Here Are (Some of) The Best Picnic Spots in Sydney

Who doesn't love a beach picnic? Perfect for catching up with friends, a family reunion, a romantic first date or a romantic 100th date — or if you just love eating great food with a great view. The soothing crashes of the waves, the feeling of the sand under your feet and, if you time it correctly, the rising or setting of the sun — all in all, a dreamy experience.

So the question is, where are the best picnic spots in Sydney? The short answer is — there are a lot of them! Sydney is blessed with a beautiful coastline; immersing yourself in a natural setting with stunning views isn't exactly tricky. 

However, we wanted to discover the best of the best so you can set up the perfect Sydney beach picnic. Everybody has different tastes and preferences; while some prefer an isolated location, others like to be surrounded by people. There's a bit of everything, so there's something for everyone. 

So pack your picnic basket full of delightful snacks, don't forget your beach towels and beach napkins, and away we go to Sydney's most beautiful beach picnic locations. 

It wouldn't be a list of Sydney's best picnic spots without the picturesque Shelly Beach. With a breathtaking coastline, Shelly Beach is ideal for diving and snorkelling. However, it's also perfect for sitting on the shoreline and taking in the views from the grassy area right behind the beach. There is a BBQ facility and bathrooms, so you can set up and make a day of it.

There's also a short (but picturesque) bushwalk, and a variety of lookouts offering stunning views back onto the Northern Beaches — you may even (accidentally) witness a proposal or two! If you're not looking for BYO food and drinks, the beachside cafe aptly named The Boathouse takes walk-ins.

A gorgeous addition to the picnic areas Sydney list is the Clifton Gardens Reserve. The best part? This picnic location is suitable for a man's best friend. With plenty of room for dogs to run around, this is a popular spot for furry friends. There's also a playground, a basketball court, a BBQ area and a kiosk for grabbing coffee — an ideal family location. There are picnic tables for setting up an elegant spread — don't forget some fancypants table linen to be the envy of all other picnic-goers. 

And to make it even better, the reserve boasts its own little beach — Chowder Bay. A bright blue paradise with a netted swimming enclosure (and a jetty for the braver kids — and adults — to jump off of). This is an easy go-to location for your next beach picnic, only 30 minutes from the city (without traffic).

Ideal for a picnic set up in Sydney, Bradleys Head Amphitheatre provides a private (albeit tiny beach) setting that's perfect for a romantic picnic. It's ideal for those who love the beach atmosphere without the sand. Bradley Head Amphitheatre is a sophisticated choice for a picnic with ample grass seating and a view of the Sydney Opera House. It's also a popular fishing spot, so bring along a rod for an extra picnic pastime. There's also a chance you will spot a blushing bride at this popular wedding location. 

Top Tip: It's open daily from 6 am-8 pm (weather permitting). 

A naturally stunning addition to our list of picnic areas in Sydney is Hungry Point Reserve. A breathtaking location, it features a rocky shoreline, three grassed areas and panoramic views of the gorgeous blue ocean. Located along the Cronulla Peninsula, Hungry Point Reserve is approximately 45 minutes from the city. 

There are also benches and picnic tables if you prefer to picnic above the ground — perfect for bringing your own tablecloth if you want something a little fancy.

One of our favourite Sydney-side picnic places is Dee Why Beach. The perfect location for all of your beach activities, this beach is only 30 minutes out of the city. This popular surfing beach boasts a 50-metre ocean swimming pool, plus a toddlers' area. It also has a playground and grassed picnic areas with BBQs, and it's within walking distance of plenty of dining options, boutique shops and beach cafes — so if you forget any essentials, you can always buy more. 

Touristy as it may be, this list wouldn't be complete without Sydney's gem — Bondi Beach. So whether you take to the sand in search of the crew from Bondi Rescue, set up your rug on the large grassed area, hit the streets closeby for boutique shopping or push past influencers for a dip in the famous ocean pool — the kilometre-long curved beach has earned its reputation.

Due to its popularity, you can also hire surfboards, lounge chairs and umbrellas to bring your picnic to the sand — bring an extra-large towel to stake your claim on a larger spot of sand. The changing rooms, showers, and rental lockers make Bondi an easy option to have everything you need in one place — as long as you can handle the crowds.

Top Tip: Plan it properly in October or November, and you may get the treat yourself to Sculpture By The Sea, too. 

A naturally stunning addition to picnic areas in Sydney is Wattamolla Beach. Wattamolla provides a more secluded spot located in the Royal National Park. With a waterfall within the national park that flows into the lagoon below, fishing spots, snorkelling opportunities, and nearby bush walks, Wattamolla Beach is a picnic destination that has it all.

Top Tip: Don't forget your wallet — The Royal National Park charges a fee per vehicle for entry for the day.