The 32 best picnic spots in Sydney

Best for: A scenic picnic in the heart of the city.

Parking: Yes, 24-hour meter street parking is available on Mrs Macquarie Road and Hospital Road for $5-$9 per hour. The closest parking stations are the Domain car park and the Wharf Wolloomoolloo car park.

Is there shade? Yes, under the trees.

Other facilities: There are multiple lawns, the Calyx, a Palm House, Maiden Theatre, Rose Garden, Botanic Gardens Restaurant and Café, and picnic boxes available from Terrace on the Domain (must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours in advance).

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Sprawling gardens, native plants, ancient trees and stunning views of the harbour.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A meal in sheltered surrounds.

Parking: Yes, but you'll have to aim for the surrounding streets and parking around the garden is public and metered.

Is there shade? Yes

Other facilities: There are floral feasts for the eyes at the flower gardens, plus sculptures and plenty of seating areas.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? Sydney Harbour and our beautiful Bridge.

And is there toilet access? No, head to Quibaree Park for the closest pit stop.

Best for: A ‘floating picnic’ with takeaway fish and chips.

Parking: Yes, but parking on the beach is ticketed and requires payment. You may be lucky to find free two-hour parking on the western side of the Esplanade – but either way, you'll probably have to fight for a spot in summer.

Is there shade? Yes, under the trees.

Other facilities: Step straight down onto the sand, go for a swim in Balmoral Beach or follow the footpath to the local shops for snacks and drinks.

Can I BYO? Yes, except between 9pm and 6am.

What's my view? The beautiful blue waters of Balmoral Beach.

And is there toilet access? Yes, but they’re located off the island.

Best for: Watching the sunset over the harbour.

Parking: There's metered parking for 300 cars located under the park.

Is there shade? No.

Other facilities: There's a massive cultural space called the Cutaway, however it's temporarily closed for for major renovations. It's set to reopen in early 2026 – read more about it here.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? You've got Sydney Harbour Bridge to the right, Balmain, Pyrmont and Darling Harbour to the left, with glittering harbour all around.

And is there toilet access? Yes, in two locations.

Best for: Summery picnics with a dip – and epic sunsets.

Parking: There is parking in the backstreets of Fairlight, but you’ll need a bit of luck on a hot and busy day.

Shade: Yes, under the trees.

Facilities: A lush grassy area overlooking the beach and calm waters for swimming. Plus, it’s just a five-minute walk to the Manly Art Gallery and Museum, and Manly’s best bars and restaurants – so you can make a full day of it.

Can I BYO? No.

View: Sydney Harbour, calm waters, the headland dotted with houses and apartments hugging Manly Wharf.

Toilets: You'll need to walk to either Fairlight or Manly.

Best for: Showing off the city to visitors.

Parking: Yes, there's metered parking on Mrs Macquaries Road (it's pricey), or ticketed at the Domain Carpark.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: There's a food and beverage kiosk and a walking trail all the way to Barangaroo.

Can I BYO? For general public access, no.

What's my view? All the classics: Sydney Harbour, the Bridge, the trees and flowers of the Botanical Gardens and the city skyline.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: Unrivalled views of the harbour and city, and plenty of non-eating activities.

Parking: Limited, with some spots on Milson Road and the Parraween Street Car Park in Cremorne.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: Swim in the Maccallum pool (it's free), or use the walking track, picnic tables, playground and gym stations. Dogs are welcome on leashes.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Those harbour sparkles.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A sustainable setting to picnic, play and explore.

Parking: Yes, street parking is available.

Is there shade? No.

Other facilities: A waterfront walkway, picnic tables, a native community garden and a centre for sustainability.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? A prime spot to watch the sun go down over the sea.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: An offbeat, day-spinning picnic.

Parking: Cockatoo Island is only accessible by boat, so jump a ferry from Circular Quay, or hire a water taxi. Private boats can moor ($15 for 4 hours). Feeling adventurous? You can always kayak to the island, too.

Is there shade? Yes, plenty of umbrellas.

Other facilities: There's a café, bar, live music, tennis court, historical audio tour, boat hire, kayaking, swimming, kids' activities and barbecues. And you'll have to leave dearest dog at home.

Can I BYO? No alcohol may be brought to the island. Try the licensed cafés onsite.

What's my view? The harbour surrounds.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A postcard-perfect picnic by the water. 

Parking: A small paid car park.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: Amphitheatre, old-stone jetty, small beach and bushland walking tracks.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison.

And is there toilet access? Yes

Best for: Eating your freshly grilled snags in a canoe (or a pedal boat) while you drift down the Lane Cove River.

Parking: Yes, and the entry fee is $8 per vehicle.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: Visit the barbecue area, café and kisok, tables and seats, kids' play area, walking tracks and bike tracks, or hire a rowboat. There's also a campsite with cabins available inside the park if you want to make a night (or a weekend) of it.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? The mighty river and parklands.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: Rally the troops for a relaxed picnic or barbie followed by a paddle. 

Parking: Yes, a small car park is available from Parsley Road.  

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: There’s a short bushland walking circuit to a waterfall, an impressive wooden footbridge built in the 1930s, a shallow beach, a playground, and a kiosk for food and drinks.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? A calm beach with multi-millionaires' houses and dense foliage. Be sure to look out for Eastern Water Dragons that can be seen sunning along the watercourse in summer. 

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: Spreading wayyyy out (it's huge) and lazing on the grass.

Parking: Yes.

Is there shade? There are covered areas and plenty of trees.

Other facilities: There's one of everything: restaurants, cafés, a kiosk, bicycle hire, horseriding, off-leash dog-walking areas a bike path, running path and walking path.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? Surrounding parkland.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A post-picnic surf. 

Parking: Yes, in the surrounding streets.

Is there shade? Not much – it's all about the summer sun.

Other facilities: You're right by the water, plus there's also a toddler pool, playgrounds, cafés, buses and coin-operated barbecues.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? The sun, sand and surf of Bondi Beach.

And is there toilet access? Yes, the toilets and changerooms are next to North Bondi SLSC.

Best for: A sunset session with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

Parking: Limited two-hour paid parking along Kent, Watson and Argyle streets.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: Public access to Australia’s first observatory and a prized rotunda that is popular for weddings and events.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Panoramic views across Sydney city and the harbour.

And is there toilet access? Yes, at the Argyle Street entrance.

Best for: A hassle-free Sunday funday on the water if you live in the Inner West.

Parking: No.

Is there shade? Some.

Other facilities: Barbecue areas, playground, historical structures, sports fields, walking path, water fountains. Dogs are also permitted off-leash.

Can I BYO? Yes – but be aware and look for signs, as restrictions can come into place periodically.

What's my view? The ANZAC Bridge and the waters of Rozelle Bay.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A secret Northside picnic spot. 

Parking: You can park on the street or just walk five to ten-minutes from Waverton train station. 

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: Walking tracks with traditional Indigenous engravings and art sites, picnic benches, barbecue facilities, a playground and viewing platforms for the best photo opps. 

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? You tell us how many Sydney icons you spot. Bring a pair of binoculars!

And is there toilet access? Yes, next to the car park.

Best for: A green inner-city experience.

Parking: No, but there's CBD council car parking in the city surrounds.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: There's bicycle parking and constant public transport, so you have easy access to the ANZAC Memorial, park café and plenty of grassy picnic spots. 

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? From the shimmering Sydney CBD through the leafy canopy and gardens to the fountain.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: Fun on the foreshore and great views of Blackwattle Bay.

Parking: Try Pirrama Road, the Jones Bay Wharf Car Park or the casino opposite.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: There's the kids' playground, café, floating pontoon for private boats, water access and lighting if you're there after sunset.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? The waters of Sydney Harbour and the hills of Balmain.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A very proper picnic in the midst of a historically posh area of town.

Parking: Yes, nearby on Greycliffe Avenue.

Is there shade? Yes, there's some tree cover.

Other facilities: Cool down in the netted swimming area, or use tables, the beach kiosk/café, restaurant, walking tracks and drinking water. But leave pupper at home, there are no pets allowed.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? The harbour, the bridge and the sands of Shark Beach.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A refreshing respite from the heat and hubbub of the inner city.

Parking: Yes.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: There's a teahouse, barbecues, and playground. Dogs are permitted on leashes as you walk through the colourful gardens.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Flower, flowers, flowers. You'll also be looking out over Yowie Bay.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: Gazing at the proudly hulking mass that is the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Parking: It's metered parking in the surrounding area, or two free hours on some streets.

Is there shade? Yes

Other facilities: Fenced playground and a water fountain. Dogs are also permitted (with restrictions), and it's close to Olympic Pool and Luna Park.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.

And is there toilet access? Yes 

Best for: Indecisive groups – there are beaches, bushland and a large grassy area.

Parking: Your best bet is the pay-and-display car park.

Is there shade? Yes, and prime position is the undercover gazebo seating.

Other facilities: There's a netted harbour pool, children’s playground, basketball courts, skateboard/scooter track, walking tracks and an off-leash dog exercise area.

Can I BYO? Yes, but not after 6pm.

What's my view? Hit the grassed reserve for harbour and water views.

And is there toilet access? Yes. There's a modern new block and changerooms, too.

Best for: A picturesque garden-harbour mash-up.

Parking: There's very limited street parking, so set sail on the public ferry to the Darling Point Wharf.

Is there shade? Yes.

Other facilities: There's the playground to keep kids busy, sandstone sculptures, an impressively manicured garden and the heritage listed Canonbury Cottage.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Only some of the best in town – Sydney Harbour and our beloved Bridge.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: This quiet bushy space is a gem for easy breezy afternoons. 

Parking: Yes, and it is also accessible by ferry from Woolwich Dock.

Is there shade? Yes, if you can nab some grass under the trees.

Other facilities: Luscious lawns, a foreshore boardwalk, wharf access, gazebos and barbecue facilities.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? Million-dollar water views looking east towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A big family affair with a side of harbour views.

Parking: Free street parking, but you might have to walk a fair bit down the hill to get to the island.

Is there shade? No.

Other facilities: A 20-minute bush walk that interprets Berry Island's Aboriginal history, playground, picnic tables, barbecue areas, a water fountain and a small beach.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Endless waters and a distant city skyline.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A romantic picnic on a sunny afternoon. 

Parking: There is limited on-street parking on Blues Point Road, but it’s just a five-minute walk from McMahons Point ferry wharf or a ten-minute walk from North Sydney train station.

Is there shade? There is some shade under the Port Jackson and Moreton Bay figs.

Other facilities: Picnic tables, a maritime-themed playground, seats, a bubbler and a recycling station.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? Spectacular views of the city, the harbour and the bridge.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A lazy Sunday afternoon with the kids and your four-legged friends.

Parking: Yes, street parking is available. 

Is there shade? No.

Other facilities: An expansive park, small outdoor gym, cricket pitch, playground facilities and a barbecue area.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? Uninterrupted views of the city skyline.

And is there toilet access? No.

Best for: A delightful day trip north.

Parking: There's parking for as long as the park is open (6am-6pm).

Is there shade? Yes, there are lots of trees and the barbeceue area (find gas, electric and wood options) is covered.

Other facilities: There's drinking water, picnic tables, walking trails, fishing, disabled access and a boat ramp for seaward picnickers. This is a national park and entry fees apply.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? Take your pick: Garigal National Park, Middle Harbour Creek, Roseville Bridge and bushland.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: Sandwiches and a swim in Sydney's south.

Parking: Limited along the Grand Parade – or try the car park to the south.

Is there shade? Yes, in the park.

Other facilities: There's four tidal pools, a walking path, bike track and a foreshore reserve. The beach also has a minimal swell that makes it suitable for fishing and swimming.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? That beautiful big blue wet thing.

And is there toilet access? Yes.

Best for: A wild weekend of watersports and bush walking.

Parking: Yes, accessible from Condamine St, Manly Vale.

Is there shade? Yes, five large undercover BBQ and picnic table gazebos can fit around ten people. They can be booked for $70.00.

Other facilities: Explore the network of bush walking tracks and the official Manly Dam Mountain Bike Track. The lake is a swimming, kayaking, waterskiing and fishing hotspot.

Can I BYO? Yes.

What's my view? Gaze at the expanse of Manly Dam and surrounding parklands.

And is there toilet access? Yes, within 50m-250m depending on where you're picnicking.

Best for: River-side lounging.

Parking: Yes.

Shade: Yes.

Other facilities: You can swim laps at the 20m pool inside the Como Swimming Complex (it's seasonal with free admission) and at the netted tidal baths. There's also picnic tables, barbecues, a playground, walking path and bike track.

Can I BYO? No.

What's my view? The Georges River and surrounding bushland.

And is there toilet access? Yes.