Few cities in the world offer so many incredible places for a picnic as Sydney does. On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than setting up for a lazy afternoon with your family or friends. What makes Sydney even more special is that there are dozens to suit your needs. Whether it’s a green parkland, a beautiful beach, or a waterside spot with harbour views, there’s a great spot for everyone.
So whether you’re looking for somewhere with the wow-factor, or something a little more secluded, we’ll have the perfect spot for you.
1. Clontarf Reserve, Northern Beaches
Perfect for a family day out, Clontarf Reserve offers the best of Sydney – lush parklands, sparkling harbour views, and a calm beach for swimming. Set opposite the Spit Bridge, it’s a scenic spot where you can relax under the trees, enjoy a swim, and take in the marina and hillside homes. With barbecues, picnic tables, a playground, a local café, toilets, and its own car park, it’s got everything you need for an easy, laid-back day by the water.
2. Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
Picnic under the Harbour Bridge with front-row views of the Opera House at Bradfield Park – one of Sydney’s most iconic picnic spots. Just steps from Luna Park and the Olympic Pool, it’s perfect for a fun-filled day out. While there are no barbecues, you’ll find picnic benches, a playground, toilets, and easy access via Milsons Point Station.
3. Nielsen Park, Vaucluse
Nielson Park in Vaucluse is another dream picnic spot, with a mixture of parkland, harbour views and a beach. It has the biggest beach and swimming area, so this is the place to head to if you fancy a beach day on the harbour. If that isn’t enough exertion, you can also walk the Hermitage Foreshore Walk to the numerous other hidden beaches and coves such as Queens Beach.
Alongside the beach and enclosed swimming area, Nielsen Park has some big lawn areas with 3 large sheltered picnic areas, meaning you can choose the style of picnic you like.
4. Shark Island, Sydney Harbour
Want to seriously impress with your next picnic? Shark Island offers a rare slice of Sydney seclusion, complete with sweeping harbour views, grassy spaces, barbecues, and facilities. Accessible only by water taxi or a 1km kayak from Rose Bay, it’s a true adventure – and one of Sydney’s most unforgettable picnic spots.
5. Centennial Park, Eastern Suburbs
For a classic parkland picnic, Centennial Park delivers. Spanning 360 hectares, it’s one of Sydney’s largest green spaces, with sprawling lawns, shady picnic areas, and peaceful ponds that make you feel a world away from the city. Book a picnic spot with benches and barbecues – or simply rock up and pick your favourite spot.
6. Royal Botanic Garden, CBD
The Botanic Gardens are no secret, but they’re still a picnic spot that is hard to beat. This huge expanse of beautiful gardens offers stunning harbour views and ample space to pick your spot under a giant fig tree for the afternoon.
You can also go on a walking tour and visit the iconic Mrs Macquaries Chair, which has one of the best sunset views in Sydney.
7. Barangaroo, CBD
Sydney’s newest picnic hotspot, Barangaroo Reserve, combines harbourfront views, plenty of green space, and barbecues – all right in the heart of the city. Cool off with a swim at the nearby Marrinawi Cove before settling in for a relaxed picnic with unbeatable views of the Harbour Bridge and North Shore.
