Sydney public parks are feeling the love.
We are getting out and exploring our city like never before, and with some great Spring weather this is just the outdoor tonic we have been craving. Fancy a water view but want to hang local? We have got you covered. You don’t have to go to the beach to get some waterside picnic action!
Callan Point (Lilyfield, Inner West LGA)
Callan Point Picnic Area sits within local favourite, Callan Park, a huge area with an absolute maze of historic grounds (great for exploring) and miles of waterfront, secret beaches, and plenty of shady options for those wanting to throw down a blanket. It also forms part of the famed Bay run loop. Callan Point is good starting point, if scouting for a waterfront picnic spot. For the super organised (and earlybird types) there is even a set of tables available on the point itself.
Find a full map of Callan Park (including access points and toilets) HERE
Photos above by Wendy Wood
Glebe Foreshore Parks (spread across Inner West & City of Sydney LGAs)
This huge area of parklands comprises Jubilee Park, Bicentennial Park and Federal Park, and forms a broad waterfront green strip along the Glebe foreshore. There is a lot of room to play here. And it comes with two sets of public toilets and several playgrounds. There is a whimsical, well-designed playground for the under 10’s in Jubilee Park, and a seriously cool new adventure playground and skate park for older kids in the Federal Park section. Parking is in good supply, and the nearby Tramsheds offer a delicious range of takeaway food and drink options. Perfect for families who really want to let off some steam.
Jubilee Park Playground. Photo courtesy adventurebaby.org
The Cooks River Foreshore (Marrickville, Inner West LGA)
There is lots to discover along the Cooks River, but if you are new to this patch it can be hard to know where to start! For the grownups the shady strip along the riverfront next to HJ Mahoney Park , just off Illawarra Road, is chilled out, shady and relatively peaceful. Meanwhile, on the other side of Illawarra Road, families will probably already know about one of Sydney’s best waterplay parks, Steel Park which has got it all for families wanting a great, fun day out – and the water is on now for summer! There is a great review here.
Plenty of parking near Illawarra Road and toilet facilities are available near both locations.
Steel Park. Photo courtesy hellosydneykids.com.au
Please note:
Most of the featured picnic spots are within the Inner West LGA, however one or two sit just outside. Check the current health advice if you are planning to picnic outside your LGA.