The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Find Your Favourite Picnic Spot at Australian Botanic Garden

From lake-edge lounging to hilltop views worth the walk, discover the best picnic spots for outdoor fun at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

Enjoy a picnic with family and friends at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

Autumn’s turning down the dial on Sydney's summer heat, meaning it's now perfect picnic weather. Make the most of these balmy days at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. Home to rolling green hills, reflective lakes, and stunning native plants, your perfect picnic spot awaits in the Garden. Here are five options to roll out your rug.

1. Lakeside Lawn

Best for: Easily accessible lakeside lounging

Fancy some water views as you recline on a patch of grass in the shade of a towering gum tree? Look no further than Lakeside Lawn, where you can picnic waterside with a scenic vista. Soak in the view of the mirror-like lake reflecting fluffy white clouds and autumn's bright blue sky as ducks and swamphens glide on past. It’s a lovely spot to break bread, crack open a book or pull out your pencils and watercolours, with plenty of space for kids to play as well.

Practicalities: P3 Parking is just a 3 min walk away. The nearest bathrooms are between Lakeside Lawn and Marquee Lawn (where there are also barbeques), or up near The Gardens Café and Playground.

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Lakeside Lawn at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has lovely picnic spots.
The top of the Connections Garden offers views and a uniquely beautiful spot to picnic.

2. Top of the Connections Garden

Best for: Elevated views after a lovely garden walk

The Connections Garden is most famous for its paper daisies in spring, but this spot is gorgeous year-round. Wind your way uphill through its beautiful flowers and botanical displays (across from the Visitor Centre) and you'll emerge at a quiet, elevated spot away from the crowds. At the summit, lay out your picnic on the grassy lawn and while away the afternoon, soaking in the spectacular views over the suburb of Mount Annan and beyond. 

Practicalities: The nearest parking is P3, and bathrooms are down near the Garden Shop and Growing Friends Plant Sales. 

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3. Banksia Garden

Best for: A beautiful spot to connect with nature

If the sun is strong, head on over to Banksia Garden for a cooler experience. This sheltered gully has soft green grass in the shade of tall trees, al fresco and sheltered picnic tables, creek line walks, and plenty of space for the kids to play (plus some hills to roll down too). This is a great place to see some of the 190 species of birds that call the Garden home, due to its abundance of nectar-producing native plants. As well as banksias, there are also grevilleas, waratahs, hakeas and rainforest species too. Walk up the hill from the Banksia Garden for beautiful views and you might just spot the local kangaroos grazing. 

Practicalities: This spot has parking along Caley Dr (P8), bathrooms, barbeques, tables and shelters.

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Banksia Garden has bbqs, tables and shelters in a cool tree filled gully.
Sundial Hill offers a unique picnic spot away from the crowds.

4. Sundial Hill

Best for: A hike, standout views and some quirky fun

Fancy seeing something different? Hike on up past the Bunya Pines to the Sundial of Human Involvement. This is a unique type of sundial that requires audience participation. Stand on the correct spot for the day of the year and your shadow will strike the hour markers, revealing the time. This spot also has other charms, like its beautiful Kauri, Hoop and Norfolk Island Pines, and its spectacular 360 degree-views. On a clear day, you can see the city skyline in one direction and the Blue Mountains in another. If you're after a little adventure with your picnic lunch, summit Sundial Hill. 

Practicalities: Park on Caley Drive (P5) and walk up the path on the righthand side of the road. Not accessible by wheelchair. There are no toilets here. 

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5. Wattle Garden

Best for: Slowing down and soaking up nature

Relax, walk and picnic amongst hundreds of wattle species, including Australia’s floral emblem the Golden Wattle. You'll usually see something in flower here no matter what time of year you visit, though peak wattle flowering season is from August. Here you'll find loads of scenic space to enjoy a picnic in nature underneath shady Sydney Blue Gums. There’s even a little lake to lend you water views. The Island at the Wattle Garden is a hidden gem that features a picturesque water backdrop and enchanting tree canopies. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.

Practicalities: Parking is off Caley Rd (P7). This spot has bathrooms, picnic tables and shelters.

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The Island at the Wattle Garden is a fantastic spot for a picnic.

Good to know

  • Entry to the Gardens is free, as is all day parking on site
  • Casual picnics don’t need a booking, just find yourself a nice unoccupied spot
  • Larger gatherings like birthday parties can book picnic tables or shelters to guarantee a space 
  • Bikes and scooters are welcome, plus there’s a BMX track on site

 

So what are you waiting for? Pack the snacks, grab the rug and make a date with the great outdoors. Mount Annan is ready when you are.

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