Good food and great company are best enjoyed outdoors! If you’re looking to enjoy a picnic in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, or Hunter region, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite spots. For those with little ones, we’ve made sure to include some locations with fenced playgrounds! So, grab your basket and blanket, and head out for some fun!
As well as this comprehensive guide, we’ve put together specific LGA guides, a Newcastle picnic spot guide, a Lake Macquarie picnic spot guide, a Cessnock picnic spot guide and a Maitland picnic spot guide. Know a great picnic spot we’ve missed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
Newcastle
Bathers Way, Bar Beach
For a picnic with a stunning beach view, head to one of the picnic tables at Bar Beach along the Bathers Way! The sheltered tables offer a million dollar view of the coastline. With wide shared paths, it’s a great place for scooters, bikes and skateboards. For more fun, head to Empire Park playground or skate park across the road.
Blackbutt Reserve, Kotara
Head to either the Carnley Avenue entrance (Animal exhibits) or Richley Reserve (Adventure Playground) for a picnic. There’s plenty of picnic spots at both, including picnic shelters, barbecues and plenty of grassed areas to throw down a rug. Both areas have large playgrounds for the kids to burn off excess energy. Read more about Blackbutt Reserve.
Blue Gum Hills Park, Minmi
Take a trip out to Blue Gum Hills Regional Park at Minmi, near Fletcher. It’s a lovely, large bushland park with lots of space for a picnic. Choose from covered picnic shelters or throw a picnic rug down on the grass. The park features barbecues, so bring some snags if you feel like cooking. Nearby, you’ll find a unique playground reflecting the history of the area with a mining theme. If you feel like walking, there are walking tracks throughout the park including the easy 2.5km Heritage Walking Track which takes you past coal mining infrastructure. Read more about Blue Gum Hills Regional Park.
Brickworks Park, Wallsend
Brickworks Park in Wallsend is another great spot with plenty of space for families and groups. It features a playground, nature trails and a peaceful pond area with an observation area to observe the abundant birdlife. It’s hard to believe that this quiet, tranquil park, hidden away behind trees, is in the middle of a suburb. As well as the fantastic playground, there are picnic shelters and barbecue facilities. Read more about Brickworks Park.
Centennial Park, Cooks Hill
Located in the middle of Cooks Hill, Centennial Park is a beautiful spot for a picnic. There’s lots of grassed area surrounded by trees plus a modern playground and rotunda. There are picnic tables, but bring chairs or picnic blankets so that you can laze around on the grass or even in the rotunda. Read more about Centennial Park.
Dixon Park, Merewether
Covered picnic shelters and a beautiful beach view make Dixon Park an ideal spot for a picnic. There are barbecues if you want to cook, and a playground and toilets are only a short walk away. There’s another picnic shelter right by the playground if you can nab it. Plus, if the weather is nice, you can go for a swim after your picnic. Read more about Dixon Park.
Gregson Park, Hamilton
Revitalised in 2024, Gregson Park is now a top spot for a picnic. The cleverly designed playground is divided into different areas, all visible from a distance so parents and carers can easily keep an eye on children. There’s a new covered picnic area equipped with two barbecues next to the amenities block. There’s also plenty of grass if you want to bring your own tables and chairs. With accessible equipment and lots of wide paths winding their way through the park, there’s plenty for kids to explore. Read more about Gregson Park.
Hickson Street Track, Merewether
Just a short walk from Hickson Street in Merewether, the Hickson Street Track meanders down to Burwood Beach. The bush, at the start of the track, gives way to a huge, panoramic view of the southern coastline. This section has been beautifully landscaped, with wide sandstone steps leading down to a lookout covered in artificial grass, and is a popular picnic spot. When the wind is co-operating, the area is used as a launching spot for hang gliders. Read more about the Hickson Street Track.
PLEASE NOTE: As the gliding pad area was paid for and is used by the Newcastle Hang Gliding and Paragliding clubs, please take care and do not sit on the grass or be in the vicinity of the grass when there are hang gliders/paragliders around.
Islington Park, Islington
With plenty of space and lots of covered shelters and benches, Islington Park is a great spot for a picnic. There’s also a great playground with a scooter track. If you feel like a game of netball or basketball, there’s a half court or, for an impromptu game of hide and seek, there’s plenty of trees and playground equipment to hide behind. Read more about Islington Park.
Jesmond Park, Jesmond
There are picnic tables and benches scattered all around Jesmond Park, making it an ideal spot for a picnic. The back playground is quieter and also has covered picnic shelters and barbecues. There are loads of things for kids to do at Jesmond Park including a large playground, half-basketball court and a frisbee golf course. Just remember to bring the mozzie spray in summer! Read more about Jesmond Park.
Please note: The Rankin Park to Jesmond – Newcastle Inner City Bypass is under construction so some parts of Jesmond Park might experience noise.
King Edward Park, Newcastle
With a beautiful, expansive lawn and a Victorian rotunda, King Edward Park is the perfect picnic spot. Spread out your blanket in the shade of the rotunda or under one of the majestic Norfolk pines. Picnic tables are dotted around the perimeter of the park. With a playground suitable for children of all ages, King Edward Park is a popular weekend spot with families. There’s often a cricket or footy game on the go, adding to the atmosphere. Wander down to Garside Gardens, spectacular when in bloom. Read more about King Edward Park.
Lambton Park, Lambton
Lambton Park is a local favourite, perfect for a picnic. There’s covered picnic shelters and barbecue facilities, and if it’s available, you can even set up your picnic at the historic rotunda. Or, spread out a blanket beneath the shade of one of the huge trees. The park has large, open green spaces for kids to run around and a nearby playground to keep them entertained. After eating, you can enjoy a scenic walk around Lambton Park’s perimeter. Read more about Lambton Park.
Nesca Park, Bar Beach
Nesca Park is another great place for a family picnic. There are covered picnic shelters, barbecue facilities and a fun playground for the kids. Nesca Park is a large park with lots of green space and date palms, perfect for ball games and hide and seek. Read more about Nesca Park.
Newcastle Foreshore, Newcastle
The Newcastle Foreshore is an excellent spot for a picnic, offering a variety of locations. Use the picnic tables and barbecues located east of the Brewery, or simply find a sunny patch of grass in Foreshore Park. It’s a great choice for families, with plenty of room for kids to play and lovely views of Nobbys. Kids can also ride bikes, scooters or skateboards on the many paths. You can also picnic in the covered Tramsheds. Read more about Foreshore Park.
Stockton Foreshore, Stockton
The Stockton Foreshore is a lovely spot for a picnic. Watch the coal ships enter or exit and the harbour ferry travel back and forth. For families with active kids, head to the Stockton Active Hub. There’s a huge playground and skate park, all with harbour views. There’s a large, covered picnic shelter with barbecues right in the middle of the hub, making it easier for parents to watch the kids whether they’re in the playground or the skate park. Read more about Stockton Active Hub.
Wallsend Active Hub, Wallsend
The undercover tables at Wallsend Active Hub are perfect for a picnic. Kids won’t be bored here! The Wallsend Active Hub play space features equipment for a variety of ages, a pump track for bikes, scooters and skateboards and a multi-sports courts allowing for basketball and futsal, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations. Amenities are now open as part of Phase 2 of the plan for the Wallsend Active Hub, which also includes a barbecue area with shelter and seating in the future. Read more about Wallsend Active Hub.
Lake Macquarie
Bennett Park, Valentine
We love a playground with lake views and Bennett Park delivers. Located lakeside, Bennett Park is a top spot for a catch up with friends or family. As well as a playground, there’s a covered barbecue and a picnic table. Lay out a picnic blanket under the shade provided by one of the many mature trees. Read more about Bennett Park.
Caves Beach, Caves Beach
Enjoy a picnic with friends or family at Caves Beach. The area near the Surf Life Saving Club has picnic tables, barbecue facilities and amenities, plus an amazing view of the beach. Explore the caves at low tide, before or after your picnic. Read more about Caves Beach.
Green Point Foreshore, Valentine
At Green Point Foreshore, between Belmont and Valentine, you’re spoilt fir choice when it comes to picnic spots. Sea Eagle Park is a large, grassy space with covered shelters, barbecues and amenities, perfect for families who want plenty of room to run around by the lake. For a more secluded experience with stunning panoramic views of the lake , take the side track to Sea Eagle Lookout (follow the Lookout sign), an ideal spot for a quiet picnic. Read more about Green Point Foreshore.
Pelican Foreshore, Pelican
Pelican Foreshore Park, with a fenced playground, is a lovely spot for a picnic. It features barbecues, picnic tables and a lot of space for kids to run around. On a warm day, wander down to the gentle lakeside beach to spot pelicans and take a dip. Read more about Pelican Foreshore Park.
Rathmines Park, Rathmines
Enjoy some history with your picnic. Rathmines Park was home to the RAAF Catalina Flying Boat Base, with 14 Catalinas and almost 3000 officers at its peak, making it the largest flying boat base in Australia. As a result, there’s lots of plane-themed play equipment. It’s a great spot for a picnic with amazing views of Lake Macquarie. If you feel like cooking, there’s also a covered seating area behind the park with a barbecue. There’s also plenty of grass to kick a ball and the wide paths are perfect for scooters and bikes. Read more about Rathmines Park.
Reids Reserve, Swansea
Head to Reids Reserve at Swansea Heads for a large, grassed space perfect for picnics. There are picnic benches spaced out along the reserve, as well as a playground. Enjoy views of the Swansea Channel and beyond. If you’re visiting in low tide, check out the rock shelf. As well as a gorgeous little secluded beach, you’ll find remnants of a petrified forest from a volcano eruption 250 million years ago on the rock shelf. Read more about Reids Reserve.
Speers Point Park, Speers Point
Head for a picnic at one of the region’s largest playgrounds, Speers Point Park. While the kids play, you can relax at one of the many covered picnic shelters. If you feel like cooking, grab one that has barbecue facilities. If you prefer more peace and quiet, choose a spot at the back of the park. Read more about Speers Point Park.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Another area with great playground and lake views is Thomas H Halton Park (also known as Croudace Bay Park). There are so many things to love about this playground, but we love the scenic lakeside location and the fact that it’s fully-fenced. Plus, it has a pirate ship! There’s also two covered picnic areas with barbecues, located within the playground area. Bring some sausages and cook them on the barbecue while the kids play. Read more about Thomas H Halton Park.
Toronto Foreshore, Toronto
For a picnic spot with lake views on the western side of Lake Macquarie, head to Toronto Foreshore. Bring some snags to cook as there’s a barbecue within the park. There is also a fenced playground for the kids to enjoy with amenities located just outside the fence. Read more about Toronto Foreshore.
Warner Park, Warners Bay
For those with young kids, a fenced playground brings peace of mind. Warner Park, across the street from Warners Bay Foreshore, is a good choice. You’ll find covered picnic shelters and a large playground to keep little ones happy happy. You can still enjoy views of the lake from Warner Park. Read more about Warner Park.
Warners Bay Foreshore, Warners Bay
Enjoy a picnic along the Esplanade at Warners Bay. You’ll have stunning lake views and, once you’ve finished your picnic, you can go for a wander and check out the sculptures along Lake Macquarie’s Sculpture Walk. There’s barbecues, plus sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables. Either bring food with you or grab some takeaway from one of the many cafes on The Esplanade. Read more about Lake Macquarie’s Sculpture Walk.
Webb Park, Redhead
Organise a picnic at Webb Park in Redhead. As well as a fantastic beach-themed playground, it’s close to Redhead Beach and the Redhead Pump Track. A covered barbecue is near the playground, so you can cook up some lunch or dinner while keeping an eye on kids. There’s also plenty of grass for kids to run around or kick a ball. After your picnic, head for a walk along the Ken & Audrey Owens Walkway which starts from the playground. It’s a pleasant stroll through the trees to Redhead beach. Read more about Webb Park.
Hunter Area
Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at one of the Hunter’s largest playgrounds. While the kids play, you can settle in at a covered picnic shelters. Grab a shelter with barbecue facilities if you feel like cooking. For more peace and quiet, head to the back of the park, or simply spread out a picnic blanket on one of the many grassed areas. Read more about Bridges Hill Playground.
Hunter Valley Gardens Picnic Area, Pokolbin
Just outside the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village at Broke Road, Pokolbin, you’ll find a dedicated picnic area with sheltered tables and barbecues. Located at the Village Playground, kids can have a play before or after eating.
Katherine’s Landing District Park, Huntlee
The playground, pump track and large grassed area at Katherine’s Landing District Park will keep the kids entertained for hours. The park is also an ideal picnic spot. There’s four undercover picnic tables, accessible amenities (including a baby change table) and plenty of bins and water fountains scattered throughout. For those wanting to cook up a sausage or two, there’s two gas barbecues. Read more about Katherine’s Landing District Park.
Maitland Park, Maitland
Pack a picnic and head to Maitland Park. It’s an expansive area of parkland encompassing sporting fields, picnic spots, tennis courts, croquet lawns and a swimming centre. It also features The Magic Garden, Maitland Park’s All Abilities Playground. Fully-fenced, this playground enables kids to play while parents keep an eye on them from picnic tables outside the playground. Read more about Maitland Park.
Maitland Riverside, Maitland
Relax and enjoy a scenic picnic along the river in Maitland’s CBD. This picturesque riverside area stretches from Hunter Street to the Riverside Car Park, offering wide paths, peaceful river views, and plenty of picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a meal.
Maybury Peace Park, Weston
There is lots of space for a picnic at either Maybury Peace Park or Chinaman’s Hollow in Weston. These are actually two separate areas connected by a 2.5km shared pathway. Maybury Peace Park has a great kids playground, picnic shelters and plenty of grassed area for picnic blankets and camping chairs. Chinaman’s Hollow has picnic shelters and walking trails. There are barbecue facilities at both. Read more about Maybury Peace Park.
Morpeth Common, Morpeth
For a picnic surrounded by nature, head to beautiful Ray Lawler Reserve, aka Morpeth Common. It’s a sprawling green space with a playground and picnic benches, great for meeting up with friends or family in the countryside. Walk over the bridge to a large, grassed area with substantial shade provided by beautiful big fig trees. This would be a lovely place to lay out a picnic rug. It’s also a picturesque spot to snap some family photos. There’s also lots of shaded picnic tables overlooking the playground and nearby cow and horse paddock plus two undercover barbecues if you prefer a barbecue lunch. Read more about Morpeth Common.
Poppethead Park, Kitchener
Enjoy some history with your picnic at Poppethead Park. Look for the poppethead used in the Aberdare Central Colliery. This historical site is now a recreational area with a playground, picnic areas and a walking trail. Read more about Poppethead Park.
Raworth Park, Raworth
A popular spot for families, Raworth Park is a great place for a picnic. As well as large grassed areas, it features a shaded and fully-fenced kids playground located right next to Raworth Dog Off-Leash area. Perfect for if you want a picnic with your kids and your dogs. There is an undercover eating area located just outside the fenced playground with two, free gas barbecues and a picnic table. As there’s only one picnic table, bring a picnic blanket with you just in case the table has already been taken. Read more about Raworth Park.
Walka Water Works, Maitland (Oakhampton Heights)
Head to Walka Water Works, just outside Maitland for a peaceful picnic. Originally built in 1887 to supply water to Newcastle and the Lower Hunter Valley, the area has since been restored and preserved and is now registered with the New South Wales State Heritage Register. Bring a picnic and enjoy the park. It features barbecues, picnic tables, shade and plenty of green space. There are also walking trails located throughout the park. The Bush Trail is known for its expansive views and The Kangaroo Trail is where, you guessed it, you are most likely to see a mob of kangaroos. Read more about Walka Water Works.
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