most breathtaking picnic spots in sydney

It was an impossible task, but we managed to narrow down our top picks for the Most Breathtaking Picnic Spots In Sydney.

Experiences Are Forever

1st October 2020

In a city as picturesque as Sydney, amazing picnic spots are as common as the bin chickens that frequent them.

And with the weather warming up and the threat of COVID winding down (for now), there’s no better time to loll on a blanket in a spectacular setting with your favourite people.

For the very best places to drop a rug this summer, look no further than our list of the Most Breathtaking Picnic Spots In Sydney. Each location has been road-tested by us and offers stunning scenery with ample grass to spread your blanket. And for the kids and sausage sizzle fans, many feature playgrounds and BBQs too.

So, grab your blanket, your picnic essentials and your mates and head to one of these glorious Sydney picnic spots for some fresh air and sunshine.

1. Balls Head Reserve, Waverton

Situated on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is the tranquil Balls Head Reserve. Made up of nine hectares of coastal hugging bushland, this location offers plenty of space to picnic whilst taking in spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, the Bridge, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Goat Island.

For those who want to burn off their cheese and wine, there are also kid-friendly bush trails featuring depression-era caves and first nation people’s rock art.

What amenities does it have? Balls Head is only a ten-minute walk from Waverton station and features BBQ facilities, benches, bathrooms, shade and parking. The reserve is accessible for wheelchairs and prams and on-leash pooches are also welcome.

Balls Head Reserve.

Photographs by Experiences Are Forever.

2. Shelly Beach, Manly

Take the walking track from the southern end of Manly Beach to find yourself in a little piece of paradise called Shelly Beach.

Featuring a tree-lined, blonde sand beach, with waveless blue-green water and plenty of protected marine life, it’s a swimmer and snorkeler’s heaven.

Shelly Beach is also an epic place for a picnic. Its tropical island vibes will make you forget you’re in Sydney, as you soak up stunning views from the comfort of your shaded patch of grass.

What amenities does it have? Shelly has got the goods, with shaded grass and picnic benches, BBQ facilities, metered on-site parking, and bathrooms with showers. There’s also a great café. Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are welcome in the picnic area if on-leash. Wheelchair and pram access is easier via the Manly Beach walking track as the Shelly Beach car park has a steep hill to get down to the beach.

Shelly Beach.

Photographs by Experiences Are Forever.

3. Biddigal Reserve, North Bondi – AKA The Grassy Knoll

One of the Eastern Suburbs most beloved locations, Biddigal Reserve is famous for its picnic credentials. The site features plenty of amenities, but the main attraction here is its spectacular views of Bondi Beach and its top-notch people watching.

Biddigal Reserve is also the starting point for the famous Bondi to Coogee walk and is surrounded by great cafes and restaurants for those who don’t want to BYO.

What amenities does it have? Biddigal Reserve has BBQs, a playground, nearby toilets, shade and grassy lawns to pop your blanket on. It’s also meters from the ocean and ocean pool for when you want to cool off. The reserve is wheelchair accessible, but parking here is limited. The 333 bus from Bondi Junction to North Bondi stops close by.

Nielsen Park.

5. Shark Island, Sydney Harbour, Point Piper

 Many will be relieved to know that Shark Island is named after its shark-like shape and not (as the name might suggest) because the island is frequented by sharks.

For those who aren’t turned off by the menacing name, there are many rewards waiting on this glorious Island.

Sitting one-kilometre opposite Rose Bay in the middle of the harbour, this one and half hectare gem offers incredible 360-degree harbour views, with a small beach, a jetty and grottos built in the early 1900s to explore.

What amenities does it have? Shark Island features plenty of grassy space to drop a rug, plus picnic shelters, a gazebo and bathrooms, but no BBQ.

To get to Shark Island you can book your ferry here. It’s also possible to be dropped by private boat or to kayak from Rose Bay, but each person will need to pay a small landing fee.

6. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

No Sydney picnic list is complete without including the Royal Botanic Gardens. Often described as an “oasis in the city”, these manicured parklands stretch 30 hectares from Woolloomooloo to Circular Quay and the CBD.

Featuring lush green lawns, a variety of colourful plant species and local wildlife, as well as wheelchair/ pram friendly walking tracks, the gardens are the perfect place to relax and escape the chaos of the city.

Enhancing the beauty of this setting are the spectacular city views, particularly at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, where the Opera House and Harbour Bridge sit before you, and the city skyline to your left.

What amenities does it have? There are no BBQs, picnic benches or playgrounds, but in a setting as pretty as this, who needs them? What it does have in abundance are lawns filled with cushiony green-grass, designed with your tush in mind. There are also bathrooms, shade, cafes and limited street parking. And the gardens can be reached via public transport.

7. Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, Mosman

When you lay eyes on this breathtaking setting, you’ll understand why this spot is so popular for weddings, events and picnics alike.

With jaw-dropping views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison, it’s also surrounded by bushland and is the starting point for one of Sydney’s most scenic trails – Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay.

Another big plus is the tiered amphitheatre seating, which means that tall person sitting in front of you, won’t be blocking your view.

What amenities does it have? There aren’t any BBQs, playgrounds or shade here, it’s all about those incredible views. But there are bathrooms and paid parking in the Bradleys Head carpark, North Head carpark and along Chowder Bay Road. The dog will have to stay at home.

Bradleys Head Amphitheatre.

8. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay

The former muse and wife of artist Brett Whiteley made it her personal project to turn a derelict railway yard into a tranquil paradise. Over a period of 20 years Wendy worked tirelessly and at great personal expense to transform the area into the dreamy public garden it is today. 

Wendy’s garden is lush and plentiful, filled with a large canopy for shade, meandering walking tracks, sculptures, secluded benches and grassy lawns to stretch your blanket on. Despite being in her 70’s Wendy is still spotted here often, tending to her masterpiece.

As picnic worthy as this place already sounds, it gets even better. The garden also features exceptional harbour views, overlooking Lavender Bay.

What amenities does it have? Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a short walk from bus stops, North Sydney station or Milson’s Point ferry wharf. Bathrooms and a drinking fountain are located at nearby Quibaree park. There’s no BBQ or playground but there are plenty of benches and grass to sit on and limited street parking.

The garden is on a steep hillside which means limited wheelchair/ pram accessibility. Those with wheelchairs or prams can view the garden from the entry opposite the Kirribilli Club.

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden.
Photograph by Experiences Are Forever.

9. Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove

This lesser-known Inner West treasure overlooks the Harbour, Goat Island and the CBD and spreads over almost three hectares of parkland. Not on the tourist trail, you’ll find this underappreciated spot to be far quieter than some of the others on the list.

Once an industrial zone, remnants of this era have been converted into interesting art installations, adding to the ambience of this epic Sydney picnic spot.

Kids will love the space to run and the places to explore. Plus, the park has many levels and sectioned off areas that will suit picnickers who like privacy.

What amenities does it have? Ballast Point Park is well equipped for picnics. It features BBQs, bathrooms, benches, some shade, a playground, plenty of grassy areas and parking just outside or in neighbouring streets. On-leash pooches are welcome and the Balmain ferry wharf is just a short walk away.

Wheelchair/ pram accessibility is limited due to the number of stairs.

Ballast Point Park.

Photographs courtesy of Shutterstock.

10. Manly Cove/ East Manly Cove

Manly Cove and its sister beach East Manly Cove, have it all: impossibly clear emerald water, a pristine sandy beach, vast grassy lawns and epic views of Sydney Harbour and the ferries and boats that bob around in it.

It’s also one of Manly’s most vibrant social scenes, popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s a great place to form some socially distant friendships.

Manly Cove is also a great starting point for some of the area’s best walks, such as the Manly to Spit Bridge and the calm waters are perfect for exploring via kayak or paddleboard, which you can rent nearby.

What amenities does it have? Manly Cove and East Manly Cove have a lot to like, from picnic benches and bathrooms to blanket friendly patches of green and waveless, shark-netted waters. There are no BBQs, but plenty of cafes and restaurants an arms reach away.

The Ferry from Circular Quay drops you at Manly Wharf just in front. There is a parking station here too and some parking on the street. Dogs are allowed on a leash on the grass but not on the beach.

Manly Cove.

Photograph by Experiences Are Forever.

E.G Waterhouse International Camellia Gardens.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

12. Cremorne Reserve, Cremorne

Cremorne Reserve, on the Lower North Shore, is one of the most romantic picnic spots in Sydney. With arguably the best views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, the Bridge and city skyline, watching the sunset here is something special.

It’s also one of the best picnic spots in Sydney to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, but sadly you’ll have to wait until 2022 to experience that.

For those who like a side of activity with their picnic, Cremorne Reserve has a scenic bush track with an adorable lighthouse on its point and a vintage harbourside swimming pool to splash around in. There are also heritage-listed gardens to explore and stunning Federation style homes to admire.

What amenities does it have? Cremorne Reserve has plenty of grassy lawns, benches and some rock platforms along the point that are ideally placed to take in those views. There are bathrooms, a playground, a bus and ferry stop, and street parking is also available. No BBQs here but on-leash pooches are welcome. There are some steep hills here which may pose challenges for prams and wheelchair accessibility.

Cremorne Reserve.

Photograph by Experiences Are Forever.