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Sydney's Best Parks - Where to Go for a Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Sydney's Best Parks - Where to Go for a Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Sydney's Best Parks

Sydney is notorious for it’s glorious green spaces in and around the city, and what better way to use these parks than with a relaxing weekend picnic? Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and check out these scenic parks in our nation’s biggest city. Bring a picnic rug, some yummy food and maybe even a bottle of bubbles with your friends and family to enjoy these gorgeous spots.

1. Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay (Lavender Street, Lavender Bay)

Wendy’s Secret Garden is the leafy north-shores best kept secret, with a beautiful curated garden and idyllic views of Sydney Harbour. This garden was created by Wendy Whiteley, the wife of renowned Australian artist Brett Whitely, and is a slice of heaven just a few minutes walk from the bustling North Sydney CBD. Take a stroll through the gardens and down onto the foreshore of Lavender Bay, where you’ll find unparalleled views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and CBD skyline.

Website: https://www.wendyssecretgarden.org.au/

2. McKell Park, Darling Point

Featuring stunningly manicured gardens and uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour, McKell Park in Darling Point is definitely one to check out. This historic foreshore is just a stone’s throw away from Sydney’s CBD, and is the perfect spot for a picnic. This park is popular for tourists and locals alike, so bring your friends and family along and take in the Spring weather and striking views.

Website: https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/recreation/parks,_reserves_and_playgrounds/list_of_parks_and_playgrounds/parks_and_playgrounds/mckell_park

 

3. Centennial Park (Centennial Park, 2021)

As one of Australia’s most famous and historic parks, it’s no surprise that Centennial Park is a hit amongst all who visit. The vast green spaces, ponds and water catchments, sporting fields and playgrounds are surrounded by a loop-track that makes for the perfect weekend stroll. Find a secluded gazebo for a picnic, or bask in the sun next to a tranquil lake. If you’re looking for some physical activity, this park is popular with everyone from cyclists to horse-riders!

Website: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/

4. Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo (Hickson Road, Barangaroo)

Just around the corner from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, Barangaroo Reserve is the perfect spot to chill out in Sydney’s bustling CBD. Not only does it have one of the most beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, Barangaroo Reserve is also full of history as it was once one of the oldest industrial sites in the city. Barangaroo was named after an influential indigenous woman and the wife of Bennelong, so make sure to keep your eye out for Aboriginal history while taking a stroll around the park.

Website: https://www.barangaroo.com/see-and-do/things-to-do/itineraries/barangaroo-reserve/

5. Western Sydney Parklands (Eastern Creek)

One of the biggest green spaces in Sydney, Western Sydney Parklands is a perfect spot for anything from a Sunday afternoon picnic, to a long run or bike ride. Filled with playgrounds, barbecue areas, grassy fields and even cafes, this park is a great one to go exploring in. Sydney Zoo is also inside this vast parkland area, so make sure to check out the beautiful animals on display!

Website: https://www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au/ 

6. Clifton Gardens, Mosman (Mosman, 2088)

Featuring one of Sydney’s most picturesque bays to go swimming, snorkelling, diving or even stand-up paddleboarding in, Clifton Gardens really does have it all. The gorgeous grassy area is the perfect spot to have lunch, and grab a takeaway coffee from one of the surrounding cafes. Cool off in the water afterwards, and make sure to bring your four-legged friends along too as it’s dog-friendly. Clifton Gardens is just around the corner from tourist-hotspot Balmoral, but is usually much more quiet and tranquil as it’s a well-kept Sydney-sider secret.

Website with more information: https://www.hellosydneykids.com.au/clifton-gardens-mosman-sydneys-best-beaches-for-kids/

7. Beare Park, Elizabeth Bay (Corner of Ithaca Road and The Esplanade, Elizabeth Bay)

Beare Park in Elizabeth Bay is designed for relaxing by the water, with stunning harbour views and grassy areas. Grab a coffee and sandwich at nearby cafes such as The Lookout on the marina. This park features multiple fountains with rich Sydney history, so go for a stroll and discover the different stories behind each fountain. Nearby are Rushcutters Bay Park and Macleay Reserve, so you can keep exploring all day long.

8. Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Paddington

Nestled on bustling Oxford Street in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Paddington Reservoir Gardens is a heritage-listed park that was once a derelict water reservoir, but has now been beautifully refurbished into a sunken garden. Many of the original features are still on show, making this garden perfect for a picnic as well as a relaxing stroll-around. After working up an appetite shopping along the famous Oxford Street, pick up a sandwich from one of the many Paddington cafes and relax in the stunningly designed garden.

Website: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/paddington-reservoir-gardens

9. Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Sydney

Not just a lunch-break spot for Sydney CBD workers, Mrs Macquarie’s Point is also a glorious spot for a relaxing picnic. The views of Sydney’s stunning harbour are unprecedented and exquisite, and while you’re there, make sure to check out Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, which was carved from sandstone by convicts in 1810! Gorgeously manicured gardens surround this park, so have a walk around after lunch and soak it all in.

Website with more information: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/sydney/attractions/mrs-macquaries-point/a/poi-sig/1264900/362319

Sydney’s endless green spaces and parklands are designed for us to all enjoy, so why not try out some new spots for a picnic this spring-time. Where do you think we missed out on? Do you have any local secret spots to share? Comment below, we’d love to hear!


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