Alcohol Restrictions Have Been Lifted in a Heap of Sydney Parks Until the End of October

Sydney, it's officially picnic season. It's spring, yes, but also lockdown rules have eased to allow outdoor gatherings of up to five fully vaccinated adults in all parts of the city — as long as you stick within your Local Government Area, or within five kilometres from home. Until the end of October, it's also boozy picnic season, as long as you live near a few particular parks.

Sipping on the grass is already allowed at Centennial Parklands, Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands, and Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and Mount Annan. Until Sunday, October 31, it's now also permitted in 18 more locations during daylight hours. New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes has announced the temporary change, advising that "Sydneysiders can now toast to the weekend with a drink at some of our favourite parks and public spaces."

"Vaccinated Sydneysiders have embraced the easing of restrictions and are out picnicking in record numbers. After an incredibly tough winter, people who followed the rules and received both jabs deserve to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer," the Minister said. "We only ask that all COVID-19 rules continue to be followed, that everyone drinks responsibly, [and that everyone] disposes of all rubbish and enjoys our beautiful parks."

Sydneysiders can now toast to the weekend with a drink at some of our favourite parks and public spaces to say thank you for getting vaccinated. For the full list, visit https://t.co/0r5l2A3vsY pic.twitter.com/wBbljeYOam

— Rob Stokes MP (@RobStokesMP) September 24, 2021

The places you can say cheers to your mates in, as long as the sun is out? They include Bligh & Barney Reserve, Dawes Point Reserve, First Fleet Park, MCA Lawn and Hickson Rd Reserve in The Rocks; the Jill Berry Lawn / ICC Lawn and Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour; and Cadi Park, Waterfront Park and Pyrmont Bay Park in Pyrmont.

Or, there's Ballarat Park and Metcalfe Park in Darling Island, and Ballast Point Park in Birchgrove — plus Bicentennial Park, Blaxland Riverside Park, Cathy Freeman Park, Newington Armory and Wentworth Common in Sydney Olympic Park.

Just remember to abide by all other COVID-19 rules while you're picnicking and drinking — which includes the aforementioned five-adult cap if you're all fully vaxxed, and the distance requirement.

For more information about the 18 parks where drinking alcohol is permitted during daylight hours until Sunday, October 31, read New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes' announcement.

Top image: Destination NSW.