Our guide to the best picnic spots in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

With the warm weather well and truly here, picnic season is in full swing. Make the most of sunny days by packing a basket full of goodies and heading to one of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's best picnic spots. 

We're spoilt for choice, so regardless of your picnic preferences, there's a location to suit everyone. From beachside locales to shady neighbourhood parks, here are the best picnic spots in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to lay your rug and relax.

Newcastle

Bar Beach

Set up beneath the Bar Beach carpark on the grass at this iconic picnic spot. Summer sees the hill buzzing with people enjoying a picnic dinner and the sweeping ocean views. Or grab some takeaway and sit at one of the tables along the Bather's Way en route to Dixon Park Beach.

Blackbutt Reserve

A family favourite, Blackbutt Reserve makes for a beautiful venue for picnic goers of all ages. Relax on the lawn and take in the sounds of nature, then spend some time exploring Blackbutt’s many walking trails and animal encounters.

Camp Shortland

Situated between Horseshoe Beach and Nobbys Beach, Camp Shortland is a spacious area ideal for families. There's undercover tables, playground and free BBQ facilities, making it a great spot for families and big groups to enjoy outdoor picnics in Newcastle. 

Centennial Park

A stone’s throw from Darby Streets best eateries, this leafy urban oasis offers wide open grassy areas with loads of space for bigger groups or privacy for picnics for two. If little ones are in tow, take a spot near the playground making it a perfect family picnic spot in Newcastle.

Dixon Park Beach

Dixon Park Beach is a one of Newcastle’s iconic picnic spots. Sit close to the lifeguard tower or head towards the playground for undercover tables. If you move a little way up the hill, you’ll find benches with beach views perfect for sunset catchups. 

Foreshore Park

Foreshore Park is a huge space on Newcastle’s harbour featuring converted train sheds, a kids' playground, and an empty pond that’s great for scooting and rollerskating. Add plenty of grass and you’ve found one of Newcastle’s best parks for picnics.

Gregson Park

Only a short walk from the buzzing Beaumont Street in Hamilton, Gregson Park offers a relaxed picnic vibe. Take the sheltered table option or spread out your picnic rug under one of the leaf trees for a lazy afternoon that’s a true inner-city escape.

Griffith Park 

Combine your picnic with spectacular views over Newcastle Harbour with a visit to Stockton's Griffith Park. There's a great playground and skate park, so bring the kids and settle in on a sunny day. Right near the ferry terminal, it’s a quite ride from Newcastle.

Hickson Street Lookout

One of Newcastle’s best picnic locations, Hickson Street Lookout is a short walk from its namesake street in suburban Merewether. Overlooking Burwood Beach and Glenrock State Conservation Area, its faux-grass lawn is ideal for long picnic lunches.

Islington Park

Islington Park has heaps of stuff for kids to do, so bring the family, kick back on a rug or on the undercover picnic tables and let the little ones climb on the playground, scooter on the track, or shoot some hoops by the creek.

King Edward Park

An iconic Newcastle park with ocean views, beautiful gardens, towering Norfolk pines, and manicured lawns, there's plenty of spots in King Edward Park to throw down a rug and get snacking. Try a spot at the top of the park for spectacular views towards Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Lambton Park

Parks don’t get more versatile and picturesque than Lambton Park. From the manicured lawns and gardens, playground and wide footpaths ideal for scooters and bikes, grab some coffees and treats from nearby Crumb and you’ve found picnic perfection. 

Pacific Park

Whether you kick back on the grass opposite Estabar, or get comfy in the shade, Pacific Park is a lovely picnic spot right across the road from Newcastle Beach. In summer, the park is home to Friday Chill, with live music and food trucks providing a lively atmosphere.

Wallsend Park

When it comes to where to picnic in Newcastle, Wallsend Park ticks the boxes with loads of shade on those hot summer days, ideal for lounging around under. For the more active picnickers, hit the playground or head onto the cricket pitch for a spin.

Yuelarbah Walking Track

Pack your picnic and hike through Glenrock State Conservation Area. The 6.8km round trip offers scenic views, waterfalls and picnic spots along the way or hike down to Glenrock Lagoon and set your picnic whilst relaxing to the calming sounds of the ocean and bushland.

Lake Macquarie

For the best picnic areas in Lake Macquarie, look to the parks, reserves and shady shoreline of the lake.

Dobell Park

This lakeside location brings together calming water views with the history of Dobell House at the tranquil Wangi Wangi. Take a dip in the water as the weather warms up, followed by a picnic spread in the park under the shady trees.

Croudace Bay Park

Dog-friendly, kid-friendly, lakeside, and with loads of space, there's not much that Croudace Bay Park doesn't offer. Take in views of the lake while you kick back for an afternoon, either spread out on the grass or at the covered tables.

Green Point Reserve

When it comes to picnic parks in Lake Macquarie, Green Point Reserve is a winner. Take your bikes or go on a bush walk before you tuck into your picnic spread. Then relax and catch all the wildlife action in this picturesque part of the world.

Naru Beach

Naru Beach is a great option for picnics in Lake Macquarie especially if you want to combine your picnic with a refreshing dip. Located in Marks Point, Naru Beach has calm waters and plenty of grass for families to hang out and enjoy.

Pelican Foreshore

Pelican Foreshore is a lovely picnic spot during the summer months, with all the facilities you need right on the water. There's a playground, picnic tables, and BBQs, making it a great family-friendly picnic location in Lake Macquarie.

Pirrita Island Nature Reserve

Pirrita Island takes its name from the Awabakal word for oysters from the mangrove tree. This stunning sandy oasis has picnic tables, BBQs, and plenty of shade, so spread out and set up your picnic while taking in views of the beautiful Swansea Channel.

Redhead Beach

Whether you venture onto the sand or hang out at the top of the hill above the carpark, Redhead Beach is a dreamy outdoor picnic location in Lake Macquarie. Everyone’s a winner eating your post-swim fish and chips while watching the sky change colour at sunset.

Speers Point Park

Considered one of the best picnic areas in Lake Macquarie's, get comfy amongst the Norfolk Island Pines, explore the lake's beautiful foreshore, and let the kids run wild on the huge playground. Grab coffees and toasties from nearby Harry & Lola’s for instant picnic perfection.  

Warners Bay Foreshore

Bringing a takeaway feed or a packed picnic to Warners Bay Foreshore on a warm evening is a quintessential Lake Macquarie experience. There's plenty of grassy picnic spots or grab a table along this stretch of the lake and those endless water views.

Best Picnic Spots Sorted

Whether you’re picnicking by the beach, in the park or lakeside, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie offer some of the best picnic spots in NSW, so call your friends, grab your picnic basket and a few cold ones, then kickback and enjoy the best picnic locartions in Newcastle NSW.

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