The sun is finally shining in Sydney and you’re ready to go out and meet with friends and family. Grab your picnic rug, put together some delicious snacks and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap. Sydney has so many beautiful picnic spots to choose from. Which makes it even harder to pick the best picnic spot! But don’t worry, from Harbour Bridge and water to gorgeous garden views, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few of our best Sydney picnic locations:
Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo
With manicured lawns, harbour views and large grassed areas, you will always be able to find the perfect picnic spot at Barangaroo Reserve. It’s also Sydney’s newest Harbour foreshore park, so you will definitely want to check it out. The reserve is just a short walk away from Barangaroo’s finest food outlets, where you can pick up a delicious picnic spread on the way to the reserve. Its prime position also allows you to choose the perfect view. Roll out the picnic blanket on the Stargazer Lawn to take in the views of Balmain across the water or set up around Millers Point to get that iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge view.
Centennial Parklands, Sydney
With more than 10 different lawns and landscapes to choose from, Centennial Parklands is a picnicker’s heaven. Pull up lakeside and watch the ducks swim peacefully while you enjoy a bite to eat, or if you are after a unique spot to set up, look no further than the Pine Grove for magical woodland vibes. The park also has cycling, horse riding and walking tracks throughout if you are looking to get in a spot of exercise during your day out in the sun. If you want to enjoy an exclusive area of the parklands, there are 12 bookable picnic sites to suit your picnic needs!
Dr Mary Booth Lookout, Kirribilli
If you are looking to enjoy stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while you nibble, look no further than Dr Mary Booth Lookout in Kirribilli. It is one of Sydney’s best picnic spots with incredible views of the harbour. Due to its popularity, on the weekends you might find yourself next to a baby shower or luxury picnic birthday setup and, if you are lucky, you might even get to watch a marriage proposal take place! But there is no better spot to watch the sun set over the city skyline. If you are wanting this gorgeous spot all to yourselves, we recommend going during the week when it is a lot quieter. Bonus: you can catch a ferry or water taxi to Jeffrey Street wharf to get there.
Copes Lookout, Kirribilli
If Dr Mary Booth Lookout is too busy for your liking, why not try its next-door neighbour, Copes Lookout. You’ll get the same incredible views in a more intimate space for your friends and family to enjoy. This picnic location offers more privacy for a romantic picnic for you and your special someone while you watch the sun go down and the city lights turn on. Bonus: you can catch a ferry or water taxi to Jeffrey Street wharf to get there.
Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney
One of our favourite picnic spots with unparalleled views of the Harbour Bridge is Blues Point Reserve. Set up your picnic here and you will have direct views of the bridge to take it in in all its glory. This picnic location usually isn’t too busy, so you will be able to find a place to set up for the day and enjoy the sunshine. The reserve also has a playground to keep those little ones occupied while you catch up with your friends. If you’re looking to propose to your partner here, you’ve found the perfect spot for a fairy-lit evening picnic! You can catch the harbour bridge lights turning on while you enjoy a charcuterie board with your new fiancé. Bonus: you can catch a ferry or water taxi to McMahons Point wharf to get there.
Quibaree Park, Lavender Bay
Another famous picnic spot located in Lavender Bay Parklands is Quibaree Park. Here, you will be able to get your fix of Sydney’s stunning harbour views including the famous Luna Park. Its manicured lawns and prime waterfront views make for a fabulous picnic location for the afternoon. There’s also a small beach at the base of the park if you want to dip your toes in the water on a hot summers’ day and a large fig tree to provide shade when you’ve had enough of the sun.
Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
If you’re looking for secret garden vibes for your weekend picnic, Wendy’s Secret Garden is the perfect spot for you to roll out your picnic rug! Just north of the Harbour Bridge, this is a public garden like no other. The gardens have been described as a living artwork, featuring orange trumpet flowers, bamboo, and stunning wildflowers. Find a quiet spot amongst the gardens and take in the beautiful scenery while snacking on cheese and crackers. If you are wanting to bring in a professional picnic styling or proposal planning company, you’ll need to book!
Looking for something a little further out of the CBD to broaden your picnic horizons? Here’s some of our favourite picnic locations in Greater Sydney.
Lane Cove National Park, Lane Cove
Lane Cove National Park has 6 different picnic spots to choose from for your next catch up with friends. Choose a serene spot down by the riverbank, a shady spot under the tall gum trees or opt for one of their undercover picnic areas with barbeque facilities for your next big cook up. The park has a number of great bushwalking tracks to explore before you sit down for a snack, making this a great spot for the perfect day out in nature. There’s also an onsite café if you are in need of a coffee or extra nibbles! You can also hire row boats or canoes here to enjoy some time on the river.
Rouse Hill Regional Park, Rouse Hill
If driving all the way to the city for an excellent spot doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not check out Rouse Hill Regional Park? Located in the Hills District, the park offers a wide-open space of beautiful gum trees and tall grass. There are playgrounds, walking and cycling tracks and even a maze for you to explore during your stay. This is the perfect picnic destination to bring the kids along, as they will have plenty to do while you enjoy your delicious picnic spread with the adults. The park features a number of large undercover picnic areas perfect for birthday parties and large family gatherings. Our favourite area for a romantic picnic is beside the walking paths, amongst the tall grassed fields up near the historic homestead.
Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens, Blue Mountains
Looking to explore and take a scenic drive to your picnic destination? The Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens is the place for a perfect picnic! About 1.5 hours’ drive from Sydney’s CBD, you’ll be able to take in the beautiful views of the Hawkesbury on your way. When you arrive, explore the 28 hectares of curated gardens with thousands of plants from around the world. Find a quiet spot on one of their many lawns to stop for the afternoon and enjoy a snack while you take in the view of the mountains and the colourful scenery around you. You can also hire a number of their lawns exclusively, if you want to ensure you get the perfect spot for your next gathering.
Start Planning!
Loving these picnic spots and planning to do something extra special for your partner? Why not engage a luxury picnic company to put together a beautiful picnic setting in one of these gorgeous spots! Our sister company My Romance Co. loves creating romantic picnics for your anniversary, date night or partner’s birthday. Picnics are also the perfect way to pop the question in Spring and Summer in Sydney! So, if you’re ready to propose with a stunning picnic setting, reach out to our team of expert proposal planners. We can help make your proposal picnic dreams come true!
xxx
Tania + Gloria
Tania and Gloria own one of Australia’s leading proposal planning services, My Proposal Co. With over 1,500 perfect marriage proposals and romantic dates under their belt, you know you’re in good hands. When it comes to proposal planners, they create the perfect fusion between genuinely romantic and thoughtfully designed events. My Proposal Co. have appeared across national and international media outlets as expert proposal planners in all things romantic. There is nothing more romantic than a picnic proposal!
