Perfect Picnic Possies

Newcastle’s plethora of perfect picnic possies – try saying that quickly – offer way more than a place to lay your rug.

Watch tug boats ply the harbour, surfers dance on the waves, the sun sink over our beautiful coastline or chill out with everything nature has on offer. From beachside views to family-friendly parks, you can stop hunting for the ideal picnic spot because we have your next outing sorted!

King Edward Park - Reserve Rd, Newcastle

Set up in the shade of towering Norfolk Pines at the show-stopping King Edward Park. This idyllic picnic spot comes to life as you venture over to the graceful Victorian Rotunda and the kid’s playground.

Its expanse of luscious lawn calls for a game of cricket and the Garside Gardens completes the experience with the rolling Pacific Ocean as a distant backdrop. If you’re with your pooch, picnic at the top of the park in the off-leash dog area.

Tennis fans can enjoy a pre-picnic game with a spectacular view at Newcastle Hill Tennis Club, only a few minutes stroll from King Edward Park. The Club offers court hire, membership and coaching for groups and individuals. Game on!

Bar Beach - Memorial Dr, Bar Beach

On a balmy summer’s night, drink in hand, there’s no better picnic spot than the grassy knoll overlooking Bar Beach. This cracker of a spot offers vistas stretching all the way down the coastline to Merewether.

Watch surfers dance on the waves, hang gliders soar on the swirling currents and the passing parade of locals huffing and puffing their way up and down the Bathers Way.

Alternatively nab a shelter facing the beach opposite Bar Beach Skate Park.

Hickson Street Lookout - 14 Hickson St, Merewether

Just off the track where Merewether meets Glenrock State Conservation Area is a residential road leading to Newcastle’s best kept secret, Hickson Street Lookout.

Park the car and follow the meandering track to reveal a secluded patch of grass overlooking panoramic sea views of Burwood Beach. The views are to die for!

The lookout is the ultimate picnic spot for first dates, quality family afternoons sundowners with your mates. This spot is best enjoyed on a sunny, calm day so check the weather before you set off.

Hickson Street Lookout also doubles as a paragliding pad, so if the wind does pick up you’ll get to witness a spectacular aerial show from some of the local paragliders. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your binoculars for whale-watching season from May to November!

The Hill above Merewether Ocean Baths

As the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere, the Merewether Ocean Baths brings undeniable summer vibes all year-round.

Dry off from your swim and stroll up to the shady picnic spot on top of the hill that overlooks the iconic Merewether Beach.

With picnic tables and chairs ready for the taking, it’s the perfect way to wind down from a day at the beach whilst soaking up the spectacular sunset that the area is known for.

The Hill above Dixon Park Beach

Located midway between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach, this popular picnic spot boasts green space, public facilities, shelters, BBQs, and uninterrupted views of local surfers competing for the best waves.

Dixon Park Beach playground is close by and is welcomed distraction for the kids while you sip on a cold beverage and lap up the views and fresh air. It also has an off-leash dog area for your furry friend to let loose.

Foreshore Park - 32 Wharf Rd, Newcastle East 

Watch bossy tug boats guide enormous tankers into port and yachts gracefully sail in and out of Newcastle Harbour from your picnic spot at Foreshore Park in Newcastle’s East End.

Let the kids run free on the swathes of lush grass, or scoot, cycle and skateboard along the pathways and beneath the historic train sheds.

There’s also a small playground, BBQ area, seating and wide open spaces.

Blackbutt Reserve - Carnley Ave, Kotara

Only ten minutes’ drive from the city centre, Blackbutt Reserve is Newcastle’s beating green heart and a much-loved destination for families far and wide.

Take a stroll through the bush, meet native wildlife in the free animal exhibits, be dwarfed by soaring gums and listen to a cacophony of bird calls.

There are countless picnic spots and BBQs dotted throughout the reserve. If you have kids in tow, set up near Carnley Reserve Adventure Playground or the Richley Reserve Mega Adventure Playground.

Spread out your rug, bring plenty of food and drink (there’s a small kiosk at Carnley Reserve) and make a day of it. There is also lots of grassy areas and picnic bench for hosting a birthday celebration or gathering.

Centennial Park - Bruce St, Cooks Hill

Along Cooks Hill’s narrow streets lined by historic homes and fig trees you’ll find the charming and luscious Centennial Park. The 2.2 hectare urban oasis offers a Victorian rotunda, modern playground, fragrant flower beds, expansive grassy spaces shaded by Norfolk Pines, and local neighbour feel, making it Newcastle’s go-to picnic spot for families and friendly catch ups.

With a recently upgraded playground near the rose beds, picnic tables and benches, Centennial Park invites its visitors to get amongst this magical green space.

Insider tip: If you don’t feel like bringing your own picnic food, order takeaway from Little Castro at the neighbouring Lowlands Bowling Club. They’ll buzz you when your food’s ready!

Lambton Park - Elder St & Morehead Street, Lambton

A 10-minute drive from the Newcastle CBD, is leafy Lambton Park. A favourite with the locals, the park boasts a historic rotunda, two ovals, wide green spaces, popular playground and paths for walking, scooting or strolling.

Lambton Swimming Pool calls this suburban park home and offers an outdoor aquatic playground, with a giant water slide, lap pool and bathing areas.

If the sun’s out, why not have a dip first and then park yourself in a shady picnic spot on the grass?

BYO picnic or buy something from the pool kiosk or nearby Elder Street shops.

Order a Lucky Picnic hamper from the Lucky Hotel or pick up some delicious takeaway from Estabar opposite Newcastle Beach and picnic in neighbouring Pacific Park.

Insider tip: Estabar will loan picnickers comfy repurposed cushions to sit on.

After a fantastic selection of imported and local cheeses and charcuterie? Pork Ewe Deli at Mayfield have done the hard work for you with their vast selection of hampers. Or if you’re in town on a Sunday, stock up on local fresh produce and treats at the Newcastle City Farmers Market.

For a completely decadent experience Miss May Picnics offers fully catered picnics with a choice of beautiful themed settings and locations.