7 top spots to enjoy a picnic in Sydney with Mainland Cheese

This harbourside sanctuary is an often overlooked spot for spending resplendent summer days. There’s plenty of well kept lawn to lay a picnic rug and basket (don't forget the Mainland Aged Cheddar), manicured gardens providing shade, a superb view of Sydney Harbour and a protected salty bay for swimming. The sandstone steps lead you down to the water’s edge so you can set up your outdoor dining station while cooling your toes in the bay. For a proper seafaring adventure, take the ferry from Circular Quay right to Darling Point Ferry Wharf which is just a splash away from your picnic spot.

This sparkling harbour foreshore park is one of the newest green spaces in Sydney. You can find lookouts, walking trails and cycling tracks as well as secluded spots for quiet contemplation. There’s panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline to enjoy along with your Mainland Epicure Cheddar, aged up to 32 months. The grounds are gorgeous to romp through and there's even free Wi-Fi available in the park.

Since you’ll simply have to sink into the clear waters in this secluded bay, we suggest you work up an appetite by following the snorkelling nature trail and save your feasting for afterwards. The series of steel plaques attached to concrete drums (linked together by a chain) runs for 600 metres with information about the local sea life which you can compare to real-life encounters with starfish, sea urchins, cuttlefish and blue gropers. After your self-guided tour, stretch out on the sand and tear through a cheese plate including Mainland Vintage Cheddar – it's aged up to 24 months.  

This sheltered Manly spot is perfectly positioned to catch the day’s last rays before the sun dips below the horizon, so a late lunch or evening date may be in order. If you want to add a little sizzle to your picnic, there are barbies scattered underneath trees where you can enjoy a Mainland Tasty Cheddar and cracker entrée before further feasting. The calm waters of the bay are great for sea-loving families or snorkellers seeking out the abundant marine life who also reckon Shelly Beach is a blissful place to set up camp.    

The secret may be well and truly out about this hidden garden, but it really is a splendid spot to hide away from the world and enjoy a picnic. This once derelict train yard was given new life by Wendy Whiteley, widow of Australian artist Brett Whiteley. She created the space – which is at the foothill of her private home in Lavender Bay – to share with the public, planting natives, exotics plants and herbs, as well as landscaping the space with winding paths, cobbled stairs, retaining walls and artworks. Find a fern-shaded corner and look out through the leafy canopy for majestic city views while you picnic.