4 Must-Visit Picnic Spots in Western Sydney

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Nurrangingy Reserve
Knox Road, Doonside
[LINK=http://www.weekendnotes.com/nurragingy-reserve/]
Nurrangingy Reserve[/LINK] is one of my favourite spots in Western Sydney. It's a little off the beaten path in terms of public transport, so if you don't drive see if you can persuade a friend to take you by tempting them with the promise of a picnic lunch!

Seriously though, I love this spot because it is a little different from the norm. It has stunning Chinese architecture and live viewings of a blacksmith forging various items on the weekend from a rustic bush setting.



There are a lot of designated picnic spots here. Most of them are named after native birds, so that makes it easy to tell people where you are if you have a group of friends meeting at the reserve.



There are old fashioned wood bbqs, water on site, toilets close to most picnic spots and many of the locations are located in the midst of the bush for a nice forest feel.



If you want something suited for children, the other part of the reserve is more kid-centric. A water park and numerous picnic spots with children's play areas attached are on offer.

Furthermore, there's a very attractive central lake, walks through the bush and a small takeaway - handy for picking up some snacks or drinks. However, if you are planning to come specifically for a proper picnic, definitely bring your own food.

Blacktown Showground
Richmond Road, Blacktown

I came upon the Blacktown Showground by accident when wandering out of the Blacktown Railway Station. It's seriously close, so it's easy to access both buses and trains from the showground. But if you do decide to drive there is lots of parking space. The appeal of the Blacktown Showground has to be a combination of it's proximity to Blacktown city and it's diversity as a community space.

There is a wide open flat area perfect for kicking a ball around, wide paths great for running, walking and young kids on tricycles, a beautiful well-tended community garden, covered picnic tables, a wetland area through the centre of the park and even basketball courts that are popular with the youth in the area.

It's even directly opposite Adam's Tavern if you want to jump across the road for a beer.

For an extensive list of the facilities at the showground, consult the Blacktown City Council website.
Scheyville National Park
Scheyville Rd, Scheyville NSW

This is a little-known National Park, not far from Windsor. The only way to get out there is by car, but it is an unusual spot for a picnic. I've been out there twice for that purpose and found the appeal to be the feeling of seclusion. Start by following the Migrant Heritage Walk and you will feel the stillness settle over you. Walk beyond swaying grasses and scrubby flat land, slightly up the hill and pick a spot. It's quiet here and on both occasions I have had the pleasure of seeing kangaroos.



This is a picnic place for contemplation. Good for couples or friends but perhaps less of interest to families with young kids. Definitely a spot for history buffs, with it's rich past as a migrant heritage centre and a military training camp among other things.



Also part of Scheyville National Park is Longneck Lagoon Reserve . Also a secluded spot for a picnic, this is bird watcher territory and great for snapping a few picturesque photos.

Maluga Passive Park
Corner of Gascoigne and Rodd Street, Birrong

Maluga Passive Park is a surprisingly pretty spot for a park smack bang in the middle of a residential area. It is shielded from its suburban location by trees and landscaping at the perimeter of the park.





There's adequate parking along the streets about the park and lots of wide grassy areas.



There's a children's play area and this space is beautiful of an afternoon with sun on the water of the two central ponds. A popular spot, but generally not too busy to make it crowded.

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