The most scenic picnic spots in Sydney
Stanwell Tops Lookout, Royal National Park
The most scenic picnic spots in Sydney
Looking for a side of spectacular views served up with your picnic? These are the most gorgeous spots across Sydney to roll out your picnic blanket. From clifftop perches to gardens by the harbour and beachside reserves, these are the most scenic sites for an al fresco lunch.
Highlights
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Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, Mosman
A popular spot for weddings and other events, Bradleys Head Amphitheatre also happens to be one of Sydney’s most scenic picnic spots. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, the man made amphitheatre gifts visitors with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison, making for the perfect backdrop for a weekend picnic.
What’s the parking like? Paid parking is available at Bradleys Head car park, North Head car park and along Chowder Bay Road.
Is there shade? No
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Tops
Just south of the city, Bald Hill Lookout offers spectacular views over the Illawarra coastline. New steps lead down to pretty Stanwell Park beach for a post-lunch dip. It’s a popular launch pad for hangliders, so you may also get to enjoy the show as these colourful daredevils leap off the edge.
What’s the parking like? There is a large, free car park at the top of the lookout.
Is there shade? No
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Stanwell Park Beach and the coastline beyond.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Stanwell Tops Lookout, Royal National Park
Biddigal Reserve, North Bondi
Known locally as the ‘grassy knoll’, Biddigal Reserve boasts some of the best views of Bondi. Overlooking Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, the reserve, perched above the beach’s northern end, features plenty of lovely shady spots, as well as a playground, barbecue facilities and a number of sculptures. From the reserve, it’s easy to access Bondi Beach, making a post-lunch swim or beach walk just the ticket.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available along Ramsgate Avenue and Campbell Parade.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Bondi Beach.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Royal Botanic Gardens
Set within the Royal Botanic Gardens, not only is Mrs Macquarie’s Chair a great place to enjoy a taste of Sydney’s history, but it also happens to be an ideal spot for a picnic with a view. Take a seat on the grass or rocks and soak up some incredible harbour scenery, including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Are public toilets located onsite? No, but public toilets are available in other areas of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
View from Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Dawes Point Park, Dawes Point
Situated directly beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s southern pylon, not only is Dawes Point Park incredibly scenic, but it also positions you perfectly for exploring The Rocks, the Museum of Contemporary Art and other surrounding attractions. Enjoy great views of Milson’s Point, Luna Park and many other parts of the harbour.
What’s the parking like? Metered on-street parking is available, with a small car park also found on Hickson Road.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and several harbourside suburbs.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Sydney Harbour, Dawes Point
Observatory Hill, Millers Point
Boasting incredible views of Sydney Harbour, it comes as no surprise that Observatory Hill is popular with locals and visitors alike. Offering elevated views across Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the city’s northern suburbs and beyond, there’s plenty of gorgeous scenery to soak up at this much-loved park.
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
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? From Observatory Hill, you’ll enjoy great harbour views.
Are public toilets located onsite? No, but some can be found at the bottom of nearby Watson Street.
Australian Luxury Escapes, Millers Point
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
A little slice of hidden tranquillity overlooking Sydney Harbour, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a great spot for a harbourside picnic. Landscaped with shady, established trees and an assortment of flowers and native plants, there’s no shortage of perfect places to set down your picnic blanket here.
What’s the parking like? On-street parking is available around the garden.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point
Considered to be one of the best places to watch Sydney’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks, it comes as no surprise that McMahons Point’s Blues Point Reserve offers some spectacular views of the city. From this North Sydney vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas featuring the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
What’s the parking like? A small car park is located near the park.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Cremorne Reserve, Cremorne Point
Situated on Sydney’s lower north shore, Cremorne Reserve provides uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the city’s spectacular skyline. Positioned right on the waterfront, the reserve also features a playground, making for a great day out with the whole family.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? Yes
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
Nestled in the quiet suburb of Woolwich and part of the historic Woolwich Parklands precinct, Clarkes Point Reserve provides some great east-facing views of Sydney and its surrounds. From Cockatoo Island and North Sydney to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline, there’s so much to see from this harbourside reserve. Explore the heritage Woolwich Dock, dating back to 1901, after lunch.
What’s the parking like? On-site parking is available.
Is there shade? Yes
Are barbecue facilities available? Yes
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Sydney Harbour, including Cockatoo Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and more.
Are public toilets located onsite? Yes
Woolwich Dock and Parklands, Woolwich
Dudley Page Reserve, Dover Heights
Situated in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Dudley Page Reserve offers spectacular panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Set high up on a hill, this picnic spot is perfect for soaking up some of Sydney’s best sights, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline to the sparkling waters of the harbour.
What’s the parking like? Limited on-street parking is available along Military Road, Lancaster Road and Portland Street.
Is there shade? No
Are barbecue facilities available? No
Is there a playground? No
What's my view? Panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
Are public toilets located onsite? No
