It’s picnic season, Sydney — now more than ever before. Last week, the NSW Government lifted the drinking bans for a whopping 18 parks across the city. And since W Seltzer is designed for sunny day sipping with mates, we've put together a list of our favourite harbourside spots to help punters take advantage of this newfound freedom. Grab four vaxxed friends and hit up one of these booze-friendly, inner city parks this weekend.
THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY, CBD
It’s those 30-hectares of lush surrounds that lands the Royal Botanic Garden at the top of our list. And its flora and fauna aren't the only attractions, with heaps of picnic areas fixed directly alongside the harbour. You won’t have to fight for waterfront views (or amenities) here. Choose your favourite spot — whether that's up near Mrs Macquarie's Chair, over by the Opera House or down at the shady Harbour View Lawn 33 — and get stuck in.
When can I BYO? All year round.
Local W Seltzer stockists? The Bottle Shop CBD
Image, Destination NSW
BLACKWATTLE BAY PARK, GLEBE
The CBD doesn't have all the fun when it comes to waterfront picnicking. Head to the inner west for a different, yet still spectacular, harbourside view. At Glebe's Blackwattle Bay Park, enjoy stunning vistas of the Anzac Bridge and across Jones Bay to Darling Harbour. Apart from the sites, this spot is made for the dog-adoring locals, since pups are free to roam — and will periodically join your picnic for much-needed pats.
When can I BYO? All year round.
Local W Seltzer stockists? The Toxteth Hotel
DAWES POINT RESERVE, THE ROCKS
Looking to get ‘up close and personal’ with the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Head to Dawes Point Reserve. Located just beneath the iconic attraction, this heritage-listed park offers sweeping views of Sydney’s best sites. Look out over the Opera House or face the looming CBD skyline, all while sipping your seltzer in the shade of palm-trees. The park also joins with Hickson Road Reserve and is a perfect spot for sundowners as the weather warms up.
When can I BYO? Until October 31.
Local W Seltzer stockists? The Australian Heritage Hotel - The Rocks
Image, Destination NSW
BALLARAT PARK, DARLING ISLAND
Set on the edge of Darling Island Wharf, this small waterfront park packs a punch with its stunning views, proximity to the water and wide open space for picnics aplenty. Located on the quieter side of Darling Harbour, you don't have to contend with the CBD crowds to nab a good spot here. On the way, stop off at the Sydney Fish Markets to pair a seafood feast with your bevvies.
When can I BYO? Until October 31.
Local W Seltzer stockists? Pyrmont Point Hotel
BARANGAROO RESERVE, BARANGAROO
Built in 2015, Barangaroo Reserve offers six-hectares of walking and cycling paths, gorgeous harbour views and plenty of grassy knolls for a BYO picnic. The pristine headland was constructed to emulate the pre-1836 shoreline and feels far removed from the CBD, despite being adjacent to the bustling food precinct. Don’t forget to stop off for rations before settling into a spot by the water.
When can I BYO? All year round.
Local W Seltzer stockists? The Australian Heritage Hotel - The Rocks
Image, Destination NSW
BALLAST POINT PARK, BIRCHGROVE
Ballast Point Park is a Birchgrove gem which offers all of the inner-city sites without stepping foot in the CBD. Set on the tip of the Balmain peninsula, expect to be welcomed by panoramic views across to the CBD skyline and the Harbour Bridge. Formerly an industrial fuel site, this sustainably built, architecturally award-winning park forms a mix of upcycled steel structures, walking and cycling paths and greenery aplenty. While you're in the area, stop by Birchgrove Park, where booze is also permitted.
When can I BYO? Until October 31.
Local W Seltzer stockists? Unity Hall Hotel
WATERFRONT PARK, PYRMONT
Pyrmont's Waterfront Park is what it sounds like — a Jones Bay oasis where punters can enjoy glittering waterside views along with glimpses of the striking Anzac Bridge. It's also a dog-lovers dream, with furry friends allowed off-leash at all times. The 1.2-hectare park offers walking paths for pups and humans alike. While you’re here, check out Metamorphosis, a sculpture of three caneite spheres from the former CSR sugar refinery.
When can I BYO? Until October 31.
Local W Seltzer stockists? Pyrmont Point Hotel
Image, James Horan; Destination NSW
To grab some W Seltzer on the way to your picnic, head to our website to find the closest stockist to the park. Or stop by our Camperdown Taproom and grab W Seltzer for takeaway, directly from the source.