10 Best Picnic Spots in Sydney

Day light saving is coming to an end, which means summer is over (sad face). So why not take advantage of what we have left of the late afternoon sun, pack a picnic and head to one of the best spots in Sydney.

Wendy’s Secret Garden

This secret hideaway was created by Wendy Whiteley, after the death of her husband, famous Australian artist Brett Whiteley. With beautiful harbour views, lush greenery and gorgeous gardens, this is the perfect secluded picnic spot for two.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

The most iconic of Sydney’s picnic spots – Mrs Macquaries Chair has quite possibly the best view of Sydney harbour around. Great for families and bigger groups, although it can get quite busy with weddings and tourist groups!

Blackwattle Bay Park

Head down to Blackwattle bay for a different kind of harbour view – the Anzac Bridge, along the Inner West shoreline. Perfect for early mornings, pack a breakfast picnic and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Your only interruption might be a hungry dog being taken for a morning walk!

Centennial Park

Although you’ll be under constant threat of getting knocked over by joggers, cyclists and horse-riders, Centennial Park is one of the best in Sydney. A huge open space filled with little ponds, manicured gardens, statues and fountains, as well as barbeques to have a relaxed picnic lunch.

Nielsen Park

A huge park on the edge of Shark beach, this is a haven for families in summer. It gets quieter as the weather cools down, so take advantage and enjoy this beachside picnic spot. Have a dip, sunbake on the sand, and head back to the grass for a late-evening wine and cheese platter.

Cockatoo Island

If you miss the Biennale, Cockatoo Island is still a great place to head for a day out – bring your friends, the kids, or just for two. Work up an appetite by exploring the former naval base and the industrial landscape, before enjoying a picnic looking out at the amazing views.

Victoria Park

For students at Sydney Uni and UTS, this inner city park is the ultimate picnic spot for after-uni drinks, a lunchtime picnic, or an evening pre-drinks location. Sit next to the pond under the trees for a little urban oasis in the middle of the busy Broadway area.

Parsley Bay

Hidden away in Vaucluse, this is a little known gem. A tiny harbour beach with a hundred year old wooden footbridge, and very few people around at any given time. With grass areas around the bay, there are barbeques and picnic tables, so you can get a big group together and have a proper picnic lunch or dinner: bring some bottles of wine and plates of food, and enjoy the late afternoon sun. 

By Annie Peachman