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Where is the Best Park for a Picnic in Sydney?

Home > Sydney > Family | Outdoor | Parks | Picnic Spots | Questions
Writer's Answer:
by Nini (subscribe)
Happy little writer. Love writing about = Food. Festivals. Film. Comedy. Nature. A Bunch Of Good Stuff In Between :-) Join me on Twitter @thefoodhatch
Published August 31st 2011
With spring finally landing on our doorstep and (hopefully) beautiful weather gracing us, getting out into nature is going to be high on the list. Now, the beach isn't for everyone in the warm weather, so popping out to a park to have a relaxing picnic is always a lovely option.

I've been on many a picnic, but lately I've been finding myself less keen because I can't find anywhere new to explore. With the area we live in, I'm sure there must be undiscovered gems because we are surrounded by the beautiful ocean, vast bush land and national parks not to mention just the leafy green suburbs that have plenty of spots to lay down a picnic rug and get stuck into some snacks.

Centennial Park
Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a clear winner, lakes and ponds filled with wildlife to watch, towering Paper Barks to nestle in under to get some shade from the sun and grand gardens to peruse. Another delight is Wahroonga Park, situated a short walk from the train station, in one of the aforementioned leafy green suburbs, Wahroonga. A sweet place to take a stroll around the paths, under the trees and not to mention, you can pick up your picnic supplies at the bakeries and gourmet deli's just over the other side of the train station.

So now I've shared a couple of my favourites with you, do share your prize picnic parks too, so we can all find a new place to park our bums for a leisurely picnic.
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Fagan Park, Arcadia - had a fab fathers day picnic there.
By Dale Carn - senior reviewer
Tuesday, 6th of September @ 09:16 pm
Putney Park
Waterfront park with best kids playground, byo food and coffee
By phill - reader
Tuesday, 1st of November @ 01:01 am
ryde park , blaxland rd ryde . bring your own picnic , or buy something there
By aamen - reader
Friday, 2nd of September @ 04:30 am
Flying Fox Park at Mona Vale, NSW
By tree_ - reader
Friday, 2nd of September @ 02:03 am
Clifton Gardens, Mosman. It is great for the young ones as it has a super little play equipment area, an enclosed beach area safe for swimming, tables and benches for picnics, or lots of grass areas to relax on. I live in the area and when i visit Clifton Gardens (Chowder Bay) I feel energised, happy and at peace with the world. Enjoy! For those wanting to purchase food/coffee, there is a gorgeous little cafe to the left of the beach and Ripples (a great place for lunch/dinner) is also on the hillside too. Discover this beautiful gem, you won't be disappointed. JG
By janet78 - reader
Monday, 3rd of October @ 07:44 am
Governor Phillip Park. Palm Beach, Sydney.

There is a childrens play area, free BBQ's, fish and chip cafe, great views. You do have to pay for parking if you are not a local.

It is also where they film shots of 'Home and Away'.
By Lulu Reynolds - senior reviewer
Friday, 2nd of September @ 05:36 am
Watsons Bay.
You have doyles take away fish and chips to eat in the park, and a delicious gelatissimo shop across the other side. Lovely little beach for young kiddies. Who could ask for more - such a beautiful view!!!
By rcari - reader
Tuesday, 6th of September @ 02:37 am
Lane Cove park
By Anonymous
Friday, 11th of November @ 09:59 pm
Fagan Park
Wander around the international gardens.
Watch the model airplane aerobatics.
Undercover BBQs/picnic tables available.
Fantastic!!
By Meegen Gamson - reader
Thursday, 5th of January @ 11:29 pm
Botanical Gardens are always nice because there's so many different areas that look different and lots of nice shady trees.
By Bec Ninness - senior reviewer
Thursday, 1st of September @ 04:46 am
Lake Parramatta is pretty good with BBQ's, a sensory playground, bushwalking, a kiosk and lots of wildlife around the lake.
By maxin - reader
Saturday, 22nd of October @ 03:19 am
As much as I like botanical gardens, I'm with you on this one, Nini. I've had picnics at Centennial Park and I find that because it's so huge, it's always possible to find a cute quiet spot. Plus, ducks are so cute! As are swans. Nice article :)
By Maz Serena Rockers - senior reviewer
Thursday, 1st of September @ 07:30 am
Nurringingy Reserve Doonside Rd Doonside.
By lynna - reader
Friday, 2nd of September @ 08:27 am
The park situated around Drummoyne sailing club. Right on the bay in the inner west.
By blond12 - reader
Tuesday, 6th of September @ 07:12 am
Neilsen Park, Vaucluse
By manzb - reader
Friday, 23rd of September @ 04:13 am
i like going to Sydney Park at St Peters to cheer up after sending loved ones to the airport. This huge park has a fantastic playground with swings, slides, wet sand play area, dogs off leash, bicycle park, kite flying area, wetland walk, a lovely hill top with bench to watch planes landing and taking off. Plus great coffee snacks at the kiosk.
By Jackie C - senior reviewer
Wednesday, 19th of October @ 07:28 am
waverton
By Anonymous
Tuesday, 15th of November @ 12:15 am
Bronte beach
By Anonymous
Saturday, 19th of November @ 06:30 am
Fagan Park, Galston
beautiful gardens, bike tracks and open space
By Anonymous
Friday, 6th of April @ 10:46 am
Camperdown Memorial Park is a great one - it has a kid's playground, is dog-friendly, and the slope of the park perfectly captures the midday to afternoon sun
By fairi - reader
Thursday, 1st of September @ 05:16 am
Berry Island is an awesome spot, looking straight back east towards the Harbour Bridge. Lovely walks and plenty of picnic spots too.
By cathe33 - reader
Friday, 2nd of September @ 03:43 am
Governor Phillip Park. Palm Beach, Sydney.

There is a childrens play area, free BBQ's, fish and chip cafe, great views. You do have to pay for parking if you are not a local.

It is also where they film shots of 'Home and Away'.
By Lulu Reynolds - senior reviewer
Friday, 2nd of September @ 05:31 am
Jubliee park end of Annandale /lillyfield off cresant rd. Looks out over the Anzac bridge side of the harbour , has an enclosed playarea, BBQ area, coffee /ice cream vans , lovely picnic spots , play area for dogs and plenty of places to kick a ball around. For a special treat walk around the bay footpath towards the fish markets and stop off at the historical bellview house that has been converted into a little cafe with water views.
By hwill - reader
Friday, 2nd of September @ 09:48 am
So many awesome suggestions! Thanks a bunch everyone for taking the time to let us all know your favourite picnic spots. Can't wait for lovely weather to try them all out :-)
By Nini - senior reviewer
Monday, 3rd of October @ 08:25 am
I love Hyde Park. I know it doesn't have all of the facilities and features of a lot of other parks, but I love that you can just escape there on your lunch break.

On a hot day when you're struggling to escape the sun, you can find a shady spot in Hyde Park and relax for a bit. I think it is either great for an impromptu picnic on your lunch break, or a proper picnic on the weekend.

Sadly I haven't had much of a chance to experience many other parks around Sydney, so perhaps I just haven't experienced enough. But I think Hyde Park will always have a special place in my heart.

Would love to check out some of the other places people are recommending because they all sound great.
By Natasha Stewart - senior reviewer
Wednesday, 5th of October @ 10:15 am
Royal Botanical gardens
By Anonymous
Friday, 2nd of December @ 05:49 am
Como Pleasure Grounds can't be beaten - not too crowded, beautiful breezes off the water, new landscaping and facilities, fantastic coffee at the marina and the best Thai food in Sydney from Thai Rim Nam! Heaven!
By Anonymous
Saturday, 14th of January @ 11:36 pm
Girrahween Park Earlwood- lovely bush setting close to city!!! You won't believe you are in the city-Many native birds nest there and a seasonal Grey-Headed Flying Fox (bats) camp is visible on the walk. Free BBQs and Two Valley Trail (see website) is a great little bush walk.
Parking at the top or right on the East Hills train line (Bardwell Park).
By gailc - reader
Wednesday, 22nd of February @ 07:45 am
picnic spot near lane cove
By hites0 - reader
Saturday, 7th of April @ 06:26 am
Fagan Park, Galston.
By paul. - reader
Saturday, 12th of May @ 05:01 am
centennial park is lovely anytime of year.
By amand - reader
Wednesday, 16th of May @ 11:57 am
Neilson Park
By Anonymous
Wednesday, 7th of September @ 10:06 pm
Lake Gillawarna off Henry Lawson Drive or Chipping Norton Lakes is nice too if you are a local
By alena0 - reader
Thursday, 8th of September @ 01:25 am
bondi
By Anonymous
Friday, 4th of November @ 01:09 am
roberts park in greenacre
By Anonymous
Sunday, 6th of November @ 11:43 am
Jubillee park glebe
By Anonymous
Wednesday, 11th of January @ 09:55 am
I think the best place for a picnic is Hyde park in the city or Carss Park in Kogarah.

Have fun at your picnic and I hope I gave you some ideas!
By Anonymous
Friday, 13th of January @ 11:56 pm
Malabar. Tucked away on a headland it has a very family friendly picnic park with all amenities overlooking the beach and bay. There is also a beautiful ocean pool further down the bay.
By brend - reader
Monday, 2nd of April @ 08:41 pm
Sydney Park st Peters a dog friendly park so take your dog along a leash free park so a table for food may be the go
By onogr - reader
Sunday, 22nd of April @ 11:19 pm
mort bay
By mvmac - reader
Saturday, 19th of May @ 06:00 am
Mt Annan Botanic Gardens
By mail20 - reader
Tuesday, 22nd of May @ 09:55 pm
Mt Annan Botanic Gardens
By mail20 - reader
Tuesday, 22nd of May @ 09:55 pm
Blacktown Mega Park Showground. Amazing flying fox, water park, great ride for kids.. all free. Great coffee cafe for grown ups, all within 5 mins of CBC of Blacktown
By Kathy - reader
Saturday, 19th of October @ 07:57 pm
Petersham
By ceuan - reader
Monday, 27th of October @ 07:45 am
Royal National Park is the best. So peaceful and so beautiful, amongst the trees, the water and the abundant birdlife.
By landg - reader
Wednesday, 18th of December @ 11:33 pm
Centennial Park - Kensington
By linht - reader
Tuesday, 3rd of August @ 09:11 am

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