Sydney's Best Parks for a BBQ with a View

As the weather warms up with spring just around the corner, there's nothing better than spending a sunny afternoon barbequing with family and friends. But if you're short of outdoor space, there are plenty of spots to sprawl out in with a delicious barbecue spread and a jaw-dropping view to boot.

So, to help, we've whittled down some of the best places to throw some prawns or a snag on the barbie, complete with an epic harbour or coastal view. These are the best BBQ parks across Sydney for a picture-perfect day out. 

Northbridge Baths

A sanga and a swim - it doesn't get much better than this! Sitting on the edge of Middle Harbour, the Northbridge Baths are surrounded by pristine bushland and grandiose homes. Perfect for families and much loved by the locals, the tidal bath has a jetty for jumping, barbeques, change rooms, toilets and parking. Enjoy the harbour foreshore from a tranquil location close to the city yet in the middle of nature.

Widgiewa Road, Northbridge

Berry Island Reserve

Berry Island Reserve steals the show on a foreshore that’s bordered by beautiful, connecting parks. Linked to the mainland by a wide grassed causeway, walking trails link the parks, with Badangi Reserve being the gateway to Waverton and Gore Cove Reserve and on into Greenwich. Berry Island Reserve not only boasts views over Sydney Harbour but fantastic barbeque, picnic and playground facilities, making it a popular spot for families.

10 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft

Clifton Gardens Reserve

A beachside barbeque setup with undercover picnic tables, a play area for the kids and a basketball court - what more do you want? Sitting next to the Sydney Harbour National Park, the waterside gardens boast toilets, generous shade and even enclosed baths. A barbeque lunch can be interrupted by jetty walks and ocean dips while a post-barbeque trail walk to Bradley’s Head comes highly recommended.

Morella Road, Mosman

Pirrama Park

Tucked away at the back of Pyrmont, Pirrama Park is all about barbeques with a view. One of the most frequented and sought-after picnic locations in the city’s west, the park offers an array of activities as well as desirable views.

Nestled in a sheltered bay, there’s a playground complete with a splash feature, cafés, floating pontoons and access for private boats to pull up close by. Grab a table before midday and stay until the sun sets.

Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

Blackwattle Bay Park

One of the most relaxed options the Inner West has to offer, a barbeque at Blackwattle Bay Park is on the top of many locals’ lists. There’s a wide range of barbeques parkside, with impressive views of the Anzac Bridge and Rozelle Bay. We recommend riding bikes in (or at least around the bay) and bringing the dog if you’re canine-inclined. They’re permitted off the leash here.

Leichhardt Street, Glebe

Rodd Park

Rodd Park is one of the most stunning BBQ spots in the Inner West. With views out to Parramatta River and Rodd Island, the park has sheltered picnic tables, BBQ facilities and loos. As soon as you set up camp, you'll understand why it's such a popular wedding ceremony location too! The views are nothing short of phenomenal. 

86P Henley Marine Dr, Rodd Point

North Bondi Grassy Knoll

Make like a local and barbeque at the North Bondi Grassy Knoll. It’s Bondi, so it’s best to get in early, which makes a barbeque breakfast a good option here. Snatch up a coin-operated barbeque (or BYO), throw some eggs and bacon on the grill, then jump into the ocean for the ultimate Aussie wake-up call. There’s a multitude of facilities here from change rooms, toilets and showers over at the North Bondi SLSC.

75 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi

Coogee Beach

The wide, sprawling beach of Coogee is packed every weekend in summer with backpackers and families. The beach is child friendly and extends up to the lawn where a handful of barbeques sit. An abundant list of facilities is close by from toilets and showers to playgrounds and picnic tables. And if you run short of supplies, the shops are close at hand. The best part, the beach is right there.

Beach Street, Coogee

Tamarama Park

On a warm day, you’ll want to ditch the Bondi to Bronte walk and snag a table early here, but it’s well worth the early arrival. A popular haunt among Eastern Suburbs locals, this small park has a handful of sheltered barbeques and sits behind Tamarama Beach.

There are playgrounds, cafes, volleyball nets and the ocean just begs for a dip. We recommend waves first, snags later and as many hours as possible of picnicking.

Tamarama Park, Tamarama

Bronte Beach 

Another eastern suburbs hangout that is teeming with people - and for good reason. Boasting a beautiful beach and ocean pool that is merely steps away from a sprawling park with plenty of green space, sheltered picnic tables and barbeques. It is a popular picnic spot so arrive early to grab a table and settle in for the day.   

Bronte Road, Bronte

Collaroy Beach

Sheltered barbeques and picnic tables sit beside popular Collaroy Beach and they fill up relatively quickly on warm days. With unrivalled rockpools, good swimming and surfing conditions (yes, even for learners) it makes a perfect Sunday afternoon pitstop for a homemade beachside bite. There’s also a barbeque inside the enclosed playground, but you’ll have to arrive early to beat the competition.

Pittwater Road, Collaroy

Dee Why Beach

Seemingly made for families and social gatherings, Dee Why Beach is the place to be for a barbie by the beach. The barbeques are positioned next to the fenced-in playground and you have uninterrupted views of Dee Why Beach while you cook (#winning). There's plenty of grass to run on, plus a beach and ocean pool that has kids tripping over themselves to get into.  

The Strand, Dee Why

Clontarf Reserve

With impressive views over Middle Harbour, Clontarf Reserve is a picturesque park that comes complete with harbour swimming, a shaded playground and a handful of electric barbeques. A popular haunt for families and big groups who love to cook their lunch on the barbie while watching the yachts glide past.

There’s ample shade, calm water for the kids to splash around in and an enormous new playground that recently opened, so you won’t be leaving until dusk hits.

Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf

Shelly Beach

For one of the best BBQ parks in Sydney, look no further than Shelly Beach in Manly. Get in early to snag one of the public BBQs and soak up the breathtaking beauty of the area. Have a dip in the calm waters in front of you, or wander around to the Fairy Bower Ocean Pool, just a few minutes up the walkway. 

It's also right next to the popular Boathouse café if you need a caffeine fix and there are public toilets close by, too. 

Shelly Beach, Manly

Little Manly Point 

Little Manly Point has all the key ingredients for an unforgettable day outdoors - amazing BBQ facilities, stunning views of the harbour, a nearby beach and café, an epic playground and it's just a short walk from the centre of Manly.

Considered the hidden gem of the seaside suburb, this beautiful area is a favourite with locals, plus the newly revamped playground will keep the littlies entertained for hours while you soak up the sun. 

Little Manly Point

Western Sydney Parklands

Western Sydney Parklands is a top contender when it comes to the best BBQ parks in Sydney. They make barbie parties a breeze; they’ve got you covered with their 70-plus electric barbies scattered across the park. But if you and your mates like your fave food grilled the old school way, Nurragingy Reserve offers wood-fired barbecues available for use, with wood supplied by Blacktown City Council. The only catch is that you’ve got to beat the crowd in reserving a barbie, otherwise, you’ll have to bring along your own gas barbecues.

While grilling, you can enjoy the vast park’s picnic spots and adjacent dog parks, or hop on a bike and challenge yourself to explore Australia’s biggest mountain bike and BMX hub.

Wallgrove Rd, Eastern Creek

Northern Apron Park, Cockatoo Island

For those seeking a laid-back barbie experience, Sydney's Cockatoo Island is a fantastic BBQ park you can visit with the family. At the Northern Apron Park, free BBQ facilities are available for use, but for bigger groups, it’s wiser to book a spot (for a fee) at the Campground kitchen, where hungry campers are equipped with 10 barbies, boiling water, and microwaves for those who want a speedy snag. Plus, there's a communal fire pit you can use (weather permitting, of course), for those late-night marshmallow toasting sessions. And because every good camping trip needs a blockbuster, the Campground Cinema ensures your nights are filled with flicks under the stars. Just remember to BYO food, including those crucial BBQ supplies, or better yet, pre-purchase a BBQ pack from Cockatoo Overboard.

Bicentennial Park

If you're not too keen to leave the city to grill, then the Bicentennial Park is a cool BBQ park in Sydney, where you can have a smoking good time in its 40-hectare space. It's a sprawling haven for those who like their barbies with a side of serenes sights. Picture this: flame-grilled meats, footy matches, coolers brimming with ice, and picnic blankets spread out under the warm sun. Get your grill game on, then meander through mangroves, pedal through parklands, or catch the wetlands view from the top of Treillage Tower. Just beware – primo barbecue spots vanish quicker than a snag on the barbie, so stake your claim early!

5 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park

Enjoyed the best BBQ parks in Sydney and are keen for more springtime inspo? Check out our guide for the best things to do this month, along with our edit of the coolest rooftop bars in Sydney for those warmer evenings.