Have a picnic in the Hills
Discover the best picnic spots in Sydney’s Hills District — from peaceful hideaways for one to family gatherings, or even a spot for fishing, we’ve got you covered. The Hills has plenty to offer for a great day out in the sun.
The best place for a picnic in the Hills
Coolong St, Castle Hill
Coolong Reserve
This park offers scenic walking trails, open fields, and ample parking, making it perfect for a day out. It also features BBQ facilities, sheltered picnic areas, and a well-equipped playground with climbing structures, swings, and slides for children.
22Z Heritage Park Dr, Castle Hill
Castle Hill Heritage Park
Castle Hill Heritage Park is a beautiful spot with a mix of history and nature. Once the site of an 1800s government farm and a key location of the convict rebellion, it’s now a peaceful bushland park with walking tracks, a playground for kids, and large open spaces perfect for picnics. There are a few BBQs available, making it a great place to relax, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
Turkey’s Nest Recreation Park is a great spot for a relaxed day out, offering a peaceful pond home to duck families, native flora and fauna, and walking paths ideal for a gentle stroll. The park features a shelter, playground, open grassy areas, and a pond viewing platform. There is one BBQ available, though bringing your own portable BBQ is recommended.
38-48 Arcadia Rd, Galston
Fagan Park
Fagan Park is a beautiful spot for a day out, featuring numerous shelters and electric barbecues spread across its grounds. The park boasts 11 stunning themed gardens, including Japanese, Dutch, Chinese, and Mediterranean styles, offering plenty to explore. With two large playgrounds, bike tracks, and over 10 hectares of gardens, it’s the perfect place for families, picnics, and leisurely adventures.
Worcester Rd, Rouse Hill
Rouse Hill Regional Park
Rouse Hill Regional Park is a great spot for family outings and gatherings, featuring picnic pavilions available for hire for special occasions. The park includes a kids’ playground, a scenic waterside trail, and the historic Rouse Hill Estate, which is open for guided tours, making it a perfect mix of nature, play, and history.
2 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
Bella Vista Farm
Set across 20 hectares of picturesque rural landscape, Bella Vista Farm is an ideal spot for a picnic with plenty of open space to relax and explore. The surrounding grounds are open to the public and include BBQ facilities, picnic tables, walking tracks, toilets, and are dog-friendly (dogs must be kept on a leash at all times).
This expansive parkland offers plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities. It adjoins four sporting fields, providing ample parking for over 120 cars. Visitors can also enjoy more than two kilometres of shared pedestrian and cycle paths, along with a modern playground for the little ones to have fun.
Caddie Rd, Cattai
Cattai Picnic Area
Nestled along the Hawkesbury River, this park offers expansive grassy areas perfect for laying out a picnic rug or relaxing under one of the large picnic shelters. It’s a fantastic spot for birthday parties and family gatherings. Take a stroll to the nearby historic homestead for a glimpse into Australia’s past, or enjoy canoeing and fishing on the river.
Old Northern Rd, Wisemans Ferry
Wisemans Ferry Park Reserve
Wisemans Ferry Park offers a range of facilities, including walking tracks, picnic areas, electric and wood barbecues (bring your own wood), a children’s playground, public toilets, and an on-site kiosk. Located right on the Hawkesbury River beside the ferry, it’s a scenic and convenient spot for a day out. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Access via Cherrybrook
Refuge Rock
Refuge Rock can be reached via a walking trail at the back of Cherrybrook. The track winds gently through Scribbly Gums, though sturdy shoes are recommended as some sections have loose rocks. The trail leads to a large open rock platform offering stunning valley views — an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic for one or two.
Australiana Pioneer Village is a living history museum featuring a blacksmith’s shop, antique machinery displays, and guided tours led by costumed hosts. It’s a great place to step back in time and enjoy a fun, educational family day out. With wide open spaces and plenty of sheltered areas, it’s also perfect for a party, BBQ, or picnic.
1 Wilberforce Rd, Freemans Reach
Windsor Beach
If you’re not keen on trekking all the way to the ocean, Windsor Beach offers a nearby alternative with sand and sunshine—just without the surf. It’s a great spot for a picnic, featuring wide open spaces, an amenities block, and a café that’s open at times. Kids will love playing by the river and building sandcastles along the broad sandy banks.