The best private & pop-up picnics in Sydney

Mystery picnic with Amazing Co 

Puzzle fans – this is the picnic for you. Amazing Co’s one-of-a-kind Mystery Picnic starts with a series of clues and riddles that will take you through the city to collect your gourmet food piece by piece. Your final destination is a secret and will only be revealed once your picnic basket is full and you’ve solved the final puzzle. Then sit back, relax and celebrate your success with delicious regional delights and a glass of wine. 

Mystery Picnic with Amazing Co, Royal Botanic Gardens

SUP picnic with Sunlark Watersports  

Pair indulgence with adventure on this unique picnic via stand-up paddleboard with Sunlark Watersports. Set out to explore the calm waters of Middle Creek Reserve and Narrabeen Lagoon by SUP, then stop at a secluded bank where your picnic will be waiting. Early birds can choose the breakfast picnic with toasties, fruit and coffee, or relax over a lunchtime grazing board. 

SUP picnic with Sunlark Watersports - Credit: Sunlark Watersports

Native picnic with The Australian Food Guy 

More than just a picnic, this experience with The Australian Food Guy is the city’s only mobile bush tucker experience. Your picnic hamper will be bursting with native flavour and traditional ingredients – think truffle kangaroo salami and gumleaf smoked cheddar. Choose from harbourside locations round the Royal Botanic Garden, Barangaroo, Kirribilli and Lavender Bay, and toast the view with a glass of prosecco. 

The Australian Food Guy - Credit: Luxe Lunches

Shark Island picnic with Sydney Seaplanes 

Start with a thrilling seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour, getting a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Then touchdown and transfer by boat to Shark Island for your private picnic with a crusty baguette, cheese, crackers, smoked salmon sliders, fruit, pastries, sweet treats and a bottle of wine. 

Shark Island experience with Sydney Seaplanes - Credit: Hugh Stewart | Destination NSW

Graze and Gaze with Sydney Luxury Cruise 

Board the luxury MV Bel, a 28-foot Venetian motor cruiser, for a 90-minute cruise around Sydney Harbour with Sydney Luxury Cruise, admiring the city’s most famous sights from your luxurious perch (complete with a bottle of bubbles). Disembark at Lavender Bay where your pop up picnic from Graze and Gaze awaits, the low table surrounded by rugs, cushions and fresh flowers. 

Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Harbour

Hunter Valley picnic by helicopter with Rotor One 

It’s easy to duck out to the Hunter for a picnic lunch when you’re travelling by helicopter. Taking off from Sydney Airport with Rotor One, you’ll fly over the city, along the Central Coast and over national parks into the famed wine region. Land at Calais Wines for a delicious picnic among the vines paired with a bottle of the estate’s wine. Relax and explore the grounds or enjoy a tasting before flying home.  

Views over Sydney Harbour with Rotor One - Sydney Helicopter Rides

Orchard picnic at Bilpin Cider Co

Relax beneath the blush pink blossoms or lush green leaves of apple trees for a gourmet picnic in the orchards of Bilpin Cider Co. Your basket will be filled with delicacies like fresh oysters, prawn rolls, cheese and charcuterie, apple pie, and (of course) some bottles of their famous cider. If you’re planning something extra special, you can add on champagne, chocolate strawberries and a private photographer. 

Orchard picnic setup with Bilpin Cider Co - Credit: Bilpin Cider Co

National park picnic with Bundeena Picnics

The Royal National Park is a pocket of wilderness on the southern edge of the city, the ideal place for a picnic in nature. Bundeena Picnics will set up rugs, deck chairs, umbrellas, cabanas and even transparent domes in secluded spots throughout the park and along the Port Hacking River. Keep it simply with fish and chips or splash out with a deluxe barbecue seafood platter. 

Bundeena Picnics - Credit: Donna Gibbeson

Palm Beach picnic with Sydney by Seaplane 

Take off from Rose Bay with Sydney by Seaplane and fly north over the city and coastline to Palm Beach, Sydney’s northernmost suburb. Set up your picnic by the surf beach, overlooking the calm Pittwater or in the lush parkland, then stretch your legs with a walk to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse for sweeping views over the whole peninsula. 

Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach

Creative picnic with Poppin Picnics 

As well as the classic rugs, throw pillows, flowers and delicious food, Poppin Picnics can arrange for local creatives to run a private workshop for your guests. Make a flower crown with a boutique florist or craft your own teacup and saucer with a skilled ceramicist. Poppin Picnics can also arrange other bespoke extras, from live music and photographers to custom signage.  

Poppin Picnics Sydney Harbour Picnic - Credit: Poppin Picnics