Best Picnic Spots in Sydney

With its lovely weather and gorgeous natural scenery Sydney is a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Blessed with a plethora of beautiful beaches, lookouts, parks and waterfront settings, the options for picnic spots are wide and varied. Indeed you could easily visit a new picnic spot every day of the year in the city, and still not see the half of them.

Whether you are looking for a picnic spot with a beautiful view of the harbour, a picturesque garden, or a park with plenty of space for the kids to run around in, Sydney has it all.

Here is a selection of some of the best of them.

Beare Park

Located in Elizabeth Bay, Beare Park is a great place to come for a family picnic.

Situated near the bottom of Ithaca Road, adjacent to the bay, the park features a large grassy area that presents terrific views of the Sydney harbour. On a clear day, with the sun shining, the sight of the glistening water is quite intoxicating.

The park has a small, ship themed playground for children, that offers plenty of natural shade, and is noted for the impressive Beare Park canopy fountain.

There is also a nearby caf' at the marina, if you want to grab a coffee to go with your food.

  • Ithaca Rd, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011

McKell Park

Nestled on the shore of the Sydney Harbour, McKell Park is an excellent spot for a picnic.

Showcasing terrific views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and also Sydney Heads, the park takes the form of a number of grassy terraces that descend like steps to the foreshore of the harbour.

Beautifully landscaped, they feature manicured gardens, stately trees, sandstone sculptures and the gorgeous heritage listed Canonbury cottage ' which acts as a centrepiece for the park and is available to hire for wedding ceremonies and other events.

Located in Darling Point and accessed by ferry, this is a popular spot to see the sunset over the city as well.

  • 159 Darling Point Road, Darling Point

Illoura Reserve

The Illoura Reserve is another delightful picnic destination that serves up wonderful views of Darling Harbour and the CBD.

Taking its name from the aboriginal word meaning 'a pleasant place', which is a rather apt description; this reserve skirts the waterfront from the ferry wharf around East Balmain, all the way to Peacock Point.

A short ferry ride from Circular Quay, it is boasts sandstone cliffs and a beautiful park that is rich in native vegetation. There is also a lovely sandy beach at Peacock Point, as well as a tidal pool that is set among the cliffs.

Kids will love the playground here too.

  • Weston St, Leichhardt NSW 2041

Blackburn Gardens

Just a short walk from Double Bay Wharf lies the stunning Blackburn Gardens.

Beautifully maintained, this exquisite heritage garden affords breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and waterfront.

Adjoining Seven Shillings Beach, the iconic St Brigids building and the Murray Rose Pool, this garden showcases a manicured lawn that leads to a secret garden replete with a sundial and water feature. All of which provides a charming setting in which to lay down a blanket and tuck into your sandwiches on a sunny day.

The vibe here is always serene and relaxed, while its facilities include well maintained public toilets, park benches and tables.

  • New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is possibly one of the most intriguing sounding picnic spots in the whole of Sydney.

Framed against a backdrop of the Sydney Harbour, this 'secret' garden in Lavender Bay is a spectacular oasis of gorgeous flowers, native plants, fig trees and plenty of birdlife.

Hidden behind a now defunct railway line, this former derelict piece of land was transformed by Wendy Whiteley into a magnificent garden, in honour of her late husband, Brett Whitely, a prominent Australian artist.

Situated on a steep embankment that falls directly to the harbour, it is a tranquil place to enjoy a packed lunch or afternoon picnic.

Other Notable Picnic Spots in Sydney

There are a number of other notable spots in Sydney to enjoy a picnic. These include the following:

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

  • Federation Road, Lennox and, Church St, Newtown NSW 2042

Darling Quarter Park

Observatory Hill

  • 1001 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000

Bronte Park

  • Bronte NSW 2024

Ian Potter Wild Play Garden & Centennial Park