Picnics are certainly making a comeback in the post-COVID era, and with the outdoor setting preferred and picnics being the current trend, parks and beaches across Sydney have been filling to the brim on weekends.
We like the idea of “floating picnics” or picnics on a boat, but if you want to stay on dry land and are looking to explore a different park or beach to the usual, here’s a summary of the Sea Sydney Harbour team’s favourite picnic spots in Sydney.
BALMORAL BEACH, BALMORAL
Located in Mosman on the North Shore, there are two sides to this beach, each separated by a rock island. Balmoral Beach has a grass area which is a perfect picnic spot. You can enjoy some takeaway fish and chips or some wine and cheese and if you want to bring your four-legged friend along, the grass area is also pet friendly.
Balmoral Beach is fun for the whole family! Enjoy the soft sand between your toes and have your picnic directly on the beach, get your tan on, and jump in the water for an end of day swim. If you’re not a huge fan of the open water, there is a shark netted area nearby and there is even a diving board – a great area for the kids to enjoy. If you don’t want to go swimming, Balmoral still has lots to offer, with a playground along the pathway to keep the kids entertained, while you take some time to relax.
BRADLEYS HEAD AMPHITHEATRE, MOSMAN
This picnic spot with a view is located on the North Shore, overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The amphitheatre is part of Sydney Harbour National Park, and is surrounded by bushland, making it feel like you have left the city for the day.
Bradleys Head has a pier that you may like to take a leisurely fish from and watch the sunset as you enjoy a glass of wine. Alternatively, have your morning coffee from the local coffee shop and watch the sunrise before heading for a morning walk.
If you are picnicing on the weekend, you might even get a glimpse of a beautiful wedding and watch the bride walk down the aisle – it’s a picture-perfect location for wedding ceremonies.
ROBERTSON PARK, WATSONS BAY
Robertson Park is a great picnic area with lots of grass area to set up a picnic in the park. It is located next to the beach and there are lots of trees for shade and half a dozen picnic tables. Just a short stroll away, you will find Camp Cove Beach, South Head and even the famous Gap lookout. Located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Robertson Park overlooks Sydney Harbour, so your day will be filled with stunning views.
If picnicing isn’t something you love, but you would still like to enjoy the Sydney Harbour views, Watsons Bay Hotel is next door – have a drink in the beer garden and enjoy the water views (outside of lockdown times), as you watch the ferries come and go.
With fantastic harbour views, a small harbour beach, picnic tables, a playground and a netted swimming area, why not plan your next picnic at Watson’s Bay? It is the perfect spot for families, groups of friends and couples.
MACCARRS CREEK RESERVE, CHURCH POINT
Just down the road from Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, MacCarrs Creek Reserve is a great place for BBQs and picnic lunches. Perfect for swimming, fishing and playing on the grass, you can go exploring alongside the water’s edge down to the end of the river, or even take your kayak, paddleboard or a small dingy down the stream.
MacCarrs Creek has many shaded trees to set your picnic rug under, with lots of parking spots right next to where you can put the rug down – a very convenient picnic spot.
A great reserve for groups of all ages with views of the water, the option to enjoy lunch or a meal at sunset, and areas for kids activities, such as bike riding.
SYDNEY PARK, ALEXANDRIA
Sydney Park is one of the Inner West’s most popular parks. You will find amazing rolling hills, a playground, a skate park, gardens, and hidden wetlands you can walk through.
The park has public BBQs to cook your lunch, with lots of grass areas to kick the ball around with the kids and find a shady spot for your picnic blanket. There is a track that curves through the park for cycling, walking, and running, and there is a skate park for the kids to ride in and learn to do some tricks. The park is pet friendly also, so no member of the family has to miss out on the fun.
BERRY ISLAND RESERVE, WOLLSTONECRAFT
Hidden on the western side of Sydney Harbour close to the Harbour Bridge, this is a great park for a romantic picnic and harbourfront walk for two. It’s also a perfect location for a family picnic or gathering with friends, with lots of grass areas for some active playtime or relaxation time. The reserve is dog friendly, so you can bring along your four-legged family member for the day also.
While the name is Berry Island, the reserve is not an actual island, and road access is via Shirley Rd, Wollstonecraft, which provides easy access for wheelchairs and prams. There is a 20-minute bush walk called the Gadyan track that takes you around the perimeter of the reserve.
The large, flat, grassy area at Berry Island Reserve is perfect for picnic blankets, and there are also public BBQs available and a children’s playground insight.
Do you have the picnic fever??? With the weather warming up, it’s time to get out and explore these perfect picnic spots! Pack your picnic rug, picnic basket and some activities to enjoy at the park, and have fun with your family and friends.
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