The Best Picnic Spots Around Sydney

words by o.k. glynn

You don’t need a special day to treat your loved one to a sweet little picnic, or, you don’t even need a loved one.

Pull up your mates, or just grab your headphones, and immerse yourself in nature for some much-needed relaxation. It can get pretty bonkers living in such a suave-yet-terrifying city. There are always lights flashing and cars honking, work can take it’s toll on your soul and you feel like every day is the same old narrative.

Taking a step back and giving yourself some breathing room will help strap your brain back into place; it’s like a little holiday, and you can do it right in the comfort of your own city.

Pack up a basket, cancel the restaurant reservations and gather together your sweetheart (or a list of your best mates) and head out to one of these epic picnic spots for a little taste of Mother Nature at her finest.

If you’re not wanting to head too far out, Barangaroo Reserve is the ultimate in Sydney perfection – the Stargazers Lawn offers up cosy little sandstone hideaways, lush green carpets of grass and sweeping views of the harbour, perfect for a sunset get-away – I suggest you keep this one firmly in the romantic sector. Everything from the name to the views set this up as a crushingly sweet, whisper-sweet-nothings kind of spot. Dusk is your best bet, as shade is minimal 😉

I guess Australia is pretty cool when stuff doesn't try to kill you. #straya #sydney

A post shared by Baron Law (@bazzar_law) on Oct 7, 2016 at 12:59am PDT

Another spot nestled right in the hustle and bustle is Bradfield Park, situated right under that glorious bridge of ours at Milson’s Point. It’s BYO from 7am-7pm, so this is a great Sunday-Funday spot with a few mates. You’re right in close for those heart-melting city skyline views, and if things kick off to a high pitch of fun, you can head straight to Luna Park and carry on from there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ4XsI6D_1R/?tagged=bradfieldpark

Heading further out of the city and giving you more in the way of activities, Centennial Park is absolutely massive (Bring everyone you know! They’ll fit). It’s BYO, there is a patch of grass with your name on it, and there are even horses you can ride if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

A little burst of sunshine making it's way through the trees. . #CentennialPark

A post shared by Centennial Parklands (@centparklands) on Dec 6, 2016 at 7:32pm PST

For the water babies, you can’t go past Gordon’s Bay just north of Coogee Beach. Push out along the rock formations that crowd the side of this narrow beach and park yourself there for some sunning, some swimming and some serious relaxing. It hosts those enviable turquoise waters and is dead-set one of the best swimming and diving spots in Sydney.

For other choices, you can’t go past the simplicity of the Botanical Gardens, or even just hanging near the fountain in Hyde Park will give you what you seek. There is so much in the way of hidden gems around Sydney, just pack up the cheese and biscuits, close your eyes and follow the sounds of silence.

A post shared by Scotty Int'l (@scottyintl) on Feb 1, 2017 at 5:40am PST

There is so much in the way of hidden gems around Sydney, just pack up the cheese and biscuits, close your eyes and follow the sounds of silence.