The best picnic spots in Sydney
It is one of Australia’s most prestigious pieces of real estate, and the great news is anyone can take advantage of Sydney’s glamourous harbour precinct when it comes to the humble picnic.
Blessed with an abundance of green havens, waterside nooks and, naturally, some exquisite harbourfront lookouts, escaping Sydney’s hustle and bustle is a veritable cinch with our go-list picnic locations.
As always, the advice here is to arrive early, especially in summer and on weekends, pack smart and check the facilities before your arrival. And leave the area as you found it!
1. Royal Botanic Garden (Mrs Macquarie’s Area)
Arguably the jewel in the crown of Sydney’s picnic settings, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers expanses of lawn, shady spots under old trees, and uninterrupted views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the harbour beyond.
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, located within the Royal Botanic Garden’s boundaries, offers a glimpse into Sydney’s history too. The chair was carved out of a sandstone rock ledge by convicts in 1810, commissioned by Governor Macquarie for his wife Elizabeth.
2. Barangaroo Reserve
Sydney’s latest harbour-front development offers panoramic views of Darling Harbour, the city skyline and harbour foreshore. The landscaping has been designed to incorporate walking paths, lookouts and grassed areas to settle in.
You can take in plenty of Barangaroo by foot if you’re feeling adventurous, too. It offers a beautiful passageway between the Darling Harbour and Circular Quay precinct, including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
3. Centennial Park
The ponds, gardens, open meadows, and shady trees of Centennial Park can feel a world away from Sydney’s stop-start traffic.
You can picnic, ride bikes, explore walking trails, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon immersed in greenery. There are several walking loops available, right through to a 9.3km track. And for those who like a good walk spoiled, Centennial is home to one of Sydney’s best public golf courses and a 60-bay driving range.
4. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden (Lavender Bay)
A beautifully intimate spot tucked behind the North Shore line, this garden draws many visitors for its quirky charm, lush planting and glimpses of harbour views through the foliage.
Its quieter locale makes for a more contemplative experience, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of inner city.
5. Balls Head Reserve (on the north shore)
If you're seeking a bushland-meets-harbour setting, Balls Head Reserve is a gem. It offers shady woodland, walking trails, and commanding views over the harbour and skyline.
The area is also steeped in Indigenous history, with historic sites adorned in art and rock engravings.
An on-site café means you can create an impromptu picnic of sorts if you haven’t prepared something earlier.
Umpteen walking locations dotted around the reserve mean your picnic break doesn’t have to be strictly stationary, either.
6. Bradleys Head Amphitheatre and Headland Walk
Set within the Sydney Harbour National Park –not far from the glamourous suburb of Mosman – this spot is iconic. Sweeping harbour views are assured, including Fort Denison, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The amphitheatre (on a grassy slope) makes an especially dramatic setting, a favourite among budding photographers, fishing enthusiasts, and picnic-makers alike.
7. Clontarf Reserve
Located just behind Clontarf Beach and tidal pool and overlooking the water of Middle Harbour, Clontarf Reserve gives you both a picnic setting and easy access to swimming.
It’s a great pick if you want to combine your picnic with a dip in the water, complete with a playground, on-site café, BBQ areas and picnic tables.
The reserve is also one of council's off-leash dog areas and is unfenced. A word to the wise – the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.
8. Fitzpatrick Park, Picnic Point
If you’re keen to escape the busyness of Sydney’s inner city, take a drive to Fitzpatrick Park at Picnic Point.
The flat expanses offer an excellent retreat for frisbee throwing, a bbq lunch, or soaking up some sunshine. Being located on the banks of the Georges River, you can cast a line for luderick, mullet or mulloway, go boating or paddling from the nearby boat ramp.
9. Observatory Hill Park (Millers Point)
Lauded as Australia’s first public observatory, this stunning vantage point in North Sydney affords wonderful views across the harbour and the northern suburbs.
It’s perfect for a late afternoon or evening picnic where you want to soak in the city lights.
10. Nielsen Park, Vaucluse
If you like your water views, you’ll love Nielsen Park for a picnic location.
It features lawned picnic zones, big trees, sheltered areas and, of course, easy access to a beautiful harbour beach.
The area boasts three large, sheltered picnic areas and generous shade from the surrounding fig trees. Nearby Shark Beach doesn’t sound particularly tempting by name, but trust us, it’s tranquil and stunning.
