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’s dozens to suit your needs, whether it’s a green parkland, beautiful beach or 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.
The Best Picnic Spots in Sydney
1. Clontarf Reserve, Northern Beaches
Clontarf Reserve is a place that has a bit of everything and is one of the best picnic spots for a family day out. This beautiful green space is situated on the harbour, directly opposite the Spit Bridge. It has those iconic Sydney views of the harbour, the boats in the marina and the houses rising up on the hills around you.
However, the truly special thing about Clontarf is the beach and secluded swimming area on the harbour. This means you can simply walk out from the shade of the trees and have a dip to cool off.
We also love the facilities here as it’s perfect for families. Clontarf Reserve is equipped with barbecues, picnic tables, a local cafe, toilets and a playground, as well as its own car park, meaning you don’t have to go far with all your gear.
2. Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
Fancy a picnic under an international icon with a view to another? Then Bradfield Park is a place that packs the wow-factor in terms of Sydney Picnic Spots. This picturesque park lies under the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and looks across the main part of Sydney Harbour to the Opera House. It’s only metres away from the Olympic Pool and Luna Park, which makes it a great part of a day out.
Whilst it doesn’t have barbecues, it does have a playground, toilets and picnic benches. It’s also a great spot to visit by public transport as it’s a short walk away from Milson’s Point Train Station.
3. Nielsen Park, Vaucluse
Nelson Park in Vaucluse is another dream picnic spot, with a mixture of parkland, harbour views and a beach. Out of those on the list so far, Nielsen Park 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
If you’re looking to impress someone with your picnic, then head to Shark Island. This small uninhabited island is the most unique picnic spot in Sydney, boasting isolation that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the city! Add on sweeping views of the harbour and a grassy area to enjoy your lunch.
Surprisingly, Shark Island has barbecues and facilities to create the perfect picnic. However, the only way to get here is to book a water taxi or the more adventurous can kayak their way across the 1km stretch of water from Rose Bay.
5. Centennial Parklands, Eastern Suburbs
If you’re looking for a more traditional parkland picnic, then Centennial Parklands is a great choice. Spanning over 360 hectares, Centennial Parklands is one of Sydney’s largest and most diverse green spaces, and you can pretty quickly feel like you’re a million miles away from the city.
With sprawling lawns, tranquil ponds, and shady picnic areas, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely picnic surrounded by nature. There are several spots you can choose to book in advance with picnic benches and barbecues, but you can also just 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 have stunning harbour views and ample space to pick your own spot under a giant fig tree for the afternoon.
You can also pair it with a visit to the iconic Mrs Macquaries Chair, which has one of the best sunset views in the whole of Sydney.
7. Barangaroo, CBD
The newest addition to Sydney’s picnic spots, Barangaroo’s inner city location provides incredible views across the harbour to the Harbour Bridge and the North Shore. It’s another waterside location with ample space for a picnic, as well as providing barbecues.
It’s also one of the few spots where you can cool off with a dip in the middle of the harbour at the newly opened swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove.
