PICNIC PARTIES

Docklands Park is perfect for small private events with its location just a short stroll from Southern Cross Station and seconds from the Yarra River. The wonderful park has large grassy areas with public BBQ’s and a playground for the little ones.

FACILITIES:

Toilets,  Public BBQ’s, Playground

Fees:

See city of Melbourne

Situated on the Yarra River Birrarung Park is a short stroll from Flinders Street Station and is a direct link to the CBD and Melbourne sporting precinct. The name is derived from Wuurundjeri Language – Birrarund meaning’river of mists’ and Marr meaning ‘the side of the river’.  This location is great for small and large-scale events with three different locations within the park that includes a large outdoor children’s playground, public BBQ’s and views of the Yarra and the Federation Bells.

Facilities:

Toilets,  Public BBQ’s, Playground

Fees:

See city of Melbourne

Kings Domain is located in the city’s Domain Parklands precinct, which encompasses Government House. The Domain offers has an array of art installations, monuments and sculptures. Tom’s Block is located along St Kilda Road and a little walk from Flinders Street Station; with the Walker Fountain as a backdrop this location is perfect for small scale events with minor infrastructure.

Facilities:

Toilets, Public BBQ’s,

Fees:

See city of Melbourne

Treasury Gardens provides a small and peaceful place for small and medium events. The gardens derive much of their significance from their proximity to the city and to Parliament Station.

Facilities:

Toilets

Fees:

See city of Melbourne

Flagstaff Gardens is a favourite spot to relax over lunch, while the historic monuments, art installations and proximity to Queen Victoria Markets, makes the gardens a popular spot. The Gardens have a great view through to Docklands and feature bike tracks, public BBQ’s and a playground. It makes for the perfect location for small to medium events. Access to the park is as simple as hoping off the tram at Flagstaff Station.

Facilities:

Toilets,  Public BBQ’s, Playground, Bike/Running Track

Fees:

See city of Melbourne

Princess Park stretches nearly two kilometres north to south and is full of great locations for small to medium events. This locations offers a playground, walking tracks, sports fields and public BBQ’s.

Facilities:

Public BBQ’s, Playground

Fees:

See city of Melbourne

Heritage listed Catani Gardens comprise some six hectares of magnificent landscaped gardens. This continental – style seaside garden is surrounded by rows of palm trees that line the St Kilda foreshore.

Facilities:

Public BBQ’s, Playground, Toilets, walking paths, Rotunda, Foreshore

Fees:

See city of Port Phillips

Petersham Park has enormous trees, an ornate band stand which dates back to 1902 and a lovely little picket fenced cricket oval where Don Bradman made his first class debut. Plenty of new play equipment and popular for children’s birthday parties. Surrounded by a low stone wall and featuring planting and landscaping, this historic park is a beautiful space, very popular among Inner West local.

FACILITIES:

Playground facilities (not fenced) ,toilet facilities, parking , shade, sporting facilities (oval), drinking fountain, other facilities close by (swimming pool), BBQ facilities & picnic tables

FEES:

Please see Inner West council for details

Situated on the Sydney Harbour foreshore, with views of the Harbour Bridge to the west and Sydney Heads to the East. There are beautifully maintained gardens, which provide the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Dogs are not permitted. Canonbury Cottage is located within the park is available for hire for private functions. There is easy access from Darling Point Ferry Wharf and Darling Point Road. No marquees or tables permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public ferry, public toilets, sandstone sculptures, exotic gardens and manicured lawns.

FEES:

Managed by Woollahra Council

This Park is easily the largest recreational area in Southern Sydney. This 45-hectare park juts out into the Georges River. This is a popular venue for picnics and events as it boasts large grassed areas, trees and native flowers.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, picnic tables, BBQ and playground & tidal pool, Steam Roller Park and walking tracks

FEES:

Managed by Georges River Council

Situated on Balmain foreshore Elkington Park has beautiful views and lots of shaded areas perfect for a picnic. Dogs are welcome at this park in the specified dog access areas. The 1936 band rotunda is popular as it provides additional shelter.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets with disabled access, enclosed children’s playground, Dawn Fraser baths

FEES:

Please see Inner West council for details

Federal Park, Jubliee Park, Bicentennial Park, Blackwatter Bay Park

You are spoilt for choice with these four parks nestled against the Glebe foreshore in Sydney’s inner west. Beautiful water views and overlooking the Sydney skyline and stunning views cross Rozelle Bay to the ANZAC bridge. Bus and light rail services are in close proximity. There are playgrounds of different sizes for children. The parks off leash section are west of the canal, while on leash areas are in the eastern quarter.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, water fountains, playgrounds, wetlands, off leash dog areas, BBQ’s & picnic areas

FEES:

Please see Inner West council for details

Lane Cove National Park is a historic site and is perfect for a family day out and to enjoy a picnic. There are lots of picnic areas to choose from as well as many family activities including canoeing, historic walking tracks and bike riding.

FACILITIES:

Picnic tables, BBQ’s, children’s play equipment, walking tracks, dogs not permitted

FEES:

$8 per vehicle per day. Written approval is required for organised groups of 30 or more, managed by Lane Cove River Park.

Features a spectacular view of the harbour bridge as well as the harbour and city. Blues Point Reserve is a 5-minute walk from McMahons Point ferry wharf or a 10-minute walk from North Sydney station. Hidden against the base of a tall cliff, which offers shelter from winds and provides afternoon shade. The Reserve is fully fenced with an open grassed lawn perfect for picnics! Dogs permitted in park but are not permitted within 10km of the playground

FACILITIES:

Maritime-themed custom-designed playground, public toilets, seats and picnic tables, recycling station, water fountain as well as limited parking

FEES:

No fee or reservation required for fewer than 59 people, reservation required for 60 or more people or if amusements are used. Managed by North Sydney Council.

Clifton’s Gardens Reserve is a Sydney Harbour National Park with views of the city and harbour. It has a large grassed area with shade and trees, which is perfect for picnicking. Dogs are permitted in the dog exercise area and are allowed off leash there. Wharf is accessible by private ferry. Small marquees permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets with disabled access and change rooms, tables and seating, harbour pool, walking tracks, basketball hoops and play equipment, street parking and paid parking available in car park, gas BBQs allowed (check fire restrictions)

FEES:

Mosman council does not take bookings or reservations for the covered picnic tables. Bookings for open areas are required for 50 or more people.

Moore Reserve in Sydney’s south is a great choice for picnics large or small. With views of the Oatley Bay from the designated viewing platform and plenty of park facilities on hand, your group will surely enjoy this picnic location. There are different sized swing sets, climbing equipment and other children’s play sets, lots of grass and tall trees, picnic tables and BBQ areas. There is also a large parking area on hand within Moore reserve itself.

FACILITIES:

public toilets, playground, picnic tables, running track, viewing platform.

FEES:

there are no booking fees associated with the use of Moore reserve. A notice of intent is required to be filled out and submitted to Kogarah council for groups of 50+, detailing the particulars of your occasion and the planned activities.

Sydney Olympic Park is home to a number of outdoor and covered spaces for hire. Blaxland Riverside Park has a spectacular waterside location alongside the Parramatta River and features terraced grassy slopes, playgrounds, picnic areas and a contemporary café. Wentworth Common is a large open grassy park sheltered by surrounding trees and nestled where Haslams Creek enters Homebush Bay. This park features a playground, picnic shelters, BBQ’s toilets and its own car park. Wentworth Common also offers covered banquet tables for hire for up to 60 people. Both parks are open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

public toilets, extensive playgrounds, pavilions, picnic tables and benches, free public BBQ’s.

FEES:

Site hire fees vary and an application is required to make a reservation, managed by Sydney Olympic Park.

Cabarita Park is a popular place for picnics and BBQ’s with views overlooking the water. The park features 8-sheltered picnic tables as well as several others around the park, 4 public BBQ’s, public toilets, wheelchair access, play equipment and ticketed parking. Nearest boat access via Cabarita Wharf. Cabarita Park is open at all hours and use of BBQ facilities is not restricted.

FACILITIES:

public toilets, BBQ’s, playground, picnic tables, sheltered areas.

FEES:

no bookings or fees required for groups of less than 100 as long as no temporary structures are being erected, managed by Canada Bay council.

Rosherville Reserve, adjacent to the white sands of Chinaman’s Beach, offers a large grassy area with many trees to provide shade for casual picnics on the grass. You’ll find a small children’s playground in the reserve and there is beach access from the reserve for swimming (no net). Marquees and amusements permitted. Safe gas BBQ’s allowed (check fire restrictions). Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets with limited disabled access, change rooms, children’s playground, street parking and car park (pay and display ticket area)

FEES:

Council bookings are essential for organised events of more than 50 people, $314 for 50-100 people, free for less than 50, managed by Mosman council.

The small, almost circular island is linked to the mainland by a wide grassed causeway. There are excellent views of the harbour and city from this picturesque reserve and it is a 5-10-minute walk from Wollstonecraft railway station. Limited on-street parking is available on Shirley Road. Dogs are welcome in the reserve however they must be kept on a leash in bushland areas and are not permitted within 10ms of the playground. Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, picnic areas, seats, a small beach and an adventurous, custom-designed playground most suitable for older children

FEES:

No fees or reservations required for fewer than 60 people, permit required for 60-100 people, managed by North Sydney council

This outward looking park features spectacular views over Lavender Bay, across the harbour and to the Harbour Bridge. It is an open grassy park with a number of established trees and sandstone walling. The Lavender Bay Parklands are located within walking distance of the North Sydney CBD, North Sydney station, Milsons Point station and Milsons Point ferry wharf. Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

Picnic tables and benches and a variety of pedestrian pathways, public toilets located nearby in Quaribee Park (part of Lavender Bay Parklands). Boat access via Milsons Point ferry wharf.

FEES:

No fee or reservation required for fewer than 60 people, permit required for 60-100 managed by North Sydney Council.

Situated on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, this popular picnic spot combines natural beauty with spectacular views. Balls Head Reserve is an easy 10-minute walk from Waverton railway station. There is car parking in the reserve and on Balls Head road and boat access is also available via Berry’s Bay. The reserve has several bush walking tracks, including one suitable for wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome in the reserve however they must be kept on a leash. Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

Accessible public toilets, picnic tables, seats and electric barbecues. Boat access via Berry’s Bay.

FEES:

No fee or reservation required for fewer than 59 people, permit required for 60-100 people, managed by North Sydney council.

Tucked away in the shadow of office towers, you’ll find this pristine secret garden adorned with natives, exotics and herbs. Towering fig trees run along winding gully paths while parrots, gulls, kookaburras, owls and wagtails chatter amidst the flowers and berries.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets located nearby in Quaribee Park (part of lavender Bay Parklands).

FEES:

Managed by North Sydney council.

Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest harbour side park with spectacular views over the Anzac and Harbour Bridges. The reserve features 4 elevated lawns, wedding ceremony spaces and indoor locations perfect for parties of 20 people right up to 200.

The park is easily accessible for pedestrians via cycle ways, public transport from Circular Quay, Wynyard Station and Darling Harbour and there is some parking nearby. Alcohol is permitted at this location.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, disabled access, and drinking fountains

FEES:

No fees for less than 60 people for social events, however fees will apply for corporate events of any size. Bookings are managed by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority

The Royal Botanic Garden and Domain provide a true oasis, offering a tranquil escape for picnics, garden parties and special occasions. Lawn bookings are required for groups of 20 or more and the Trust will reserve your chosen location and no other bookings will be taken for that location during your booked time. The RBG also offer a number of covered spaces and venues for hire. Alcohol permitted and up to 2 tables, but no BBQ’s are allowed, cold catering only or hot food delivery.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, café, information kiosks, park benches and water features. Nearest boat access at Circular Quay.

FEES:

Managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Trust.

Just a 5 minute drive from the CBD, Rushcutters Bay is a prized picnic spot in Central Sydney. It has everything required for great picnics including, a substantial children’s play area, public toilets with disabled access, large shaded areas and a flat playing field perfect for picnic activities and games. This waterfront location looks out across the many yachts that berth in the adjacent bay. There is a wharf for those who want to arrive by boat just a short walk from the park, and this location is perfect for groups of all sizes. Street parking on New Beach Road. Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, disabled access, playground.

FEES:

No fee for social groups less than 20 people, managed by Woollahra Council.

This upscale boutique hotel is a refurbished home from the 1870’s located opposite Centennial Park. The hotel features 3 rooms that can be hired for functions, that suit nearly any style, and can be paired with hotel accommodation for ease.

FACILITIES:

Commercial kitchen, accommodation, bathrooms, lounge & bar, fireplaces, limited parking

FEES:

For fees, please contact

[email protected]

Parsley Bay Reserve is a popular family park that includes an enclosed swimming area, picnic facilities and children’s playground. There is also a short bushland circuit (15-20 minutes return) that takes you to a waterfall at the head of the gully. A small car park is available from Parsley Road (Horler Avenue) and closes at approximately 6.00pm (non-daylight saving) and 8.00pm (daylight saving). Alcohol permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, disabled facilities, playground, kiosk and harbour swimming enclosure (summer only).

FEES:

No fees for less than 20 people, managed by Woollahra council.

FACILITIES:

FEES:

Robertson Park provides a magnificent vista and well-maintained facilities for picnickers looking to enjoy a seaside location with views across Sydney. Robertson Park is a relatively large expanse and can accommodate larger group occasions. With a substantial children’s play area, public toilets on hand, and a small rotunda, this is an ever-popular picnic spot in the East. Metered parking surrounds the park. Alcohol is permitted.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, disabled access, playground and rotunda (not available for bookings).

FEES:

No fee for less than 20 people, managed by Woollahra Council.

This space features a restored heritage garden and retains spectacular views of Sydney Harbour with manicured lawns, a secret garden, sundial and water feature. Disabled access is available from new South Head road with limited street parking available during the week and off street parking in the adjacent council chambers on weekends. Alcohol permitted. Blackburn Gardens is a 5-10 minute walk from double Bay Wharf (boat access) and Red Leaf Pool, a netted harbour side pool with a small beach frontage, a kiosk, toilets and showers. No marquees allowed.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, park benches and tables and access to swimming at redleaf Pool and boat access via double Bay Wharf.

FEES:

No fee for less than 20 people, managed by Woollahra council.

Centennial Parklands are one of Sydney’s most popular picnicking locations. With 10 unique picnic spots available for booking, there is a selection of sites suitable for occasions of between 30-200 people. Booking fees for each site vary according to size, equipment required and also for public occasions versus corporate events. You are permitted to bring in portable BBQs with legs (except during periods of total fire ban), as well as portable picnic equipment such as tables, chairs and a popup 3×3 marquee. Centennial Park features three popular playgrounds, all ideally located close to parking and/or public transport, a diverse range of sports fields, horseback riding through centennial Parkland Equestrian centre. Centennial Park’s opening hours are sunrise to sunset. All vehicles must leave the park before sunset or pay a gate-opening fee. Alcohol permitted, managed by centennial Parklands.

FACILITIES:

Public toilets, public BBQ’s, playgrounds and free parking throughout the park.

FEES:

For exclusive bookings, fees start from $90 for groups of up to 30 people. Contact Centennial Parklands for further information 02 9339 6699.

The Superintendents Residence is situated just next to the Paddington Gates entrance of Centennial Park. Offering 4 bedrooms with a lounge room, dining room, study & two large private garden spaces. The venue hire includes accommodation for up to 8 people in the ultra-luxury residence, also including a hand crafted bespoke breakfast for anyone staying the night.

FACILITIES:

Kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoors, BBQ, WIFI

FEES:

For fees, please contact

[email protected]

A fully restored ultra-luxury Victorian home located inside Centennial Park. The house and gardens provide a great space & ambiance for both small and large events. The venue hire includes exclusive use of the venue for the day & night, providing over night accommodation for up to 6 people, including breakfast.

FACILITIES:

Kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoors, BBQ

FEES:

For fees, please contact

[email protected]