Ready for an adventure? Pack your basket and lay out your blanket as we’ve found the best picnic spots in Sydney for you to enjoy!
Sydney, with its stunning natural landscapes, offers handfuls of picturesque picnic spots that cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favourite hangout, somewhere romantic or maybe a picnic spot with a view, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a leisurely picnic in Sydney.
So, just in time for the warmer months ahead of us, we’ve curated a list to the best picnic spots in Sydney – whether that be pristine beaches, lush parks, adventure-packed bushland or serene gardens. Pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket and spend a day enjoying the great outdoors at one of these best picnic spots in Sydney!
Photographed by Taras Vyshnya. Image via Shutterstock.
Balls Head Reserve
Looking for one of the best picnic spots in Sydney with a view? Look no further than Balls Head Reserve! Located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve offers stunning front-row views of the city skyline and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. With its bushland setting and walking trails, it’s an excellent spot for a peaceful picnic. Just don’t forget your blanket and snacks!
Photographed by Hamilton Lund. Image via Destination NSW.
Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
With views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison, it’s easy to understand why Bradleys Head Amphitheatre is considered as one of the best picnic spots in Sydney. Located in Mosman, this popular picnic area is a go-to for locals and Sydneysiders alike thanks to its scenic waterfront spot that’s perfect to visit on a sunny day. With paid parking available nearby, Bradleys Head Amphitheatre also has public toilets onsite, but you will need to bring your own shade.
Photographed by Andre & Dominique. Image via Destination NSW.
Bronte Park
Planning a picnic in the warmer months of the year? Then there’s no better picnic spot in Sydney than Bronte Park. Nestled between the cliffs of Bronte Beach, Bronte Park is a delightful picnic spot with free barbecue facilities and a playground for kids. But, if you’re planning on taking a refreshing dip or walk along the beach, just don’t forget to pack a towel and some sunscreen. Regardless if you’re here to lay out a blanket, catch some waves or watch the sun set, Bronte Park is a fantastic location for a beachside picnic on those warmer days!
Photographed by Catrin Haze. Image via Shutterstock.
Centennial Park
One of Sydney’s largest natural gems, Centennial Park is home to a plethora of beautiful moments including vistas, gardens, ponds and more. The park stretches across 189 hectares, so despite its immense popularity, there’s always plenty of room for a secret picnic for visitors to admire and enjoy the surrounds. You might even spot a wedding ceremony on the weekend! After one visit you’ll soon realise why it’s one of the best picnic spots in Sydney!
Photographed by Guy Williment. Image via Destination NSW.
Manly Dam
This next one may be surprising to some, but Manly Dam is considered as one of the best picnic spots in Sydney and for a good reason. Apart from the untouched and rugged bushland setting, Manly Dam has buckets full of picnic areas for guests to choose from. And, if you want something to do on your next picnic here, Manly Dam is also home to plenty of bushwalking and mountain biking trails for the entire family to enjoy. Picturesque and the ideal backdrop for your next outdoor outing!
Photographed by RugliG. Image via Shutterstock.
Milk Beach
Looking for one of the best spots for an adventure picnic in Sydney? Tucked away in the affluent suburb of Vaucluse, Milk Beach is a hidden gem offering incredible front-row views of Sydney Harbour. It’s a small, secluded beach with shady spots for picnicking and is perfect for a quiet day away from the city bustle. Just note, parking can be tricky on hotter days as Milk Beach is a go-to for locals and Sydneysiders alike.
Photographed by katacarix. Image via Shutterstock.
Nielsen Park
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Vaucluse, Nielsen Park provides the perfect blend of harbour views and tranquility. The park features a shark-netted swimming area and picnic facilities, making it a great spot for a family day out. Making our list as one of the Best Secluded Walking Tracks in Sydney, although the park itself boasts plenty of space to wander through, we also recommend walking along the foreshore towards South Head.
Photographed by Daniel Boud. Image via Destination NSW.
Observatory Hill
With panoramic views of Sydney city, Observatory Hill is one of our favourite picnic spots in the CBD. Tucked away in Millers Point, Observatory Hill is one picnic area that not only boasts jaw-dropping views, but it also has an interesting history to discover. If you’re wanting something more than just gorgeous scenery to keep you occupied, Observatory Hill is also a popular destination for weddings, dog walkers (off leash is allowed) and picnickers. So grab your picnic blanket and snacks and head on up to Observatory Hill this weekend!
Photographed by Guy Williment. Image via Destination NSW.
Palm Beach
Located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, just over an hour’s drive out of the CBD, Palm Beach is a stunning destination for a coastal picnic. Well worth the drive, here the golden sands and pristine waters make it an ideal spot for beachside picnicking with family and friends. Better yet, make the most of your visit with our Travel Guide to Palm Beach that’s filled with all of the best places to eat and all of the best things to do!
Photographed by Jem Cresswell. Image via Destination NSW.
Royal Botanic Garden
Located in the heart of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Garden is a lush oasis offering a tranquil setting for picnics. With its diverse plant life and unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing day out. Parking can be limited at times, but there’s no better way to see all of Sydney than by arriving via train with Circular Quay station less than a 10-minute walk away.
Photographed by Anna Kucera. Image via Destination NSW.
Sydney Park
When Sydney Park first comes to mind, you would think that it’s tucked away in the CBD. However, this urban oasis is actually situated in the inner-city suburb of Alexandria. An expansive park to say the least, Sydney Park has wetlands, rolling hills and an impressive playground for kids. A fantastic destination for a city picnic, after one visit you’ll realise why this park is considered as one of the best parks in Sydney for picnics!
Photographed by Daniel Tran. Image via Destination NSW.
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Enchanting and charismatic. If you’re searching for a romantic picnic spot in Sydney with a view, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is for you. This hidden gem is tucked away in Lavender Bay and found just a short walk from Luna Park. Lush, whimsical and meticulously kept, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is well loved thanks to its many hidden corners and cosy nooks that are perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Stop splashing around, we’ve listed the 10 Best Beaches in Sydney here. Or take a walk on the wild side with this guide to the 8 Most Spectacular Scenic Hikes in New South Wales.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Eora Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
