The great Aussie Barbeque is world famous, and as far as cultural experiences go, nothing says “Australia” like sizzling a snag (sausage) on a barbie.
Much of the challenge is finding the perfect spot and knowing what to serve, but as far as Sydney is concerned, we’ve got the locations covered for you. From beaches to coves, national parks to foreshores, Sydney knows the value of a public BBQ, and this is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends while getting outside and experiencing the city’s local attractions and beautiful parklands.
So the next time you’re in Sydney, pack a picnic and check out some of these fabulous BYO BBQ’s!
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The Best BBQ Spots in Sydney
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The Basin
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The perfect bush-meets-bay setting, and part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the Basin sits on the eastern shores of West Head, with a great picnic area and well-maintained BBQs.
It’s a great day out, with opportunities for swimming, walking and views of the water. If you haven’t had enough you can make a weekend out of it and stay overnight at the adjacent campground (book ahead).
Centennial Park
Centennial Park, Sydney
A couple of minutes from the CBD, Centennial parklands is one of Sydney’s most popular BBQ spots, but the nature reserve is so huge that even the biggest crowds can be accommodated for a relaxing parkland lunch.
There are eight free electric barbecues, each with two hotplates. The barbecues cannot be booked and operate on a first-come basis. You can BYO portable barbecues with legs only (you are not permitted barbecues that sit on the grass) however this can’t be done during periods of total fire ban.
Bronte Park
Bayview St, Bronte
The tradition here is beach side barbecuing followed by a large-scale backyard cricket session. You’ll find plenty of covered picnic tables, shady trees and barbecues.
It’s a popular spot during the summer holidays, you you might want to get in early to grab a good spot, or just grab a coffee from one of the cafes across the road and find a shady spot on the hill. Located behind Bronte Beach, you can find street parking along Bronte Road, Bayview Road and Murray Street.
Sydney Olympic Park
Sydney Olympic Park
While Sydney Olympic Park offers a tempting choice of food outlets and cafes, there are many picnic spots with free barbeques throughout the park.
Spread a blanket on the grass or take a seat under a shade sail and enjoy an alfresco meal in one of the picturesque parks. Free BBQ’s are located at Archery Park, Bicentennial Park, Blaxland Riverside Park and Wentworth Common.
Shelly Beach
Manly
Shelly Beach is a beach located in Manly and forms part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve which lies adjacent to North Head and Fairy Bower.
There are six barbecues scattered underneath trees with a great north-facing view; this spot is a “favorite with Sydney’s Brazilian community, their drumming will provide the soundtrack to your afternoon.”
Tamarama Park
Back of Tamarama Beach
This is a great stop along the Bondi – Bronte beach walk, with beautiful views and a lot of space. There are free electric BBQ hot plates at the rear of the beach with shady rest areas & tables.
The west section is a large open area with a shady gully; the smaller Eastern section contains the park facilities.
Prince Alfred Park
Chalmers St, Surry Hills
This is a historic park which spans over 7.5 hectares offering plenty of green space. There are benches to sit and relax, an off-leash area for dogs and new barbecue and picnic areas have been built with custom-designed tables and seating.
System is first come, first served, so show up early. Activities wise, fitness stations can be found throughout the park, basketball players can shoot hoops on 2 new courts and an extra half-court, and there are 5 new tennis courts too.
Collaroy Beach
Pittwater Rd, Collaroy
This is an idyllic BBQ spot with new sheltered barbecues and picnic tables. Facilities are excellent, and there are Wi-Fi access points, great swimming, rockpools, public toilets, and a playground.
This is an excellent beach for beginner surfers with good wind surfing in north easterly or south easterly winds.
Wattamolla Picnic Area
Royal National Park
The coastal Wattamolla picnic area at Royal National Park is a popular family spot for swimming, fishing, snorkelling and bushwalking. There are excellent BBQ’s, picnic tables (covered & uncovered), a toilet block, bins and running water.
With loads of options to keep everyone happy, this is a popular place to base yourself while you’re exploring Royal National Park.
Como Pleasure Grounds
2A Cremona Rd, Como
Como Pleasure Grounds is a public park 40 minutes from Sydney with panoramic views of the Georges River. There is a playground, picnic tables and BBQs as well as a bike track and walking loop path through the surrounding bushland.
Clifton Gardens
Mosman
This is an urban park with a beautiful harbour beach, a lengthy jetty, a swimming enclosure, a playground and a large reserve behind. There are beautiful views over to Neilsen Park and the eastern suburbs of Sydney, as well as the constant buzz of the famous harbour.
You’ll find a great nature reserve with plenty of facilities & excellent BBQ’s. There are toilets, trees for shade, a beach & a long jetty. Popular picnic spot among locals.
North Bondi Beach
Bondi
Australia’s most iconic beach, the north point of Bondi is the perfect spot to have a barbeque or picnic with friends looking over famous beach.
“The beachside park has a couple of picnic shelters and coin-operated barbecues. Make sure you get there early for the outdoor cook out as the spot gets extremely busy in summertime.”
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO world-heritage-listed island in the middle of beautiful Sydney Harbour. Hop on a ferry or kayak over to explore the island for the day or stay overnight in the campground or holiday houses.
There are 2 public BBQ’s with bench seats, so pack a picnic, however keep in mind that you can’t BYO alcohol.
Blackwattle Bay Park
Leichhardt St, Glebe
This is a great spot for a BBQ off the Sydney tourist track, while still staying close to the city centre. The park includes the Glebe Foreshore Walk with beautiful water views, and one of the best views of ANZAC bridge.
Picnic areas available, and you should stay to see the sun set and the lights of Sydney’s CBD illuminate.
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Photo credits: Collaroy Beach by Martin7d2.
22 Comments
Nice list. I’m a BBQ lover and these is a useful information to know. Sydney is definitely on my bucket list and one day when I visit it and Australia in general, I’ll totally check some of them.
Thanks Bilyana :) Yes, definitely have to organize a BBQ when you make it to Aus … it’s a cultural experience and a great way to enjoy a sunny day!
There are some pretty nice barbecue spots in your list. Sydney is such a perfect city to have a Barbie. I’d highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting Australia. Bondi Beach has bragging rights but I particularly like Cockatoo Island. I stayed in one of the heritage houses there a couple of years ago and loved it.
Awesome Christina! Staying overnight on Cockatoo Island is incredible for sure :) But yes, Bondi definitely has bragging rights – BBQ never gets old though, so why not visit them all :D!
I love BBQ season! Unfortunately where I live it’s not legal to use BBQs in a lot of public parks. Kinda silly if you think of it. Makes me want to move to Australia!
Oh no! That breaks my Australian heart!! Lol. Yes, you should definitely move :D I’m bias, but living here is great!
I didn’t know Sydneh has so many exclusive spots for BBQ. In fact, here BBQ is an experience rather than just dining! I would love to visit the Cuckatoo Island, for the Unesco site and BBQ of course :)
Absolutely, Australia is all about the DIY BBQ, so there are so many public facilities dotted around our best beaches, reserves and national parks :) Definitely include Cockatoo Island on your list for SYdney even if you’re not able to pull off a BBQ – it’s an incredible site :)
These BBQ spots look great. I’ve heard a lot about the food scene in Sydney though will have to try DIY BBQ too :) Will make it to Australia one day!
The food scene in Sydney is excellent without a doubt, but there’s something incredible about a sizzling snag on a public barbie … definitely the more local experience too :)
Wonderful post! For someone vegetarian like me the problem is not about finding the right spot, but about finding the right partners to barbecue some veggies :)
Thanks Siddhartha :) The great thing with a DIY BBQ is that you can always do you veggies separately and still enjoy a nice social day out with whoever wants to come :)
This post made me nostalgic !! Reminded me of all those bbq sessions we had in Sydney with friends. Also, there was a park near our house on Tintern road where we used to go invariably for bbq alone! :)
Bondi beach is another favourite of mine. Missed Cockatoo Island, so next time for sure.
Certainly, Sydney is the place for bbq picnics and parties. :)
So glad we could take you back Nisha! I find its these really genuine food experiences which you remember more so than the restaurant you ate at – because a BBQ is not only great food but usually also a great social outing and you can make a whole day out of it with friends :)
Definitely hit up Cockatoo Island the next time you visit – it’s a gem!
BBQ is one of the things I miss most from back home in the states. We grill outdoors all summer long! You found some really great spots for this post.This made me really miss that. I’ll have to hunt down some BBQ for dinner tonight!
Glad to hear the States has a strong culture of BBQ too – it’s so great! I know, every time I come back to respond to comments on this post has me craving rissoles and sausages too haha!
You know what, I was about to board a plane to Sydney right this evening. It was a business trip and since I quit my job, this trip got canceled. I was really looking forward to heading back to Sydney where I was going to stay for a week, but I just couldn’t do the trip and then hand in my notice. I’m sure I’ll be back in Sydney one day though (maybe after my NZ trip) because until today it’s still one of my favorite cities in the world. I always love how the Ozzies go out and do a BBQ anywhere they can and for me the ultimate Australia feeling is having a BBQ somewhere outdoors …
I can see how it would have looked a bit tacky to have taken an international work trip and then handed in your notice lol! Shame though, hope you have the chance to visit soon on your own time :) Then can join us for an epic Aussie BBQ!
Great list and recommendations. Will definitely helpful for all these BBQ lovers. Various options to choose from. And I love the fact how they are called BBQ Barbie.
Thanks Sandy & Vyjay :) Haha yes, Australian slang for BBQ is “barbie” – we have a tendency to shorten words like that :D
These look like fine grilling spots Meg. I’d visit Cockatoo Island because we had a pet cockatoo growing up LOL.
Ryan
Cockatoos are the best :D Come to Sydney and we’ll grill up a fabulous BBQ feast for you!