is about a 10-minute walk.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point was one of the most popular pleasure grounds for Sydneysiders back in the 1920s. People flocked here to frolic late into the night, and it was THE place to go for the beautiful people of the time. These days it’s where the beautiful people live; the houses that line the waterfront here will have you dreaming of a lotto win.
This is one of the best Sydney picnic spots along the northern harbour foreshore. It’s easily accessed by ferry and is pram friendly too!
Why Picnic at Cremorne?
- Explore the Rex and Ruby Gardens, which are listed by the National Trust.
- Take a swim at the historic Macallum Pool.
- Kids’ playground
- Panoramic views of Sydney Harbour
Where: Milsons Road Cremorne Point
Accessibility: Flat paths but no accessible toilets
Getting there: Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Cremorne Point.
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Take the lovely Cremorne Point Walk to walk off your picnic lunch.
Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
This spot is special for us. Our oldest daughter was married here in the park, and with its beautiful harbour views, I am sure it is pretty special too.
The amphitheatre is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. The surrounding bushland makes you feel you have left the city for the day. Only the icons in front of you remind you how close you really are.
You won’t find a picnic table here, but there is plenty of shade and lots of ledges to sit on if the ground is wet.
Why Picnic at Bradley’s Head?
- Fish off the pier
- Wander up to Athol Hall for a coffee and cake.
- See how many kookaburras you can spot in the trees.
- Check out the old military relics on the site.
Dogs are not allowed at Bradleys Head as it is part of the National Park.
Bradleys Head is halfway along our Taronga to Balmoral walk. You might like to plan to do the whole walk and stop off here for lunch.
Where: Bradleys Head Road
Accessibility: Not great, stairs to the amphitheatre – there are accessible toilets
Getting there: Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf and follow the track.
Dog-friendly: Bradley’s Head is not dog friendly.
Balmoral Beach
Located in Mosman on the lower North Shore, Balmoral is actually named after Balmoral Castle in Scotland. There are two beaches here and they are separated by a rocky island, which is a great spot to head with your picnic basket or some takeaway fish and chips from the Bottom of the Harbour.
Why Picnic at Balmoral Beach?
- Playground at the southern end of the beach.
- Calm beach for kids and non-swimmers
- Netted swimming enclosure
- A beach bordered by a shaded park
- Good for snorkelling.
Where: The Esplanade Balmoral
Accessibility: Good,
Getting there: Bus 233, 238 and 257
Dog Friendly: Yes on leash
Best Picnic spots to the east of the City
Nielsen Park and Shark Beach
Nielsen Park is a favourite spot for Eastern Suburbs locals, so it gets hectic on weekends. If you want some solitude, visit mid-week.
There is no playground, so if you are looking for somewhere for the kids to burn off steam, this is not the best place. Take a walk around to Hermit Bay for lovely views and usually a little more privacy.
Why picnic at Nielsen Park?
- An easy bus ride from the city
- Safe netted ocean pool in Sydney Harbour
- Cafe and restaurant if you fancy coffee and dessert after.
- Shaded by lots of giant fig trees
If you fancy a longer walk, then check out the Hermitage Foreshore walk to Rose Bay and take the bus home from there.
Where: Greycliffe Ave Vaucluse
Accessibility: Yes, MLAK bathroom – need key
Getting there: Bus 325 stops 400m from the park.
Dog-friendly: Neilsen Park is not dog friendly – this area is part of Sydney Harbour National Park
Parsley Bay Reserve
The iron bridge that spans the bay is the most well-known feature of this large park and harbour beach. There is a large grassy area and plenty of Moreton Bay figs to shade the park. This is one of the best picnic spots in Sydney’s east for families with safe swimming and plenty of shade.
You can spread out your picnic rug on the lawn or carry your picnic out onto the rocks via the bush track for a private picnic.
Why Picnic at Parsley Bay
- Kiosk (weekends and holidays)
- Very kid-friendly with a good playground.
- The netted area provides safe swimming in summer, but it is removed for the winter.
- BBQs are very popular here, so you might have to wait.
- Almost deserted midweek (outside holiday periods)
- 20 min bush walk track
Where: Parsley Rd, Vaucluse NSW
Getting there: Bus 325 then a 600m walk
Dog-friendly: Parsley Bay is not dog-friendly.
Robertson Park, Watson’s Bay
Watson’s Bay is a great picnic destination with park and beach options. The large Robinson Park by the ferry wharf has lots of trees and half a dozen picnic tables.
There is a small sandy beach and several walks from the top of the street to Camp Cove Beach, South Head or the infamous Gap lookout. The area also provides some magnificent harbour and city views.
If you would like to know more, we have a whole page covering the walks around Watsons Bay.
If you don’t feel like bringing a picnic along, there is Doyle’s fish and chip take away on the wharf or perhaps a few hours in the beer garden at the Watson’s Bay Hotel is more your type of picnic. Wherever you decide to dine at Watson’s Bay, it’s a great day out for visitors or locals. Sadly, dogs are not permitted in Robertson Park.
Why picnic at Watson’s Bay?
- Fantastic harbour views
- Small beach at the harbour
- Picnic tables
- Great for sunset picnics.
- Easy transport from the wharf
- Playground
- Netted swimming area
Where is it? 22 Military Rd, Watsons Bay
Accessibility: Yes, and a great accessible swimming pool too
Getting there: The most enjoyable way to get here is by ferry from Circular Quay, but you can also take the 324 or 325 buses from the city or Edgecliff station.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted in Robertson Park or South Head Reserve.
Centennial Parklands
Centennial Park is big, 360 hectares big. So, if you plan to meet friends here, make sure you have checked the map on their website before you head out.
Why Picnic in Centennial Park
- Check the website for locations of eight free Electric BBQs.
- Dog-friendly (on leash)
- Excellent Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden
- Check out the Labyrinth based on the design of the medieval labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France.
- Watch the ducks on the lake.
- Take a horse for a gallop.
Where: Oxford Street, York, Darley, Alison & Lang Rds Centennial Park
Getting there: 355 bus to Lang Road and a 400m walk to the park. Alternatively, the 378, 380 and 355 buses depart from Central and Bondi Junction.
Picnic by the beach
Bronte Park – Bronte
Just a couple of kilometres along the coastal walk from world-famous Bondi Beach, I pick Bronte Park for an eastern suburbs picnic. It’s got everything you need for a perfect day in the sun, with its cute little picnic huts and eight gas BBQs.
The park backs the beach, and there is also an ocean pool which is great for kids.
If you have the luxury of not working, the best time to visit is mid-week as it can get crowded here on weekends. Get in early to secure one of the huts. Bronte Park is an alcohol-free zone.
Why picnic at Bronte Beach?
- Lots of shady spots and several covered huts.
- Free BBQs
- Kids’ playground
- Kiosk for coffee and cold drinks
- Gorgeous ocean views
Where is it? East end of Bronte Rd, Bronte.
Getting there: The quickest way is to catch a Bondi Junction train from platform six at Town Hall then take the 378 bus from Bondi Junction station.
Dog friendly: No, Bronte Park is a dog-free zone
Shelly Beach Manly
Shelly Beach is just a short walk around from Manly Beach and the Corso. It’s an excellent spot for snorkelling and one of my favourite places to spend a sunny afternoon.
Why picnic at Shelly Beach?
- Safe, calm water perfect for kids and non-swimmers
- Great for snorkelling with plenty of sea life to spot.
- free gas BBQs
- kiosk for coffee and cold drinks
- Gorgeous ocean views and a fab spot to watch the sunset.
- Toilets
Along the walking path from Manly to Shelly Beach are some lovely silver animal sculptures. The kids will love them.
Where is it? Bower Street, Manly
Accessibility: There is an accessible toilet halfway between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach
Getting there: Jump on the Manly ferry, and by the time you get there you will be in relax mode and ready for lunch
Dog-friendly: No
After lunch, stretch your legs by following the track to the North Head Scenic Reserve. If you don’t want to retrace your steps, you can return to the ferry wharf from North Head. Check out all the details on the walks at North Head. They even have guided tours on weekends.
We also recommend spending the night at Q Station if you are looking for a getaway with a difference.
Brighton Le Sands Beach
The shores of Botany Bay, where the first fleet landed, are home to Lady Robinsons Beach, Sydney’s longest beach. Located just 3km south of the airport, the park is one of the most popular public parks in the area.
Several picnic areas line the beach all the way from Kyeemagh to Sans Souci, with lots of picnic shelters and shady grassed spots. You will find BBQs in Peter Depena Park at Dolls Point.
Why Picnic at Brighton le Sands
- After you eat, there is a great boardwalk and bike track to stretch the legs.
- Watch the locals flying kites and kitesurfing.
- Plenty of great coffee and ice cream
- Netted swimming areas
- White sandy beach and flat bay with no real waves
- Several car park areas and lots of BBQs and tables
This is our local stomping ground, and we have an entire page dedicated to exploring Brighton le Sands.
Where: General Holmes Drive, Brighton-Le-Sands
Accessibility: There are accessible toilets in a few spots along the waterside park
Getting there: The 303, X03 buses from Circular Quay or take the train to Rockdale and jump onto the 478 bus down to the beach.
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Darook Park and Gunnamatta Bay Cronulla
If you want a spot that is away from it all and certainly not on the tourist trail, head south to Darook Park. Darook Park is named after the local Aboriginal tribe. It is a pretty sheltered spot on Gunnamatta Bay in the southern suburb of Cronulla.
The area provides safe swimming, shady grass picnic areas and even toilets, picnic shelters and a playground. If you prefer to swim in a netted area, you could stop off at Gunnamatta Park right by the station.
Where: 43 Darook Park Rd, Cronulla
Accessibility: Yes and accessible toilet
Getting there: It’s a 55-minute train ride from Town Hall to Cronulla beach in Sydney’s south then a short walk from the station.
Dog friendly: Yes
You can do a loop walk from the station down to Cronulla Beach and along a track to Shelley Beach before heading into the back streets to Darook Park.
For nearby options consider the Royal National Park where you will also find some great easy bushwalks.
Time to pack that picnic basket!
Well, there you have it – 21 of Sydney’s best spots to spread out your picnic rug and soak up our gorgeous harbour and beach views. From the heart of the city to hidden gems in the subburbs, we’ve included picnic spots for every occasion.
Whether you’re after a romantic date spot, somewhere to let the kids run wild, or just a patch of grass to laze away a sunny afternoon, we think you will find it on this list. And the best part? Most of these beauties are just a train, bus or ferry ride away. Meaning you can leave the car at home and forget hunting for a parking spot.
So grab your picnic basket, round up your family or friends (or your dog for our pet-friendly picks), and get out there to explore.
Got a favourite picnic spot we’ve missed? Drop us a line or share it in our Facebook group. We’re always on the hunt for new places to spread out our picnic rug!
Want more ideas? Check out these
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Parks in Sydney
- An ABC of the Most Beautiful Gardens in Sydney
- Take a walk around Cremorne Point
- Take a coastal walk in Sydney
- Check out these picnic spots in the Blue Mountains
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
