__Shake things up a little for your next feast and explore one of these great parks and outdoor areas.__

Before you choose a spot, check out these [6 steps for a waste-free picnic](https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/how-to-have-a-zero-waste-picnic).

## Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo

![Barangaroo Reserve. Photo: Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/7kR9X4kuNkxSZdh4VFz85R/df64bd7c87100f56fbcb87dae3b8e3c6/IntWomenDayParks-highres-6757.jpg)

Expect [lookouts, idyllic coves, picnic spots](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/barangaroo-reserve) and stunning harbour views. Explore Marrinawi Cove, Sydney’s newest harbour swimming area.

Head to the Barangaroo Metro Station, or the closest train stations are at Circular Quay and Wynyard. There’s an underground car park on-site. 

Public toilets are available. 

## Beare Park, Elizabeth Bay 

![Beare Park. Photo: Paul Patterson / City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/7I7fjp7mTExzlIhqakXiL4/60697a307cbf3fd8b35c42224b45d24c/_DSC6993_Beare_Park.jpg)

[This park](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/beare-park) has a large grassed area with harbour views and a playground for the little ones. There are shaded areas to keep you sun-safe and a cafe nearby at the marina for snacks and hot drinks.

Public toilets are available.   Buses service this area.

## Bicentennial Park, Glebe and Annandale

![Bicentennial Park. Photo Paul Patterson / City of Sydney ](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/2Q0YEpKHhZxcjCbvWHTM1J/66e7e7e9c44d59e830ef5bbd524e4300/_DSC8585_Bicentennial_Park_Paul_Patterson.jpg)

Stretching along [Rozelle Bay](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/bicentennial-park), there’s plenty of space to picnic and play. The large, fenced playground features a variety of equipment, there is even a small beach with water access.

Neighboured by [Jubilee Oval](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/sports-facilities/jubilee-oval) and [Federal Park sportsfield](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/sports-facilities/federal-park-sportsfield), you’ll want to stay all day. 

Light rail and bus stops are located close by.

## Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe

![Blackwattle Bay Park. Photo: City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/6TGRr3GwlEkx5oGD6ptdmX/9d7465a8b8bc8ee7fad9f799b8abb606/Blackwattle_Bay_Park.JPG)

Work up an appetite by strolling the Glebe Foreshore Walk and ending up at [this glorious park](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/blackwattle-bay-park). There’s plenty of green areas for picnicking and at the foot of Leichhardt Street you’ll find a playground to keep the kids entertained. 

Public toilets are in Bellevue Cottage.

## Butterscotch Park, North Rosebery

![Butterscotch Park. Photo: Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/NYkY1Vao4IEYwhrGPWS8x/fd7b0f17f69b0492319952c53ac5e19a/Low_Resolution-Butterscotch_Park_KatherineGriffiths..jpg)
On the site of the former Sweetacres factory, [this multipurpose accessible park](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/butterscotch-park-north-rosebery) has a large open lawn area surrounded by native plants. It features a children’s playground and picnic area with cafe’s nearby. 

Buses service this area, there is on street parking.

## Centennial Park

![Ariel view of Centennial Parklands](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/3znqD3fb5Ke9G2PWIW3wn8/2ae9d56954bb3ae612aea38e05ffaba6/Centennial_Park.jpg)

One of [Sydney’s biggest parks](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/centennial-park) has nearly 200 hectares of open space. You’ll find gardens, wetlands and children’s play areas. There’s also a few cafes and restaurants.

Public toilets are available. You can park on-site too.

## Harold Park, Forest Lodge

![Harold Park. Photo: Adam Hollingworth / City of Sydney](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/3SDtYyYAmappQnz296PiiN/9d63addc1123e3fb25ce874e018b8e8b/Low_Resolution-COS_Harold_Park_Adam_Hollingworth.jpg)

Adjacent to [The Tramsheds](https://tramshedssydney.com.au) this [neighbourhood park](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/harold-park) boasts an extensive custom-built playground with dedicated picnic areas offer barbecues and shaded areas.

The light rail and bus stops are close by. 

## Hyde Park, city centre

![Hyde Park, city centre. Photo: Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/4lwV0ULJnMtZcmijcL95Yu/7fe7f7a547f67634b92f3c29d8c45e1d/HydePark-highres-5534.jpg)

 [Australia’s oldest park](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/hyde-park) in the heart of central Sydney is a great place to snack and relax. The park boasts 16 hectares of wide-open space and lots of trees to keep you shaded.

Explore the [Anzac Memorial](https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/), [Yininmadyemi](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/monuments-and-memorials/yininmadyemi-thou-didst-let-fall) and the [Archibald Fountain](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/fountains-and-water-features/archibald-memorial-fountain) while you’re there. 

St James and Museum train stations are located right next to the park. Martin Place and Gadigal metro stations, bus and light rail stops are also close by.

Public toilets are available.

## Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Paddington

![Paddington Reservoir Gardens. Photo: Josef Nalevansky / City of Sydney](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/7gfgZ4eGeQKg6mqSUE8IuS/d423dea96d11ead9b28ee410642e4620/d3x_34271.jpg)

Stroll through the immaculate gardens and discover this [award-winning park in Sydney’s east](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/paddington-reservoir-gardens). There are open and enclosed grass lawns as well as shaded areas.

Buses regularly service this area. No public toilets available.

## Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills

![Rainbow path at Prince Alfred Park. Photo: Chris Southwood / City of Sydney](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/5JZxNwD5odsgaDYfnaRiFc/d8231c3c591786bc7374010275bb4e59/Rainbow_footpath_at_Prince_Alfred_Park__photo_credit_Chris_Southwood-0332.jpg)

Right next to Central you’ll find this [wonderful 7.5-hectare park](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/prince-alfred-park). The park has plenty of green space, as well as barbecues and picnic areas plus, recreational facilities including sports courts, playgrounds and fitness equipment. Prince Alfred Park also hosts a fully accessible [heated outdoor pool](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/prince-alfred-park-pool).

Public toilets are near the entry to the pool.

Adjacent to Central train, metro and bus interchange public transport is readily available.

## Royal Botanic Gardens, city centre

![Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo: Paul Patterson / City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/bnaYqLF7faspiAQA0WSrT/c383cb67a24e59be1a28ff373664971f/_DSC7150_Botanic_Gardens.jpg)

These [heritage-listed gardens](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/royal-botanic-garden-domain) are an oasis in the heart of Sydney, a meeting place for people and plants that hugs the harbour and offer fantastic views.

Access from Circular Quay train station, or buses on Art Gallery Road or Elizabeth Street. Car parking is available at The Domain.

Public toilets are available and there are cafes and restaurants on-site.

## Sydney Park, Alexandria

![Sydney Park. Photo: Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/6xPJhqIFTwbO4YKtQf8vDq/0409bd24239939cdbc6c449a94d2bf2b/SydneyPark.jpg)

[This multi- award winning park has it all](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/sydney-park).  There are picnic and barbecue areas throughout. Enjoy rolling hills, a large playground, a children’s cycling track,  a cycling centre, a skate park, wetlands, sports ovals, outdoor fitness areas as well as a village green and café.

This park has an extensive off-leash area, there’s also a puppy paddling pool.  

Public toilets are available. St Peters train station is across the road and there are 4 on-site car parks.

## Observatory Hill, Millers Point

![Observatory Hill. Photo: Chris Southwood / City of Sydney](//images.contentful.com/kcmyw5u53voi/4GsXeFZUmiPU0nC4fog57c/001552e65444099ce9a73cf93f2c1ad0/MicrosoftTeams-image__14_.png)

Enjoy a picnic with [panoramic views of Sydney harbour](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/observatory-park). It’s also a brilliant spot to catch the sunset.

The park is a short walk from train stations at Wynyard and Circular Quay or the Barangaroo metro station.

Public toilets are available on Upper Fort Street. 

## Victoria Park, Broadway

![Victoria Park. Photo: Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/2gYUCVuvdWJGMcBcyPBfLq/f435f78971b300b4503c2a12bf895b01/VictoriaPark-highres-43481.jpg)

Relax and enjoy the outdoors at this [brilliant park in Broadway](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/victoria-park). You’ll be surrounded by shady spots and have access to a new playground that’s great fun for kids of all ages.

Take a dip in [Victoria Park Pool](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pools/victoria-park-pool) located in the centre of the city retreat.  Opened in 1953, this was the first in-ground public swimming pool in Sydney. 

The park is well serviced by Parramatta Road and City Road bus services. There’s also on-site parking.

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