Key Facts:
- Study analysed 725,000+ reviews across 16,059 picnic-friendly locations in NSW, approximately one site per 507 residents
- Lake Alexandra Reserve (Mittagong), Fagan Park (Galston), and Noreuil Park Foreshore (Albury) emerged as the top three picnic destinations
- Selection criteria included overall popularity, picnic-specific popularity, average picnic-review rating and population-adjusted weighting
- Results show successful picnic spots combine accessibility, good facilities and scenic surroundings
New research from Food Box Mate, Australia's independent meal kit and food lifestyle research platform, has revealed the most-loved picnic spots across New South Wales for summer, with Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong taking the top spot.
The study analysed more than 725,000 online reviews from over 16,000 picnic-friendly sites, using location data, review sentiment, and frequency of picnic mentions to rank where locals most love to eat outdoors. The result is a definitive list that celebrates the state's lakes, gardens, and green escapes.
Top 5 Picnic Spots in New South Wales
Lake Alexandra Reserve, Mittagong - A peaceful, family-friendly park where the lake glistens under tall gum trees. Shaded BBQ areas, a fenced playground, and flat walking loops make it perfect for an easy day out.
Fagan Park, Galston - A hidden gem filled with themed gardens, ponds, and open lawns that feel more like a country estate than a city park.
Noreuil Park Foreshore, Albury - A relaxed riverside setting along the Murray with swimming spots, a riverside café, and tree-shaded picnic lawns.
Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan - Australia's largest botanic garden, home to native flora, walking trails, and beautifully maintained picnic areas.
Bungarribee Park, Bungarribee - One of Western Sydney's most impressive parks, known for its modern BBQs, playgrounds, and open green spaces.
The full top ten list also includes Bobbin Head (Mount Colah), Wollongong Botanic Garden (Keiraville), Minyon Falls Lookout (Whian Whian), Oxley Scenic Lookout (East Tamworth), and Mayfield Garden (Oberon). A mix that highlights both coastal and inland favourites.
"Picnics are part of Australian culture," said David Bruce, lead researcher at Food Box Mate. "What stood out in the data is how much people value spaces that feel both scenic and accessible, the kind of places where a quick lunch easily turns into a full day outdoors."
The research filtered all New South Wales outdoor recreation areas with more than 100 public reviews, identifying locations that mentioned "picnic" most often and rated them by satisfaction and consistency. "We wanted to go beyond travel guides and find out which places people genuinely love to visit" Bruce added.
A visual summary of the top five spots, complete with photos and highlights, is available in Food Box Mate's infographic at foodboxmate.com/nsw-favourite-picnic-spots
"With summer on the way, we hope this list inspires people to rediscover the joy of packing a picnic and spending a few hours outdoors," said Bruce. "These spots prove that some of the best experiences in New South Wales don't require a ticket, just a picnic rug and good company."
About us:
Food Box Mate is a consumer-research platform specialising in food-service and lifestyle reviews across Australia. With a track record of data-driven ranking studies and in-depth analyses, Food Box Mate offers actionable insights for consumers and industry alike.
