A veggie garden with a view! Named after Lieutenant Ralph Clark who cultivated the island as a vegetable garden, Clark Island is situated off the tip of Darling Point in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.  Less than a hectare in size, this pocket sized island is picnic perfection with postcard views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Island capacity is capped at 150 people, so book beforehand on the National Parks website. It’s a 15 minute drive from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour and a short trip by water taxi or ferry.

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What was once a seriously ugly duckling of an industrial site has been transformed into the swan of Sydney Harbour and is now a spectacular six hectare headland open to the public. With grassed areas, walking paths, cycle ways and rock pools created from beautiful blocks of honey sandstone, it has been sympathetically landscaped with thousands of native plants.  A quick cab ride or a pleasant 30 minute walk from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour will get you there.

BYO alcohol is not permitted but there is a bar on site. As the trees are not yet established, shade can be in short supply, but with 180 degree views of Sydney Harbour Barangaroo make a showstopper sunset picnic place.

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For many years this enchanting garden was a local secret. Situated in Lavender Bay it is the result of years of work by Wendy Whitely, wife of the late Australian artist, Brett Whitely. Knowing she would be refused if she asked, she landscaped this plot of derelict railway land at her own expense and opened it to the public without permission. The paths meander though lush greenery with spectacular harbour views as a backdrop. Just a quick 15 minute trip by car across the bridge.

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Transformed from industrial to recreational, this park is situated at the end of Leichhardt Street in the suburb of Glebe. Picnic on the foreshore of Blackwattle Bay with the city skyline as a beautiful backdrop. There is a children’s playground, BBQ facilities and toilets. Adjacent to the park is a handsome two level villa called Bellevue, built 1896 and now a café with great views of the bay and the Anzac Bridge. For those who want this lovely and less touristy experience of the harbour it’s only a 10 minute drive from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour.

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For a truly scenic seat, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is hard to beat. Built in 1810 by convicts for Governor Macquarie's wife, this sandstone bench is situated on a peninsula with stunning, sweeping views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline. Wear off any lunch time “lazies” with a walk through the botanical gardens. BYO alcohol is not permitted, but there is a bar. A 15 minute drive away, parking is available on Mrs Macquarie’s Road or at the Domain Carpark. Looking for some luck? Local legend has it that wishes made whilst sitting on the chair may well be granted.

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