12 Parks Around Parramatta Perfect for Picnics, BBQs and Play
Discover the best parks for picnics around Parramatta, including family-friendly playgrounds, lakeside reserves, BBQ facilities and open green space.
There's something timeless about a picnic. A rug on the grass. A packed esky. Kids disappearing towards the playground while the barbecue heats up nearby.
Whether you're planning a family catch-up, celebrating a birthday or simply making the most of a sunny weekend, Parramatta's parks offer plenty of places to settle in for the day. Some sit beside lakes and waterways, others hide among bushland or open onto sprawling green fields. Many have playgrounds, BBQs and picnic shelters ready to go.
Here are 12 picnic spots around Parramatta worth adding to your list.
Parramatta Park
Location: Corner Pitt and Macquarie streets, Parramatta
An 85-hectare oasis in the heart of the city, Parramatta Park offers plenty of room to spread out and make a day of it.
Choose a quiet corner near Wistaria Gardens, settle beneath the shade of a giant tree or set up near one of the playgrounds while the kids burn off some energy. Historic buildings, cycling paths and open lawns mean there's always something new to discover between bites.
Lake Parramatta Reserve
Location: Lake Parramatta, North Parramatta
Just a few minutes from the CBD, Lake Parramatta feels worlds away.
Pack a picnic and spend the day beside the water, explore a bushwalking track or cool off with a swim during the warmer months. Surrounded by native bushland, it's one of Parramatta's most scenic locations for lunch outdoors.
Explore Lake Parramatta Reserve
North Rocks Park
Location: North Rocks Road, Carlingford
If your picnic usually involves keeping active kids entertained, North Rocks Park is a safe bet.
The fenced playground features swings, climbing equipment, rope pyramids and a scooter track, giving younger visitors plenty of reasons to stay busy while the adults relax nearby.
Dundas Park
Location: 42a Yates Avenue Dundas Valley 2117
Home to the popular Philip Ruddock Water Playground, Dundas Park is an easy choice on warm days.
Pack the swimmers alongside the sandwiches and let the kids cool off between runs through misting tunnels, water pumps and splash zones. Covered picnic tables and BBQ facilities make it easy to settle in for the afternoon.
George Kendall Riverside Park
Location: 38 Spofforth Street, Ermington
Rumour has it that this park has the most barbecues of any reserve in the Parramatta region, making it a great option for large group gatherings and celebrations.
Luscious green fields and views across to Sydney Olympic Park ensure this park is both practical and picturesque. Bring your whole gang, some meat and veg for the BBQ or a packed lunch and run wild in the great outdoors!
Halvorsen Park
Location: Seamist Avenue, Ermington
Ahoy there! Inspired by its waterfront setting, Halvorsen Park features a nautical-themed playground complete with rope towers, sandstone play elements and plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.
While there aren't barbecue facilities, there are plenty of shady spots perfect for laying down a picnic blanket and a great cafe next door.
Rosella Park
Location: 43a Wigram Street Harris Park
A local favourite that's easy to miss if you don't know it's there, Rosella Park punches above its weight.
Families return for the distinctive five-sided swing set, while recent upgrades including BBQ facilities and modern amenities make it an easy place to spend a few hours.
Upjohn Park
Location: 73 Kirby Street Rydalmere
Tucked between mature trees and bushland, Upjohn Park is one of Parramatta's quieter picnic spots, but there's plenty to discover once you arrive.
Recent upgrades include a new flood-resilient footbridge spanning the creek, making it easier to explore the park's open spaces, playground and picnic areas.
The large park features picnic shelters, BBQ facilities, public toilets and wide open lawns perfect for kicking a ball, rolling out a picnic rug or gathering with friends. Active visitors can make use of the outdoor fitness equipment and cricket nets, while younger children will find a skill and sensory-based playground with swings, monkey bars, climbing equipment, a seesaw and a boat-themed play feature designed for imaginative adventures.
Wentworth Common
Location: Marjorie Jackson Parkway, Sydney Olympic Park
Set where Haslams Creek meets Homebush Bay, Wentworth Common combines wide open lawns, shady picnic spots and one of the area's most exciting playgrounds.
The recently upgraded play space is designed for adventure, with nature-inspired climbing features including sandstone walls, bouldering towers, swings, a flying fox and a huge sandpit. Curious little explorers will also find giant stone sculptures of a lizard and frog hidden throughout the park.
When it's time to slow down, fire up one of the free BBQs, settle under a picnic shelter or spread out on the grass beneath the trees. If you're feeling energetic, follow the winding path to the top of the Bay Marker lookout for sweeping views across the wetlands, Homebush Bay and the city skyline.
With plenty of space to roam and a mix of nature, play and waterfront views, it's an easy place to spend an entire afternoon.
Blaxland Riverside Park
Location: Jamieson Street, Newington (Off Holker Street)
Few parks can rival Blaxland Riverside Park when it comes to keeping the whole family entertained. Set beside the Parramatta River, this three-hectare playground destination combines riverside picnic spots with one of the most extensive play spaces in Sydney.
Kids can race friends on the double flying fox, tackle the scramble wall, explore the multi-level treehouse and zoom down tunnel slides, while younger visitors have plenty of space to climb, swing and explore at their own pace.
On warmer days, the large outdoor water play area becomes one of the park's biggest drawcards, providing a welcome place to cool off between adventures. Free BBQ facilities are scattered throughout the park, while riverside walking paths and nearby café options make it easy to spend an entire day here.
Boronia Park
Location: Boronia Avenue, Epping
Boronia Park is a local favourite that makes family picnics easy. Shaded by mature trees and surrounded by open green space, it's a comfortable spot to settle in for an afternoon outdoors.
The nature-based playground caters especially well to younger children, with climbing equipment, swings, slides, ropes, a cubby house, seesaw and a dinky track encouraging imaginative play. Nearby picnic areas, BBQ facilities and public amenities make it easy to spend a few hours here while the kids explore.
The adjoining sports field brings plenty of weekend energy to the park, with cricket in summer and soccer through winter.
Bicentennial Park
Location: Australia Avenue Sydney Olympic Park
With 40 hectares of parklands to explore, Bicentennial Park is one of the most versatile picnic destinations in the region.
Spend the day wandering between lakeside meadows, playgrounds, wetlands and open green spaces. Set up beside Lake Belvedere, claim a shady picnic shelter or fire up one of the free electric BBQs before heading off to explore.
Families will find plenty to keep everyone entertained, from the adventure playground and water play area to bike riding, walking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife along the Badu Mangroves Boardwalk. If you're keen to cover more ground, hire a bike and explore the network of shared pathways that wind throughout the park.
It's the sort of place where a quick picnic can easily become a full day outdoors.
