You can always find the perfect picnic spot while in Sydney. Filled with outdoor spaces, this harbourside city has plenty of green open spaces that welcome families, friends, couples, and even a solo person to sit, relax, and enjoy a meal outside. Whether you want to find a spot for a lunchtime picnic, a sunset al fresco dinner, or perhaps a morning brunch, there are different spots all around Sydney that will suit all occasions. Plus, with Sydney having such a fantastically mild climate all year round, you can picnic in all four seasons! 

So, grab your picnic basket and your best snacks, and head out in your rental car to one of these top five picnic spots in and around Sydney.

Barangaroo Reserve is one of the newer green spots in Sydney. A recently transformed industrial site, it’s now a six-hectare headland that gives a new perspective on the iconic harbour. It’s the perfect place for a picnic with family or friends, and in fact, the space actively encourages it: with the option to either BYO or order from their Pop Up Picnic services. Barangaroo Reserve features spectacular views, beautiful coves and a range of picnic spots. We recommend ending your day here and having a picnic while the sun sets. It’s simply magnificent over the harbour!

Centennial Park is situated within the eastern suburbs of Sydney. It’s a huge open space with 189 hectares and is landscaped with gardens, flora and fauna, and ponds. With many different paths and sections, there is always room for a picnic spot or two! Plus, it’s easily accessible, with three main different entry points: Woollahra Gates, Paddington Gates, or Randwick Gates, and plenty of smaller ones, too. This park is perfect any time of day, from morning brunch picnics to lunch or dinner. While Centennial Park welcomes picnics of all sizes, if you’d like to reserve a spot or bring a service provider, there are bookable sites via the official website. So, pack up your hampers and head east to Centennial!

We had to add a beach spot to this picnic list. Bronte Beach is a fantastic beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You won’t need to worry about getting sand in your food, as Bronte has a park that borders the beach. This park has plenty of space, as well as shaded areas, BBQs that are free to use, and covered huts where you can base your picnic spot around. Enjoy ocean views while you enjoy food with your friends and family: there are several cafes located above the beach that you can even get takeaway from to enjoy at your picnic! From acai bowls to fish and chips, there is a huge range of options here. A gorgeous way to start the day is to watch the sunrise with a  picnic before spending the morning by the beach - the perfect start to a day here in Sydney!

This spot is a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why! Grab your favourite picnic food, a rug, and your best friends and head to one of Sydney’s best picnic spots: Observatory Hill Park. This spot offers incredible views over the Harbour, the city skyline, of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and across to the northern suburbs. We recommend enjoying this spot for a dinner picnic so that you can watch the sunset over the harbour. 

This is a great spot for those that have spent a morning sightseeing in the city. Hyde Park is just a stone's throw from one of Sydney’s busiest shopping streets, Pitt Street. So, work up your appetite in some of the best shops in Sydney before heading to the park for a relaxed al fresco lunch! You can also stop by some iconic spots before or after your picnic, like the ANZAC Memorial and Pool of Reflection, fountains, statues, and so much more. 

Sydney has so many spots that are perfect for a picnic. Whether you want a beachside spot, one with harbour views, or a lush green space with ample shade, you can find it in Sydney. All  these spots are easily accessible in your rental car, so have fun exploring and finding your own perfect spot for a bite to eat, or an afternoon relaxing with friends or family. And remember - these spots can be enjoyed all year round, so don’t wait for summer to head to Sydney.