It’s the era of the PICNIC! With this weather, they’re actually so lovely! Here’s a list of our 12 favourite local picnic spots.
1. Anderson Park
Corner Belmore Street and Rothsay Avenue, Ryde
Set on the Parramatta River, this lovely spot had to be included for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has a kids playground with soft fall ground and shade sail. There are various green spaces/areas, toilets and best of all its opposite is RDM run Lebanese restaurant Cedrus – so you could get their picnic pack and enjoy in the park! Afterwards, you could even take a walk along the river.
2. Banjo Paterson Park
Punt Road, Gladesville
This is a gold star location for a picnic. It has easy parking, toilets (including baby change table), playground for the kids, seating and BBQ area PLUS huge green space along the water to enjoy your picnic. Learn more here.
3. Bedlam Bay
14 Campbell Drive, Gladesville
The water and open space at Bedlam Bay is absolutely gorgeous! It’s a fun space for ball games and relaxing, and if you need to because of little kids, you can sit far from the water. Toilets can be found near the community garden.
4. Bicentennial Park
Australia Ave, Sydney Olympic Park
Set on over 40 acres you will most definitely find the perfect picnic spot here. There is plenty of green space, playgrounds, walks, toilets, scooter/bike paths, cafes for takeaway, water features and so much to see and do before or after your picnic. More info here.
5. Boronia Park
Boronia Ave, Epping
Boronia Park offers lots of green tree shade, toilets, bubblers, lots of tables and BBQ’s, a playground and lots of green grass open space. It is also a stone’s throw from Epping Coles in case you forget something! Read more here.
6. Clarkes Point Reserve
Woolwich Rd, Woolwich
This beautiful spot by the water is a fantastic location to take in views of the Harbour Bridge and Cockatoo Island. You do have to pay for parking and it is metered. It can get busy here so plan ahead.
There are also toilets at this reserve.
7. Crossland Reserve
Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights
This one is worth the drive as it’s so secluded and feels like a world away!
Crossland Reserve is situated along the river edge and offers lots of green grass space, seating area, BBQ’s and toilets, plenty of parking, easy access to the river at various points so kids can wet their feet or swim with their boogie boards. There is a large flying fox and some swings, a lot of tree shade – it’s easy to spend a full day here! Did we mention there is even a boardwalk over wetlands and bushwalking tracks?
8. Eric Primrose Reserve
86 John Street, Rydalmere
Another lovely picnic option along Parramatta River – this one is between Silverwater Bridge and Rydalmere Ferry Wharf.
Eric Primrose Reserve has green space in abundance as well as a small playground (with shade), BBQ and seating around along the river. The Parramatta Valley cycleway runs along the reserve, making it a lovely pram-friendly walking path too. Another plus – you will find toilets, drink foundations and refillable water stations.
Parking is easy in the car park along John Street servicing the sporting fields, playspace and ferry wharf.
9. Fagan Park
38-48 Arcadia Rd, Galston
Yes, this one is a little further afield but it’s absolutely worth the drive. Fagan Park in Galston has a great playground, toilets, scooter/bike track, a beautiful lake with ducks and geese, themed gardens and a stunningly beautiful green space to relax in. You do need to pay to park – when we last visited it was $6 for all day but it is worth it. There is even a little cafe/pop up van there during peak periods.
10. George Kendall Park
38 Spofforth St, Ermington
This is a fantastic location away from the water for those who would prefer to not be chasing toddlers the whole time! This location packs a big punch with SO MUCH open green space, toilets, multi-use courts, playground and scooter/bike track. Read our full write up here.
11. Kissing Point Park
Waterview St, Putney
Kissing Point Park is situated alongside Parramatta River with great water views and green space. A few metres away you will find a kids playground with lots of tree shade, toilets, Kissing Point Wharf (with a low-key beach vibe at low tide) and a walking path that goes also the way to Meadowbank. Parking is pretty good with a carpark and street parking. You can read more about Kissing Point Park here.
12. Macquarie University Lake
Talavera Road, Macquarie Park
Not only is this a lovely lake with a Zen Japanese feel, but the features are great fun for kids. Depending on the time of year you might even spot baby ducklings! There’s toilets and HEAPS of green space for the kids to run around and of course plenty of picnic space. Park on Talavera Rd alongside the M2 and walk in the uni (via the trees near the hotel).
