Best Picnic Spots on Australia Day

Pack your picnic baskets and blankets and head to one of these parks on Australia Day! From picnic spots that are at the centre of Australia Day celebrations to ones that have the best playgrounds and kids activities, all these places will give your day a special touch.

Sydney City

Barangaroo Reserve

The grass at Barangaroo is still fresh and new. It’s also the centre of a lot of Australia Day events, so bring a good picnic blanket and camp out for the day! Celebrate our shared history with the traditional owners through a series of local performances, catch the finish of the Ferrython under the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as live entertainment in the evening. Considering all the events that’s happening here, it will be crowded but very fun!
More Info Here.

Royal Botanic Gardens

You have a blend of stunning flowers surrounding you with the most spectacular harbour views. You can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, wander to Mrs Macquarie’s chair or head to the art gallery. You can also take a fun scenic tour on the Choo Coo Express which starts and finishes at the Queen Elizabeth II gate (by the Opera House).
More Info Here.

Prince Alfred Park

See the new changes to the park! There are picnic areas and BBQs, tennis and basketball courts and 2 really sweet little children’s playground featuring beautiful, hand-crafted rides. Kids can take their scooters or bikes and ride along the path, and of course plenty of picnic spaces.
More Info Here.

Barangaroo Reserve, Prince Alfred Park

Eastern Suburbs

Nielsen Park

Along with harbour views, kids can splash in the shallows of the netted swimming area whilst you claim a picnic spot under the canopy of one of the many Moreton Bay Fig Trees. This park is BUSY so catch the bus or just be prepared for a bit of a walk.
More Info Here.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park caters to all! There are playgrounds, ponds, walking tracks, multi person hire bikes and horse riding. A large circular park, you can drive the loop before settling on a location to stop. The playground and BBQ area is the busiest spot for Centennial is very large and every inch of it holds it’s own beauty and perks. Sit in the quieter areas near the duck ponds or relax at the benches across from it.
More Info Here.

Parsley Bay

One of the most idyllic park-playground-beach combos in the East. This lovely and shady reserve leads into a beautiful, clean flat beach then into the most perfect wave-less shallow bay with protected swimming area. There are no BBQ’s but plentiful picnic tables under the trees and areas for a bushwalk. The small car park fills up quickly so get there early.
More Info Here.

Nielson Park, Centennial Park

Inner West

Glebe Foreshore Parks

Have a wander around the Glebe Foreshore Walk and take your pick of one of the 4 beautiful waterside parks that it encircles. There is plenty of space to settle in for a relaxed picnic or BBQ with the family and enjoy the great views of Anzac Bridge. There are kids’ adventure playgrounds, native wetlands, beaches and off-leash areas for dogs.
More Info Here.

Bicentennial Park

You’re spoiled for choice here! Spread your picnic blanket at Lake Belvedere or under a shady shelter and take advantage of the free BBQs. Let the kids run wild at the adventure playground with its sandpit, slide, climbing frame, swings and shade sails. If it’s really hot they can coll off at the splashing fountains and water spouts at the water play area! See the incredible views from the Treillage Tower or take the bush walk trail.
More Info Here.

Greater West

Lizard Log

Lizard Log encourages creative play and greater interaction amongst visitors and the natural bushland setting, making it a great spot for some fun. The Children’s Nature Playground will keep them busy whilst you get the food ready on the available park BBQ. There are also picnic shelters and loads of parking.
More Info Here.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

Mount Tomah covers 28 hectares of rich acid clay loam. This fertile environment and the low temperature are perfect for showing plants from the world’s cooler regions and a wonderful place to picnic and explore with the kids!
More Info Here.

Lizard Log, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

South Sydney/St George

Carss Bush Park

Carss Park has excellent sports fields,playground areas, picnic and BBQ facilities and an intertidal swimming area. It’s also the site of the annual Australia Day Celebrations Festival with a full day of live entertainment including a visit from Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Families can enjoy the 7D Interactive Mobile Cinema, Carss Park Cottage Museum tours and Amusement Rides!
More Info Here.

North Shore

Taronga’s Main Entrance Plaza

This is a lovely spot for a family picnic and access is FREE. You can see some of the Zoo’s wildlife exhibits which are open to the public free of charge and best of all, you can take a free round trip on the Sky Safari where you’ll spot elephants, monkeys and of course, the unbeatable iconic Sydney Harbour view.
More Info Here.

Chowder Bay

This little cove has a kids’ playground at Clifton Reserve and plenty of lovely picnic and BBQ spots. The surrounding park offers lots of space for running and a protected and netted beach perfect for an afternoon dip.
More Info Here.

Northern Beaches

Manly Dam

You’ll find activities ranging from from kayaking, swimming and fishing to water skiing and mountain biking. There are picnic spots, shaded tables and BBQs along the waterfront. The picnic tables are bookable! Little lovers of nature will love the park’s easy Wildflower Walk and Nature Trail and there’s a good kids playground right on the shore of the dam.
More Info Here.

Winnererremy Bay Flying Fox Park

The Parkland here contains barbeques, picnic shelters, bike paths and a beach. There is plenty of open space to throw a ball or play a good game of cricket/rugby. There’s also a first class, fully fenced playground that caters for young children and a separate playground for older children. Of course, the oversized Flying Fox is the main attraction here.
More Info Here.

Manly Dam, Winnererremy Bay Flying Fox Park

North West

Bella Vista Farm Park

The farm has some lovely spots and serene atmosphere. This Australia Day the popular annual family-friendly celebrations are back from 12 midday to 9pm. Enjoy local music and tunes and at 2pm – 9pm take the kids to the amusement rides and activities.
More Info Here.

South West

Woodward Park

The park is hosting a fun-filled Australia Day program with non-stop entertainment on the main stage, kids stage and arena area as well as a variety of family activities, rides, stalls and fireworks!
More Info Here.

Sutherland Shire

Blaxland Oval

Stretch our your picnic rug any where and let the kids indulge in a great Australia Day program! From 4pm you have a Family Fun Zone including giant games like Lego, Jenga, Connect 4, Snakes & Ladders and more! You can meet some furry friends at the petting zoo. The bigger kids will love trying Menai Indoor Sports Centre’s Bubble Soccer on the oval. Southern Stars Taekwondo will be giving two dynamic demonstrations at 4.45pm and 7.45pm just right of the stage. You can also meet Dora the Explorer on the oval from 4.45pm!
More Info Here.

Royal National Park

Really get away from it all and explore the world’s second oldest national park. Beautiful vistas, lovely bushwalks, amazing ocean views or quiet contemplation. Older kids will love exploring the coast track, the waterfalls and paths at Wattamolla while younger kids will work up at appetite wandering Lady Carrington Drive or Audley Weir. If you are out in the bush facilities are limited, but peace is abundant. A permit is required to park in the Park for the day.
More Info Here.

Blaxland Oval, Royal National Park