Year round picnics - one of the best things about living in Sydney! I’m sure there are many hundreds of official picnic spots in Sydney, but in keeping with how we like to picnic, we’ve chosen only those that offer something a bit special.
From secret gardens, to beachside ledges, to the top of a waterfall, we’re sharing all of our favourite secret spots and holding nothing back.
Whilst the wilder places are our personal faves, we’re also including lots of lovely spots that you can simply drive up to, with facilities for picnics with families or groups of friends.
Here are the very best picnic spots in Sydney.
Secret picnic spots in Sydney
1. Shark Island - an island in the harbour
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: No
Apologies for the very old picture, which doesn’t do the fabulous Shark Island justice, but this is our number one location for something a little special.
This is where we celebrated one of Joe’s birthdays with a group of friends and it was absolutely fantastic.
Shark Island is a little patch of wilderness right in the middle of Sydney Harbour. The views are of course fantastic and you can even go for a post picnic dip or explore the rocky foreshore.
You can get there by taking a Captain Cruise boat from Circular Quay or kayak over from Rose Bay. If you kayak you need to pay the $7 landing fee.
2. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Toilets: No but there are some nearby
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
This is one of our local picnic spots and it’s an absolute delight. Stepping into this little garden on Sydney’s north shore is like entering another world.
The beautiful trees and plants have definite jungle vibes and despite its small size it’s full of lots of nooks and crannies that allow you to get truly lost in nature. Some spots also have fabulous harbour views between the trees.
There are lots of cute little tables and chairs scattered around different parts of the garden, allowing you to picnic in comfort.
It’s a short walk from Milsons Point ferry wharf and train station.
3. America Bay - the top of a waterfall
Toilets: No
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: No
If a picnic on the top of a waterfall, overlooking a glorious secluded cove sounds good to you, then America Bay has to be on your list. It sounds almost too good to be true!
It’s an easy 1km walk to this spot, yet it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park.
There is a huge rocky platform which makes a great spot to lay down your picnic blanket and relax in front of one of Ku-ring-gai’s best views. If you stick around until sunset you won’t be disappointed.
For all the details on this spot including the walk to get there, check out our guide to America Bay.
4. The Cave at Lovetts Bay - a secret spot in the bush
Toilets: No
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: No
So this one might not appeal to everyone, but if there are any other cave lovers out there, this one is for you! You have to be feeling a little adventurous, because the walk to get here is seriously overgrown, but when you arrive you’ll find a picnic table inside a cave!
We couldn’t believe it when we saw it; we’ve not seen anything like it anywhere else in Sydney!
There’s also an astounding secret lookout just a two minute walk from the cave, which would also make a great picnic spot, but for the uniqueness factor, it’s got to be the cave!
You can read all about the walk to get here in this post.
5. The ledge at Bronte Beach - one of the best views in Sydney
Toilets: No but very nearby
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
If you’re a lover of beach views, but not so much of crowds, this secret spot at Bronte Beach is going to blow you away.
We’ll say straight up that you do have to climb a few rocks to get here, so if that doesn’t appeal you might want to skip this one.
But if that sounds like fun then you will get this huge ledge which sits above the famous Bronte Baths, all to yourself.
The ledge is huge so there’s plenty of room to spread out your picnic blanket and get comfy. It’s a proper hidden gem because no one can see you, but you can people watch to your hearts content!
To get here, head up the staircase beside Bronte Bath and climb the sandstone rocks. There are decent foot holds but please be really careful and know your limits.
Romantic picnic spots in Sydney
6. Uloola Falls, Royal National Park
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Quick caveat for this one: you’ll want to visit after some decent rain for good flow, and then you’re in for a treat. It also requires quite a walk to get here but it’s worth it, especially as it’s along one of Royal National Park’s best bush walks.
It’s not even so much about sitting on top of the waterfall itself, as the whole setting: the amazing bush views and little rock pools surrounding the whole area. It’s just a really great spot.
We’ve picnicked on top of the falls before, but also seen couples picnicking on the ledge to the right of the falls, which looked equally good, if not better, because you have a view of the falls then.
The ledges are also more secluded.
Uloola Falls is at Uloola Campground, hence the reason there’s a toilet in this otherwise remote little spot. The campground is tiny and well set back, so it doesn’t effect the wild feeling of this picnic spot.
We detail how to get there in this post on the Uloola Track.
7. Hermit Point
Toilets: No but quite nearby
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Hermit Point is a gorgeous little beach along the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walking track. This cute as a button little harbour beach feels a million miles away from the crowds of Bondi and Manly, and the water is really calm, making it the perfect place for a post picnic swim.
There are a couple of picnic tables just behind the beach so you don’t even have to bring a blanket.
If you’d prefer a beach that is a little further off the walkway, both Queens Beach and Tingira nearby are shielded by bushland, they’re two of our favourite secret beaches in Sydney!
8. Royal Botanic Garden
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
The Botanic Garden is an obvious choice for a picnic, with its beautifully manicured lawns and lots of quieter spots where you can get away from it all.
As well as the gorgeous gardens themselves, the other star is of course the sensational views. The little kiosk means you can supplement your picnic with a coffee, or better still, a glass of wine.
Even getting to the gardens is a delight as you stroll from the Opera House along the Harbour Foreshore Walk.
If you want to extend it to more of a full date night, aim to finish your picnic in time to watch sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair before continuing round to the Wooloomooloo Finger Wharf for drinks.
9. The Bible Garden, Palm Beach
Toilets: No
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
This spot is so romantic we’ve witnessed not one, but two proposals here! It’s easy to see why, with breathtaking views over Palm Beach, as well as several levels of tranquil gardens.
You could lay down a blanket on any of the little green spaces here, but the number one spot is the picnic table directly in front of that jaw dropping view.
It’s an absolutely magical spot and the only sounds are those of the rolling waves and the constant birdsong (well sometimes it’s squawking, this is Australia after all!).
It’s one of our favourite spots in all of Palm Beach.
10. Observatory Hill
Toilets: No but nearby
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
This is one of our favourite picnic spots of any on this list. There’s something about it, the view is great, and the vibe is also really good. There is lots of space on the lawn to spread out your blanket and watch the world go by.
It’s also another spot where we’ve witnessed proposals so you know it’s a good one!
It’s a good evening picnic spot because it has a direct sunset view which is really beautiful, and one of our favourites in the city.
It’s funny because when we think of romantic picnic spots we usually think of finding somewhere really secluded, which this isn’t, yet it still fits the bill perfectly!
Picnic spots by the beach
11. Shelly Beach - Manly
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
This popular little beach in Manly is a picnickers delight, and you can cook up a storm on the free BBQ’s to make it a little more special.
It’s incredibly popular on a sunny day, so you might want to arrive early to snag a good spot if you’re visiting on a weekend.
Shelly Beach is a great spot for swimming, as well as snorkelling if you have your own gear. It takes around 15 minutes to walk here from Manly or you can park nearby.
12. The grass by Bondi Beach
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
If you’re visiting Sydney, spending a day at the famous Bondi Beach is pretty much de rigueur. If you don’t want to risk your food getting sandy, the huge green lawns behind the beach make great picnic spots.
You can make use of the free BBQs and enjoy watching the surfers ride the waves.
If you want to walk off some of those picnic treats you can head along the cliff top walking track to Coogee Beach.
13. Wattamolla
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: No but there is a private shuttle
Wattamolla is no secret when it comes to a great picnic spot. As soon as you leave the car you’ll get the first wafts of whatever is being cooked up on the barbie.
It’s always busy on a weekend, but it has a great vibe and there is so much space that you don’t have to sit on top of one another.
There are a couple of picnic tables, but it’s unlikely you’ll get one unless you’re visiting mid week, so definitely bring a blanket with you.
There’s lots to do in the Wattamolla area and we’ve outlined all our faves in this post.
Picnic Spots with Opera House & Harbour Bridge views
14. Blues Point Reserve
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Blues Point Reserve has one of the best harbour bridge views in the whole city. It looks directly across to the bridge with nothing between you and it but the water.
Taking in this magnificent view never gets old.
We’d normally recommend sitting in the reserve by the tiny little harbour beach, but there’s currently building works going on for the new metro service, so instead we’d recommend sitting on the grass close to the McMahons Point Ferry Wharf.
It has the same great view, and it might be by the wharf but it never gets busy.
15. Cremorne Point
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: Very nearby
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Cremorne Point has some of our favourite harbour views, and a picnic here is always a delight.
We’ve personally picnicked here in the evening, to see the sunset, followed by watching all the little twinkling lights of the city begin to come on, which is such a fantastic experience.
However, it’s much more popular in the day time when you’ll see couples, families and groups of friends spread out along the grassy verges beside the water. Whichever option you choose, it’s guaranteed to impress.
If you do come during the day, we’d highly recommend walking the easy 3km Cremorne Point Circuit before or after your picnic, the views are sensational and you can even visit an incredible secret garden! It’s one of our favourite walks in Sydney.
16. Lavender Bay
Toilets: No but nearby
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Lavender Bay offers a quintessential harbour view with the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Luna Park all competing for your attention.
There is a beautiful little garden that sits above Lavender Bay offering a gorgeous view from high up, as well as a perfect place to come for a picnic lunch.
Despite it’s iconic view, this spot never really gets busy, unless you count the frequent visits from the resident brush turkeys!
17. Dawes Point
Toilets: No
BBQ: No
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Ah Dawes Point, what a view!
Probably our favourite spot to photograph the Sydney Opera House. You’re spoilt for choice on the little green lawn as in one direction you have the Opera House, and the other, the Harbour Bridge.
You’ve even got some swaying palm trees to add those holiday vibes to your picnic spot.
One thing to consider before picking here though is wind. You need to pick a really warm, calm day because the wind seems to funnel through Dawes Point, and if you catch it on a bad day, you are going to be in for a shock.
Picnic spots with harbour views
18. Barangaroo Reserve
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Barangaroo Reserve is right in the city, yet never feels busy! Maybe because there’s such a big area to spread out into.
The harbour views here are fantastic and there is a huge amount of green space to lay down a picnic blanket.
Views wise, the best spots are all the large rocks around the water, but if you want to properly spread out, the lawns are better - they just have slightly restricted views.
It’s a really relaxed spot and is a great bet if you don’t want to stray too far from the city.
19. Robertson Park, Watsons Bay
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
We’re not going to lie, our picnics in Robertson Park have 100% consisted of going to Doyles Fish Shop and then coming back to sit in the park, but you could definitely bring a healthier picnic too!
There are lots of picnic benches or you can spread a blanket under one of the trees and look out over the gorgeous bay. We love Watsons Bay and despite the fact it’s just 20 minutes from the city we always feel like we’re going on holiday!
After your picnic we’d recommend strolling over to the Hornby Lighthouse or The Gap for some fabulous views of the Middle and North Heads, we detail both trails in this post.
20. Balls Head Reserve
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: No
Accessible by public transport: Yes
If you don’t live on the north shore you might not have heard of Balls Head, but it’s a fantastic picnic spot in a lovely little piece of bush land.
There are great harbour views and an offical picnic area with benches and BBQs. There’s also lots of little rocky spots down by the water which make lovely little unofficial picnic spots if you can grab one before the fishermen do!
Our personal favourite picnic bench is the one set away from the others, by an overhang on an alcove beside the water.
To get there, follow the little walking track for a few minutes behind the main picnic area and you’ll soon spot it.
21. Dudley Page Reserve
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Dudley Page Reserve has fabulous harbour views from its lofty position in Dover Heights. The view is from further away than other spots on this list, but we love how vast it is.
The huge grassy lawn is a favourite picnic spot with locals, and another place that it’s worth staying around to watch the sunset, which is gorgeous from here.
Picnic spots for families
22. Chowder Bay
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Chowder Bay has it all: picnic benches, a beach with great snorkelling, BBQs, a playground and even basket ball hoops! If you’re looking for somewhere to keep the family occupied all day, this is a great choice.
There’s lots on offer and it is popular, but it never feels overly crowded, and it’s a really beautiful place to spend the day.
You can drive to it directly or the you could walk along the gorgeous, easy track from Taronga Zoo, which is always our preference.
24. Clontarf Reserve
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
The wildly popular Clontarf Reserve is a favourite with families and has all the facilities you could possibly want, as well as access to a beach with calm water.
There are a couple of cafes too if you want to get coffees, cold drinks or a beer.
It is always busy, but there is heaps of space so you shouldn’t ever have trouble finding a spot, and there are lots of big trees to provide shade.
25. Sirius Cove, Mosman
Toilets: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Playground: Yes
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Sirius Cove is popular with locals, but not so well known to those not living in the area.
This sweet little beach is a great place to swim in calm water, although you’ll usually be sharing it with more than a couple of the local dog population!
Even though it gets busy you will often find the area just to the side of the beach, where our photo is taken, is actually empty and it’s a great little spot.
It’s near the rowers club and we always enjoy watching the boats go by.
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Are you planning a picnic in Sydney? What’s your favourite picnic spot in the city? Let us know in the comments below!
