15 Fab Picnic Spots in the Illawarra
Make like the teddy bears and get down to the woods, or the beach, or the park for a picnic at one of these choice spots.
Warmer weather means the perfect time to pack a basket full of goodies [hello tasty sangas and mini quiches] and head out to enjoy some of the gorgeous parks and reserves dotted along the Illawarra.
Looking for a family fun day out?
Or some romantic time together?
Or need somewhere to bring the whole gang together for a celebration?
Here’s a list of some fab spots around the towns to roll out on the picnic rug.
Bald Hill // Stanwell Tops
Picnicking here is gonna give you some pretty amazing views. Look down the Illawarra coastline as you snack on your lunch. Come on a windy-ish day [hold on to your finger sandwiches] and you’ll see hang-gliders taking off and landing from the grass in front of you. Pretty darn cool, hey.
There are toilets and a few picnic tables and chairs dotted around, otherwise, there’s plenty of space on the grass to park up.
THE FOLD LOVES // Grabbing a cuppa or ice cream from one of the cafes or food trucks that are usually there.
Thirroul Beach Reserve // Thirroul
Right next to Thirroul Beach, this patch of grass is great for a pre/post-swim picnic.
There’s also a park for the kiddos to play on, shaded seats to beat the heat and Thirroul Beach Pavilion is close if you’re more of a buy-than-pack-it type of picnicker, no judgement here!
THE FOLD LOVES // Taking a dip in Thirroul Pool right next door to the reserve.
Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens // Mount Pleasant
Right under Mount Keira, this is a tranquil, beautiful and underrated spot in our opinion.
The gardens are full of thousands of azaleas and hundreds of rhododendrons as well as other rare and lovely plants. There are also BBQs and toilets to keep you sorted. Don’t forget your $5 entry fee as this place doesn’t actually receive any ongoing funding from Wollongong Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service or other government sources.
THE FOLD LOVES // Spotting birds, frogs and other fauna friends around the gardens.
Towradgi Beach Park // Towradgi
Covered picnic areas? Check!
BBQ’s? Check!
Playground for the kiddies? Check!
Toilets? Check!
Right next to a stunning beach? Also, check!
This spot has all we could need, and many other locals too it seems as it gets pretty busy on certain days like public holidays, so if you’re planning on coming then make sure to get there early to nab a prime spot.
THE FOLD LOVES // Cheering on locals as they play their family cricket or footy in the big open spaces nearby.
Stuart Park // North Wollongong
Pretty iconic in the Illawarra, this is a very popular spot for public holiday family barbies and get-togethers and for good reason. With covered tables, BBQs, toilets, a big playground and North Wollongong beach right at the doorstep, it’s an ideal location.
Easy to get to and with [usually] a good amount of parking it’s easy to see why this is one of the Illawarra’s most loved picnic spots.
THE FOLD LOVES // Watching the skydivers float down and land right in the middle of the park.
Port Kembla Beach Park // Port Kembla
Another one that’s right near the beach a little further down the road in Port Kembla. There’s no BBQ here but a mighty fine fish and chip shop attached to the pools just across the road.
This is another fab option for a pre- or post-swim picnic.
THE FOLD LOVES // Taking a dip in Port Kembla pools right nearby, with wading pools and bigger pools it’s fun for the whole family.
Wollongong Botanic Gardens // Wollongong
Another well-loved location, the botanic gardens boast plenty of space to stretch out and chill out. There’s so much to explore here as well as free barbeques, toilets, a parents’ room and the wonderful all-abilities playground.
There’s also an onsite cafe if you’re in need of a post-feast caffeine pick-me-up.
THE FOLD LOVES // Taking group pics on the Kawasaki bridge or next to the duck pond.
Kanahooka Lakeside Reserve // Kanahooka
This reserve has a great playground for the kids to let loose and spectacular lake views. Once you’ve finished your picnic take a stroll on the footpath all the way out to Kanahooka Point for some insta-worthy shots.
THE FOLD LOVES // Filling our baskets with sweeties from The Licorice Shop across the road.
Holborn Park // Berkeley
Another one with lake views, a playground AND a pretty awesome skatepark as well. It’s common to see families parked up here with fold-out chairs and blankets, settled in for the day as the little ones ride and roll.
THE FOLD LOVES // Grabbing fish and chippies from Aish’s Seafood and Takeaway down the road on days we don’t feel like putting a whole picnic together.
Reddall Reserve // Lake Illawarra
Sitting on both the lake and the beach this is one incredible picnic spot. Popular with locals and visitors far and wide, the playground here has recently had a fantastic facelift and is teeming with kids most weekends. There are BBQs, sheltered tables, a tuck shop, space for fishing, fitness equipment and toilets, phew! What more could you want?
THE FOLD LOVES // Cycling or walking along the Lake Illawarra Art Trail located in the reserve, with wonderful artworks exploring local history, Aboriginal heritage, flora and fauna.
Killalea Reserve // Shell Cove
A [not so hidden] gem inside Killalea Regional Park, we think the ocean views here are just something else. The reserve has gold coin-paid BBQs, toilets and plenty of space to stretch out with your blanket and crew.
Killalea Beach is a stone’s throw from the picnic areas so you can dip your toes in and do some sand strolling. Just a heads up as this is part of NSW National Parks, no pets are allowed sorry.
THE FOLD LOVES // Grabbing a coffee from The Farm Kiosk inside the reserve.
Black Butt Forest Reserve // Shellharbour
We always feel like we’re heading to a secret oasis when we visit this 70-hectare reserve. Inside the streets of Blackbutt is this awesome picnic spot. It’s dog-friendly and has BBQs and picnic tables, shelters, a playground and toilets. The reserve loop track is a fun way to get back to nature whilst still being close to home.
THE FOLD LOVES // Bug, bird and lizard watching as we make our way around the reserve.
Central Park // Oak Flats
This is a smaller picnic area right on the lake in Oak Flats. With a playground for the kiddos, BBQs and seating, this spot is usually never too busy, so is a good choice if you’re looking to avoid crowds. There’s also a footpath running along the lake if you feel like walking off some of that cob loaf after lunch.
THE FOLD LOVES // Taking in the totally unobstructed views of the lake from every angle.
Hindmarsh Park // Kiama
Right in Kiama’s town centre sits this cute and grassy park. Popular with families grabbing a bite to eat from one of the takeaway joints in town and then stretching out for a glorious Kiama afternoon. Toilets, playground, picnic tables, and a shaded rotunda, all you need!
THE FOLD LOVES // Making the most of charming Kiama and Kiama Harbour close by.
Minnamurra Rainforest Picnic Area // Minnamurra
Picnicking in a rainforest? Why not! There are picnic tables and BBQs and it’s an ideal place to take a rest for lunch when you’re spending the day exploring Minnamurra Rainforest. Parking in the rainforest area is $12 per vehicle per day and can occasionally be closed due to weather so check before you visit.
THE FOLD LOVES // Exploring all the gorgeous tracks around Minnamurra Rainforest.
