21 of the Best Picnic Spots in Sydney
Today we bring you 21 of what we think are the best picnic spots in Sydney. Some are well known, some are a little off the radar, but all are places we are sure you will enjoy visiting. Better still, they all can be reached by public transport!
Nothing beats lunch outdoors on a sunny day and thankfully even in winter packing a picnic and getting outdoors is a great way to spend an afternoon in Sydney. Often the most stressful part of having a picnic in Sydney is finding parking so to make life easier, we have added public transport info so you can leave the car at home.
Where known we have added details on accessibility and whether your dog is welcome to come along on your outing. We add to this regularly whenever we find a new spot; it has grown from just 5 picnic spots in 2015 to 21 great places to spread your picnic rug.
Picnic Spots with views of Sydney Harbour
Picnic areas in Sydney to the south and west side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge are some of the most beautiful spots you will find and perfect for those on a short visit to Sydney
The Royal Botanic Gardens
For an impromptu picnic, it is hard to go past the Botanic Garden. 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.
While there are no specific picnic facilities here
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 minutes 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 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. 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 this park has helped to open up a whole new vista for Sydney. 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)
From a former base of the Water Police, and a dockyard, Pirrama Park, has revitalised this part of the foreshore, winning 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?
- Excellent 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
One of the four Glebe foreshore parks that hug the water on this western side of the harbour. Blackwattle Bay Park opened in 1983 on former industrial land and 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. Sydney has 6 UNESCO sites, and this is one of the biggest.
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; 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
- No BYO but you can drink in the licenced 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
You can also camp or book a residence on the island if you would like to stay longer. 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 to 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.
It was here that in 1817 Governor Macquarie awarded Billy Blue 80 acres of land here and 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 cities ugliest building, for 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
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 Berry Island is a great picnic spot that is virtually deserted during the week and a perfect place for a romantic picnic and harbour front walk. 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?
- 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 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 National Trust listed Rex and Ruby Gardens
- 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
Walk off your picnic lunch by taking the lovely Cremorne Point Walk
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, and 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 to the headland.
Dog-friendly: Bradley’s Head is not dog friendly.
Balmoral Beach
Located in Mosman on the lower North Shore is actually named after Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The two beaches here are separated by a rocky island where 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
- 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, visit mid-week if you want some solitude.
There is no playground, so not the best place if you are looking for somewhere for the kids to burn off steam. 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
This large park and harbour beach are best known for its iron bridge that spans its bay. There is a large grassy area and plenty of Morton 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.
There is plenty of space to 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 is removed for the winter
- BBQs – but this is a very popular spot 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. There is the large Robinson Park by the ferry wharf, with 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.
We have a whole page covering the walks around Watsons Bay if you would like to know more.
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. Where ever 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 harbour beach
- 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 make sure if you plan to meet friends here you have checked the map on their website before you head out.
Why Picnic in Centennial Park
- Eight free Electric BBQs Check the website for locations
- 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, Bronte Park is my pick for an eastern suburbs picnic. With its cute little picnic huts and eight gas BBQs. It’s got everything you need for a perfect day in the sun.
The park backs the beach, and there is also an ocean pool which is great for kids.
Best mid-week if you have the luxury of not working 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. You can return to the ferry wharf from North Head if you don’t want to retrace your steps. 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 and just 3km south of the airport is home to Lady Robinsons Beach, Sydney’s longest beach. The 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
- Great boardwalk and bike track to stretch the legs after you eat
- Watch the locals flying kites and kitesurf
- 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. Named after the local aboriginal tribe Darook is a pretty sheltered spot on Gunamatta 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
From the station, you can do a loop walk 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.
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
Looking for even more Sydney picnic spots? Join our Sydney Expert Facebook Group and ask the community where they like to go for their picnics. It’s also a great way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Sydney and meet a bunch of friendly locals just waiting to share their advice!
