Seven of the best local picnic spots

If you’re fully vaccinated and heading out for a COVID-safe picnic this weekend – we’ve rounded up seven of the most picture-perfect picnic spots on the Northern Beaches for you to enjoy.

Nestled amongst our pristine waterways and in our beautiful bushlands, these are just a few of the most idyllic spots in the area where you can pack a lunch and go exploring.

If you find one of these spots too busy, come back and enjoy it another time. While enjoying your picnic, please follow Public Health Orders by keeping your outdoor recreation to five fully vaccinated adults (children under 12 not included) and wearing a face mask when you’re not exercising or eating/drinking.

Why not support local businesses and have a great picnic? Many of our local restaurants and cafes are offering picnic specials or you can just grab a takeaway and enjoy on your picnic rug. 

Manly Dam is the perfect place for a picnic by the water. With plenty of activities, there’s something for the whole family from kayaking, water skiing, bush walking and swimming. The local wildlife including wallabies, echidnas and water dragons, will keep you entertained too.

There are four picnic areas including grassy, lakeside or bushland spaces and these areas are available for booking.

While Davidson Park is underneath the busy Roseville Bridge, the park feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney once you’re there.

With an abundance of eucalyptus trees providing shade, loads of open green space and BBQs, this waterside reserve is great for a relaxed afternoon. Get there by boat, car or bike!

BBQs, shade and a great playground makes North Harbour Reserve an excellent park for families with young children. There’s also a half basketball court to keep older kids entertained. The pathway links in both directions to Manly and Spit Bridge so if you’re feeling energetic, head off on a stroll. Dogs can play off-leash so bring Rover for a run around when you visit. BBQ and picnic facilities on site.

A picturesque drive alongside Pittwater brings you to McCarrs Creek Reserve. This idyllic waterfront reserve is the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday with a few wood BBQs available for cooking up a tasty lunch. There’s plenty of shade under the fig trees and it’s a great place for swimming with young children, thanks to the still shallow water.

Nestled in Little Manly Cove, this beachside picnic spot is only a short 10 minute walk from Manly Wharf. With grassed areas for picnics, no waves at the beach and an enclosed swimming area, this is paradise for families with young children.

Little Manly is also a great snorkelling spot so grab your snorkle and fins for some underwater adventures!

This waterside park in Mona Vale has a huge fenced in playground with flying fox, plenty of green space to throw around a footy or hit a six in a game of cricket. Winnererremy Bay also has a bike track loop for kids to spin around on their transport of choice. Café on site, BBQ facilities and picnic tables.

Station Beach, also known as Barrenjoey Beach usually has calm tranquil waters so is a popular spot for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. With BBQ facilities and toilets, this is a great family beach location for a seaside picnic.

Check out more of the parks and walking trails we have on the Northern Beaches.