Overview
Spring is here and it comes with good news — picnics of up to five double-vaccinated Sydneysiders are allowed. With the easing of restrictions in the air, it's time to make the most of those extra daylight hours by grabbing some tasty snacks and tipples, and hitting up one of the beautiful BYO-friendly public spaces in your area.
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to chilled outdoor hangouts in Sydney's inner west. So we've teamed up with Rosie Spritz to share some of our favourites. Load up that wicker basket with a lavish spread and chilled bevs and head to one of these spots for some long-awaited catch-ups.
Kitti Gould
BLACKWATTLE BAY PARK, GLEBE
Blackwattle Bay Park stretches along the Glebe foreshore between Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay, and showcases stunning views of the Anzac Bridge and the CBD. The sprawling parklands offer plenty of spots to chill out and loads of space for dogs to run around (yep, it's off-leash). The park has barbecue facilities if you're keen to pair your spritzes with some grilled snacks (we recommend prawns). Plus, there's a shared walking and cycling trail if you'd like to end your picnic with a stroll. Easily accessible, though never overly packed, this one's a no-brainer.
Kimberley Low
CAMPERDOWN MEMORIAL REST PARK, NEWTOWN
Arguably the crown jewel of booze-friendly inner west picnic spots, Camperdown Memorial Rest Park is a go-to for locals — and their cute pups. Barely a minute's walk from bustling King Street (where there is a conveniently located BWS for all your Rosie Spritz needs), this neighbourhood haunt wraps around a peaceful old graveyard and church, the walls of which are adorned with graffiti to complement the suburb's grungy aesthetic. The park is at its most magical just before sunset, so get your vaccinated crew together and head there for sundowners.
Brooke Zotti
ASHFIELD PARK, ASHFIELD
A cute local spot with amazing facilities, Ashfield Park is conveniently located at the intersection of Parramatta Road and Orpington Street. An expansive park encompassing a sports field, traditional gardens and a recently refurbished playground, it makes for a great spot to soak up those springtime rays while indulging in some simple comforts. Generally one of the quieter inner west picnic areas, it's a relatively safe bet for chilled-out vibes any day of the week. Dust off the WFH blues with a Friday arvo picnic with your pals to put a satisfying full stop in the workweek.
Brooke Zotti
BICENTENNIAL PARK, GLEBE
Situated on the picturesque foreshore of Rozelle Bay, this idyllic waterfront park is an oasis of greenery. Plenty of wide-open grassy spaces make social distancing super easy, and the stunning bayside views are perfect for staring at the luxe superyachts while you picnic. There are also plenty of leafy trees to shelter under if you've forgotten your sunscreen. Parents will be happy to hear that there's some fenced-off play equipment to keep the ankle-biters occupied. Pups are permitted on-leash, but there is also an off-leash section west of the canal.
Martin7d2, Flickr
BIRCHGROVE PARK, BIRCHGROVE
Birchgrove Park may strike a chord in the hearts of sports enthusiasts as it's the home to the oval where the very first professional rugby league game was played in Australia, way back in 1908. The white picket fence that rings the historic oval is reminiscent of times gone by and the surrounding parkland makes for an ideal picnic spot. The park is located near the Birchgrove ferry stop and offers waterfront views, including a spectacular vista of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It's a tranquil and welcoming space, with plenty of room for you to kick back with a spritz and enjoy the sun.
Alexandria Velovotee, Flickr
SYDNEY PARK, ALEXANDRIA
A much-loved park with sprawling greenery, water features, running tracks and rolling hills, Sydney Park contains perhaps the most varied landscape on this list. This gargantuan park spreads across parts of four different suburbs and offers many great spots for a picnic. The ultimate afternoon hangout spot here has to be the massive hill. It's well worth trekking the steep incline to the top to catch the city in all its glory as the sun sets. Though it's often quite a busy spot, the park itself is massive, so you'll have no trouble finding somewhere to set up your decadent spread.
Rosie Spritz is an ideal springtime sip and is available at BWS, Dan Murphy's and First Choice Liquor stores across Sydney. For more picnic inspiration, check out our guides to idyllic picnic spots where you can BYO booze in Sydney's inner city, eastern suburbs, lower north shore and northern beaches.
Top image: Bicentennial Park, Glebe, Brooke Zotti