Sydney's best picnic spots

PERFECT PICNICS

An Italian feast at Lake Como would be heaven, but an option closer to home is available. Head to the idyllic Como Pleasure Grounds with an Italian picnic basket from Sydney Picnic Company. Sit waterside and enjoy marinated olives, a charcuterie plate, biscotti and more. Sydney Picnic Company delivers to Metropolitan Sydney; payment is required 48 hours prior to delivery. $165 for 2 people.

Lady Robinson Beach (Bay St, Brighton-le-Sands 2216) has a Mediterranean ambience, making it ideal for a big fat Greek picnicfrom Simmone Logue. This Parthenon-inspired repast includes slow-roasted lamb wrap, dolmades, Greek salad, Spanakopita and Orange Cake. Minimum 10 boxes, $35 per box.

If you're planning to visit the green and pleasant hills of Windsor at Macquarie Park then remember to pack a Brit Picnic from the Sydney Picnic Company. On the banks of the regal Hawkesbury River enjoy pork pie, roast chicken, strawberries and cream and more. $125 for 2 people.

Perch yourself for lunch on North Bondi lawnand imagine you're on the Costa Brava by enjoying a pre-prepared picnic pack from Deli Bottega. Try the Spanish hamper with jamon serrano, manchego cheese, queen olives, sourdough bread and black olive tapenade. $29 for 2 people.

Auburn Botanical Gardens are famed for an impressive Japanese Garden including a Bonsai Garden. A sushi platter for four people from Sushi Train is the perfect compliment to your Japanese day out. $70. Allow 24 hours' notice.

Bradfield Parkwhile enjoying Sydney Picnic Company's signature patriotic feast: feta, mint, lemon and cucumber dip; Ligurian olives; Australian King prawns; and pavlova. $150 for 2 people.

Take a ferry from Circular Quay across to Cockatoo Island. The former naval site has prime position in the harbour and invitingly manicured lawns. Explore the island's industrial buildings and work up a working man's appetite that can be sated with a cook-it-yourself barbecue pack. These can be pre-ordered from The Canteen on the island, stocked with marinated meats, king prawn skewers and classic coleslaw. From $36.

Are you a fishing fanatic? Then you're probably familiar with the top spots around the Middle Harbour. Swiss Deli's Gone Fishing Hamperwill keep you going while waiting for the Kingfish to bite with a sandwich of turkey, cranberry and brie, a ham, cheese and tomato bagel and more. Swiss Deli delivers to Metropolitan Sydney; payment is required 48 hours prior to delivery. $26.40, minimum order 2 boxes.

OTHER HOT PICNIC SPOTS

Strickland House
One of the reasons the grounds of this 1850s harbourside villa is a top choice is it's practically unknown beyond a few in-the-know Sydneysiders. Head to Carrara Road in Vaucluse and at the bottom of the tiny, steep laneway on the left (about three quarters along) you'll see a sign for Heritage Foreshore Reserve, a narrow park that runs around the coastline from Rose Bay. Descend the stairs and at the forked path veer to the right. You'll hit upon a set of stairs leading to the discreet Hermit Bay and further along Tingara Beach, but keep on until you reach the Strickland House grounds and a dazzling view of the harbour. Take a dip at Milk Beach or a walk all the way to Neilsen Park.

EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens
A refreshing respite from the heat and hubbub of Carringbah traffic, this beautiful sanctuary is home to Australia's largest collection of camellias. There are duck ponds, bridges, cascading water, an enclosed playground for kids and a teahouse. Ahhh, the serenity.

McKell Park
You may find yourself an uninvited guest at one of the weekend weddings that take place here but don't despair - there's enough manicured grass for everyone. The Park commands unique views of Sydney Harbour and the heritage-listed Canonbury Cottage forms the centrepiece of the park. If the weather's warm, take a swim in the harbour via the sandstone steps, and set your picnic basket on the green grass right on the water's edge.

Mrs Macquaries Point
This is Sydney's most picture perfect picnic spot and the ultimate place to impress your squeeze - especially on warm balmy nights. Make sure you pack the bubbly.

Blackwattle Bay Park
Lay out a rug and a spread and watch the sun set and the lights of Sydney's CBD illuminate from this inner west picnic hideaway. Snaking along the shoreline all the way to the end of Johnson St in Annandale, this Glebe waterside park offers one of the best views of ANZAC Bridge. While you're tucking into your picnic think to yourself: I'm getting the same view as those sitting close by at the Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay restaurant, but without the bill.

Wendy's Secret Garden
Like Strickland House, this Lavender Bay gem is known only to a handful of streetwise Sydneysiders. Created by Wendy Whiteley after the death of her husband, Sydney artist Brett, in 1992, the once derelict green space has been transformed into a spectacular space and prime picnic spot. Go, and go often.

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