The Best Picnic Spots in Sydney for Alfresco Feasting
For lunch with a view, pack up a food hamper, crack open the Champagne and take your pick from the best picnic spots in Sydney!
Whether you’re looking to score some brownie points or you just love an outdoor first date, Sydney has no shortage of dazzling waterfront locations dotted across our harbour line to roll out the picnic rug.
The humble act of picnicking has had a resurgence in recent years thanks to COVID, and the once underrated activity is now something we'll forever appreciate.
So, grab the girls or pamper your partner – here are the best picnic spots in Sydney with a jaw-dropping view for a lunch date with a difference.
Tamarama Park
On a warm day, you’ll want to ditch the Bondi to Bronte walk and snag a table early here - 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
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 your furry friend if you’re canine-inclined. They’re permitted off the leash here.
Leichhardt Street, Glebe
Wendy’s Secret Garden
One step inside this magical little haven, and you'll be instantly transported into another world - despite its North Sydney address.
This enchanting garden - which Australian artist Wendy Whiteley created - is brimming with native plants and flowers that spill over every inch of greenery.
As the name suggests, this is one of the best secret picnic spots in Sydney, with so many picturesque corners to explore you’ll struggle to choose where to settle in for lunch.
Lavender Bay Parklands, North Sydney
Balmoral Beach
The grassy area along the promenade and the sandy shoreline of Balmoral Beach make for one of the best picnic spots in Sydney during the warmer months.
A popular harbour beach, idyllic fishing spots on Rocky Point and large fig trees that provide ample shade for wedding celebrations and family reunions are only some of the reasons this is one of Sydney’s most loved harbourside destinations.
Oh, and the views are spectacular, extending out to Hunters Bay and North Head.
The Esplanade, Mosman
Ballast Point Park
An old oil refinery converted into a picturesque park, Ballast Point Park celebrates its heritage through design, art, and poetry. The views of Sydney Harbour (including Goat Island, Barangaroo, and Balls Head Reserve) make a beautiful backdrop for a lunch date à deux.
There is a network of paths catering to cyclists and walkers with lookout areas that offer incredible views across Sydney Harbour. Yet to be discovered by many, this is one place where a quiet afternoon is still possible as one of the best secret spots in Sydney.
Ballast Point Road, Birchgrove
Wattamolla Picnic Area
Wattamolla Picnic Area is a dreamy location hidden within the spectacular scenery of the Royal National Park, where you’ll find a tranquil lagoon among native bushland.
Set up your picnic under a cabbage tree palm before cooling off with a swim in the lagoon or beach. Be sure to check out the viewing platform close to Wattamolla Falls which overlooks the lagoon and out to sea.
Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park
Cremorne Point
From the small lighthouse at Robertson’s Point to beyond the Maccallum Seawater Pool, this Harbourside oasis offers unparalleled views across the water to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. With its ferry wharf, getting to and from the park is always a breeze.
The ferry ride across sets the scene for a day by the water. It’s a local haunt by day, but as the sun goes down, it’s the perfect spot for an alfresco feast for two. On a balmy day, the Maccallum Pool is the perfect place to cool off.
Milson Road, Cremorne
Clontarf Reserve
Sitting opposite The Spit Bridge, Clontarf Reserve is a popular spot by day – this is where Sydneysiders come to swim in the waters of Middle Harbour and laze beneath leafy treetops.
When the sun starts to set (and the families have left) the romance factor kicks in and this transforms into one of the best picnic spots in Sydney.
Clontarf Reserve has its own harbour beach, BBQs, and sprawling fig trees. Arrive before the sun dips and you can grab a bite or an ice cream at the local cafe.
Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf
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, an epic playground and a great cafe - all 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 on your picnic rug.
Little Manly Point
Freshwater View Reserve
One of the best-kept secret picnic spots in Sydney, Freshwater View Reserve is a peaceful and secluded spot overlooking Freshwater Beach.
Upon walking through the stone archway, you're treated to a secret garden all to yourself (depending on the time of day - but more often than not, not a soul is around!)
It's little wonder why this glorious location is popular with picnic-goers and wedding parties alike. Oh, and it also has picnic tables too! Win-win.
29 Pavilion Street, Queenscliff
Dudley Page Reserve
With good looks and panoramic views in spades, this Eastern Suburbs park is just the place to roll out the picnic rug and munch on a delicious antipasto board.
As one of the Eastern Suburb’s most popular spots to watch the NYE fireworks, you’ll find that from every corner of the reserve there is a picture-perfect vista of the city skyline.
Military Road and Lancaster Road, Dover Heights
Clifton Gardens
The calm waters of Chowder Bay, a large playground and open parkland make Clifton Gardens one of the best picnic spots in Sydney.
Nestled deep within the Mosman enclave, the views are spectacular, reaching out across Vaucluse and the Eastern Suburbs.
Whether you’re here for the water, a barbeque by the harbour or a meandering bushwalk through adjoining Chowder Head and Sydney Harbour National Park – when the sun is out, this is the spot to be for the day.
Clifton Gardens, Morella Road, Mosman
Biddigal Reserve (aka The Grassy Knoll)
Known to locals as the Grassy Knoll, Biddigal Reserve sits on a hill and overlooks the iconic Bondi Beach. Boasting plenty of green space, barbeque facilities, a playground and sculptures and a Messina ice cream van - which is a favourite during the warmer months.
The reserve has direct access to Bondi Beach and the ocean-wading pool. Wander down along the rocky path to the eastern point of North Bondi rocks and enjoy the incredible views down the coastline.
Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi
Clarkes Point
Taking a prime position in one of Sydney’s more affluent suburbs, this Woolwich location holds an east-facing aspect with an uninterrupted view of the Harbour Bridge and beyond.
The sprawling parkland boasts plenty of out-of-the-way spots for you to set up your picnic rug. If you find yourself short on drinks, Woolwich Pier Hotel is just up the road.
Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich Road, Woolwich
Shark Island
This secluded spot is a little trickier to get to, but believe us it's well worth the effort to get to Shark Island. The privacy and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour alone make this one of the best picnic spots in Sydney.
By virtue of its nature (as an island) you’re unlikely to be battling with crowds for prime position, and while the island has a bathroom and picnic tables, be sure to pack carefully as you’ll have to head back to shore if you’ve forgotten the sandwiches!
Shark Island, Sydney Harbour
McKell Park
Hidden just beneath the sumptuous properties of Darling Point, this waterside hideaway’s terraced slopes are made for long afternoons spent lounging on the grass and making your way through a cheeseboard.
The Darling Point ferry wharf is just around the corner from McKell Park, making transport a complete breeze. If you want to cool off, be sure to go for a wade in the shallow harbour waters.
Darling Point Road, Darling Point
Nielsen Park
Sitting within Sydney Harbour National Park, Nielsen Park boasts impressive views over Port Jackson and Mosman. The parkland is home to large fig trees which provide shade in abundance and the adjoining Shark Beach has calm waters to cool off in.
An enclosed harbourside swimming area, a kiosk, and walking tracks that hug the foreshore make Nielson Park a picnic hot spot.
Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse
Balls Head Reserve
Quietly tucked away on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Balls Head Reserve is urban bushland that hugs the harbour. The views extend across the west side of the harbour, taking in the Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, and Balmain.
There is also a string of walking trails to explore and the picnic facilities (including barbeques and sheltered picnic tables) make this a popular spot for an alfresco feast.
Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Blues Point Reserve
Popular with locals and visitors alike, this picnic hangout is all about the jaw-dropping views of the western side of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Harbour.
Don’t be surprised to stumble across the occasional wedding, camera-wielding tourist, or family gathering. Come New Year’s Eve, Blue’s Point Reserve is one of the top spots to watch the spectacular fireworks show.
Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Pirrama Park
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the inner city, Pirrama Park is a tranquil harbourside oasis scattered with leafy trees, plentiful green space, and an array of alfresco essentials – think picnic and barbecue areas, playgrounds and a floating pontoon for boats.
As for the view: Johnstons Bay across to Balmain in one direction and Barangaroo and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the other. Bliss.
Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Echo Point Park
If absolute seclusion is high on the agenda for your next outing, Echo Point Park in Roseville is just the place as one of the best secret picnic spots in Sydney.
Located on the waters of Middle Harbour, you can secure a tranquil place to set up a picnic among the tiered garden landscaping or picnic tables.
Watch boats languidly make their way in and out of Echo Point Marina as you cook up a meal on one of the park’s BBQs.
Babbage Road, Roseville Chase
Want to keep the good times in the outdoors going? Take a look at our guide to the best rooftop bars in Sydney, then take a squiz at our round-up of the best BBQ spots in Sydney with a view.
