Five Best Picnic Spots at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Grab a picnic rug and your charcuterie board. Summer is the perfect time to make some core memories with a picnic in the iconic Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Whether you’re after world famous views, an unforgettable romantic moment, wide open space for the kids, or a revitalising break from the workday, we’ve got you covered. Here are five of the Botanic Gardens’ best picnic spots to reintroduce those toesies to some fresh green grass and unwind with your nearest and dearest.

1. The Eastern Side of Farm Cove – Harbour View Lawn to Fleet Steps

Best for: Panoramic Views of the Harbour’s Greatest Hits

To experience a quintessentially Sydney moment and impress your guests, head to the eastern side of Farm Cove where you’ll find some of the Gardens’ best views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Whether you’re with family and friends or showing off your sparkly city to visitors, there are plenty of spots along this stretch from Fleet Steps to Harbour View Lawn to pull up a patch of grass with arresting views and atmosphere to boot. Find your favourite tree and the ideal amount of dappled shade for an afternoon you won’t soon forget. Pre-order a charcuterie-style picnic box from Terrace on the Domain to pick up on your way over.

Bonus tip: Head up to Eucalypt Lawn to enjoy elevated views with a bit more privacy.

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3. The Lawns Near the Main Pond – Band Lawn & Flower Bed Lawn

Best for: Kids & Family-Friendly Fun

Looking for a picnic spot that’s great for the tiny people too? Band Lawn and Flower Bed Lawn are excellent options with plenty of room for little legs to run and good pathways for parents to enjoy a relaxing stroller walk while bub (fingers crossed) naps. Located near the main pond, these areas are also ideal for kids to explore and spot wildlife like native birds, turtles, Eastern Water Dragons, and the surprisingly fascinating eels. Plus, the nearby Farm Cove Eatery has crowd-pleasing hot chips and ice creams which will have your kids saying the magic word and giving you a chance to savour the sound of silence for one blissful sticky, salty moment.

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4. The Palace Rose Garden

Best for: A Dreamy Romantic Location

If you’re looking for an eye-catching outdoor setting strewn with bright, beautiful blooms and a heavenly scent, the Palace Rose Garden is the perfect romantic escape. Away from the crowds, this spot provides peace and beauty, ideal for a memorable date with your sweetheart. Make your scenic picnic even more special with a delicious, pre-ordered picnic box by Chef Luke Nguyen, featuring all your favourite flavours from Botanic House.

Bonus tip: For another stunning picnic date location (or proposal spot) with privacy and a backdrop to remember, check out the Australian Rockery Lawn.

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5. The Calyx, The Fernery or the Succulent Garden

Best for: the impromptu picnic on your lunchbreak

When you need a reset from grind of the concrete jungle, take your lunchbreak in the Botanic Gardens with a spontaneous picnic. The Leaf Dept. Café at The Calyx has fantastic coffee and lunch options, which you can enjoy at their gorgeous location or takeaway to a secluded, secret little spot where you can fully disconnect and restore. Taking a beat on a bench in the cool and quiet of the Fernery or the dazzling sunlight of the stunning Succulent Garden will transport you and make you feel a million miles away from your office.

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