Romantic Picnic Spots in Sydney
Planning a first date, a romantic day out or even a proposal? Across Sydney you’ll find countless romantic picnic spots perfect for celebrating the special someone in your life. Whether you’d prefer somewhere quiet and secluded or can’t turn down breathtaking views, the harbour city has it all!
Observatory Hill Park, Millers Point
There’s arguably nothing more romantic than a picnic with a view. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, with views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and beyond, you really can’t go wrong with a picnic at Observatory Hill. For a particularly romantic setting, plan your picnic to coincide with sunset and watch on as the waters of Sydney Harbour are coloured with dazzling fiery hues.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available along Watson Road, Upper Fort Street, Argyle Street and Kent Street.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? From Observatory Hill Park, you’ll enjoy great harbour views.
Are public toilets located onsite? No, but some can be found at the bottom of nearby Watson Street.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
Nestled above Lavender Bay, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a tranquil harbourside spot perfect for a romantic day out. Pack a picnic lunch and find a shady spot to sit, chat and soak up some lovely views of the harbour with your special someone. Although the garden may be quite popular during the summer months, there’s plenty of space to find a private area of your own.
What’s the parking like? On-street parking is available around the garden.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
Tucked just under the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bradfield Park offers the perfect backdrop for a picnic with a view. With plenty of grassy areas to set down your picnic blanket, as well as the choice of several picnic tables and benches, this is one picnic spot that’s sure to impress.
What’s the parking like? Metered parking is available along Alfred Street.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the city skyline.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Shelly Beach, Manly
While Shelly Beach may be best known for its great snorkelling and diving, it’s also a lovely place for a beachside picnic. Enjoy a meal for two in the shaded area behind the beach before enjoying a romantic stroll along the sand or a fun ocean swim. For more great views, plan a visit to Shelly Head Lookout, located just a short walk from the beach.
What’s the parking like? Metered parking is available.
Is there shade? Although there is little shade on Shelly Beach itself, you will find plenty of shady spots neighbouring the beach.
What's my view? From Shelly Beach, you’ll enjoy views towards Manly Beach
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes. Shower facilities are also available.
Collins Flat Beach, Manly
Situated between Little Manly Cove and North Head, Collins Flat Beach is more than just a lovely harbourside spot. Secluded and not particularly busy, the beach is ideal for a romantic picnic for two. Adding to the ambience, the beach is also home to Sydney Harbour’s closest waterfall, flowing at its peak after periods of heavy rainfall.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available at Collins Flat Beach car park and at Little Manly Point.
Is there shade? Not on the beach itself, but there is some shade surrounding it.
What's my view? Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Clark Island, Sydney Harbour
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and settle in for a secluded island escape on Clark Island. Offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour from every angle, there are plenty of grassy areas to lay down your picnic blanket and enjoy lunch for two. Only accessible by boat or kayak, it’s rare to find large crowds on the island, perfect for when you’re looking for somewhere offering a touch of privacy.
What’s the parking like? Clark Island is only accessible by watercraft.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? Spectacular panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Beare Park, Elizabeth Bay
If a long, lazy lunch with your loved one sounds ideal, stop by Beare Park in Elizabeth Bay. While the park may be more family friendly than others, the manicured lawns and views of Elizabeth Bay Marina and Sydney Harbour certainly make this a special picnic spot.
What’s the parking like? Some timed parking is available close to the park, with on-street parking also available nearby.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? Elizabeth Bay Marina and Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse
Another of Sydney’s secluded harbourside spots, Parsley Bay Reserve in Vaucluse is a beautiful place for a picnic for two. Roll out your picnic blanket on the grassy reserve behind the beach and enjoy lunch by the water’s edge – don't forget to pack your swimsuit. Offering some great views of Sydney Harbour, it’s a spot that’s particularly special at sunset.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available on Horler Avenue.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Echo Point Park, Roseville Chase
The only park in the Ku-ring-gai area with harbour frontage, Echo Point Park is a lovely secluded spot ideal for sitting back, relaxing and spending some quality time with your favourite person. Set down your picnic blanket on the grass in this tranquil park or find a great place by the water and watch boats sail by as you enjoy all your favourite picnic foods together.
What’s the parking like? Parking is available in a car park outside the park.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? The waters of Middle Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
McKell Park, Darling Point
Offering lovely views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Point’s McKell Park is yet another of the city’s wonderful secluded picnic spots. Claim a spot on the park’s manicured lawns and settle in for a picnic for two with beautiful harbour views. The park also happens to be home to an exotic garden and several sandstone sculptures which are also well worth discovering.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available along Darling Point Road and Lindsay Avenue.
Is there shade? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including Clark Island and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes