The Best BBQ Spots Around Sydney Harbour

Craving that classic Aussie experience – a day spent outdoors with mates, family, and the sizzle of a proper barbecue? Sydney Harbour and its surrounding foreshores offer a fantastic array of locations, from secluded beaches to vibrant parklands, perfect for firing up the grill for brekkie, lunch, or dinner. Forget the same old backyard – we've scouted the most scenic public BBQ spots in and around Sydney Harbour for your next outdoor feast!

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Clifton Gardens: A Local Gem with Harbour Views

Often whispered about by locals, Clifton Gardens in Mosman is a truly enchanting and somewhat secluded spot for a harbourside BBQ. Nestled beside the Sydney Harbour National Park, this haven is embraced by tranquil beaches, native bushland, plenty of shady trees, and expansive grassy areas perfect for setting up your picnic blanket.

The park boasts two modern, user-friendly double frontier BBQs by Grillex. Strategically positioned overlooking the sparkling water, these BBQs allow parents to effortlessly supervise children enjoying the netted harbour pool or the playground nearby. Access to the BBQ facilities is free and designed with child safety in mind.

Imagine setting up your chairs, the aroma of marinated delights filling the air, and the laughter of loved ones echoing against the backdrop of the iconic harbour. After your delicious BBQ, stretch your legs on the scenic walking trail leading to Bradley’s Head, offering some of the most spectacular panoramic Harbour views Sydney has to offer.

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Key Information:

• Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, netted harbour pool, children’s playground, basketball courts, skateboard/scooter track, walking tracks, and an off-leash dog exercise area.
• Opening hours: All year round
• Cost: Free

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Location Information:

• Location: Clifton Gardens, Mosman, NSW (Approximately 5-minute drive northeast from Taronga Zoo via Morella Road)
• Getting there: Entry to the beach and car parking is via Morella Road, Mosman. You can also reach Clifton Gardens by bus, with stops conveniently located near the entrance. Parking within the park costs $20 for the entire day on weekends and public holidays, and spaces fill up quickly, so aim to arrive before 10:00 am. Alternatively, free street parking is often available at the top of the hill, offering a pleasant walk down to the park.

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Blackwattle Bay Park: City Views and Canine Companions

Blackwattle Bay Park stands out as another prime Sydney Harbour BBQ destination, offering a unique blend of grilling facilities, historic charm, and stunning urban vistas. Situated on the edge of Glebe, the park provides numerous BBQ stations dotted amongst historic structures, ample picnic areas, and a well-maintained playground for the kids.

Barbecuing here comes with a breathtaking panoramic view of Rozelle Bay and the majestic Anzac Bridge, a constant reminder that Sydney Harbour’s beauty extends far beyond its famous coathanger. Blackwattle Bay Park is also a fantastic dog-friendly space, with even little inlets where your furry friends can safely splash and play in the water. A shared walking, running, and biking track meanders through the park, catering to all activity levels.

For seafood lovers, Sydney’s renowned Fish Market, offering the freshest catches, is just a stone’s throw away on the other side of Blackwattle Bay – a perfect post-BBQ excursion. The surrounding area also boasts a vibrant selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes, making Blackwattle Bay Park a fantastic anchor for a full day out.

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Key Information:

• Facilities: Public toilets, picnic areas, park benches, playground
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• Cost: Free

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Location Information:

• Location: Blackwattle Bay Park, 53 Leichhardt St, Glebe, NSW
• Getting there: Glebe’s Blackwattle Bay Park is easily accessible by both bus and train. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.

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Clontarf Reserve: Family Fun by the Foreshore

For the ultimate family day out centered around a BBQ, look no further than Clontarf Reserve. This picturesque reserve sits adjacent to the calm waters of Clontarf Beach, offering stunning views across Middle Harbour towards the iconic Spit Bridge. The reserve boasts excellent barbecue facilities, including four double electric and two single-electric BBQ units, making it ideal for larger gatherings.

Located right on the foreshore, Clontarf Reserve is a truly idyllic park featuring a large, nautical-themed playground that will keep toddlers and children entertained for hours. A dedicated biking path and a sandy play area add to the family-friendly appeal. It’s a perfect picnic spot for families and big groups who love to cook up a feast on the BBQ while watching yachts and boats gracefully glide by.

Parking is available in a paid metered car park, costing $10 per hour with a daily maximum of $40. Residents with designated car permits can park for free, and two spaces are allocated for disabled parking. Unrestricted street parking can also be found in the streets surrounding Clontarf Reserve for those willing to take a short stroll. Furry family members are welcome on a leash in the main reserve area, and Clontarf even has a designated dog beach just a short walk away.

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Key Information:

• Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables, toilets, change rooms, outdoor showers, shaded playground, cafe/kiosk, harbour swimming pool
• Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Cost: Depends on activity/event (BBQ is free to use, parking fees apply)

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Location Information:

• Location: Clontarf Reserve, Sandy Bay Rd, Clontarf
• Getting there: Take a bus or taxi to Sandy Bay Road and follow the road down until you reach a spacious car park area beyond a municipal gate – this marks the entrance to Clontarf Reserve.

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Little Manly Point: Harbour Views for Manly Locals

For those on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, particularly in the Manly area, Little Manly Point is a fantastic choice for a public BBQ. Originally known as Manly Gasworks, this charming spot offers several free and easily accessible electric barbecues.

Little Manly Point is a beautifully maintained and clean park offering million-dollar views across Sydney Harbour. This picnic point has everything you need for a memorable day out with loved ones. You can enjoy a swim at the adjacent Little Manly Beach, fire up the BBQ, and even try your luck fishing off the point. The park features a large grassy area perfect for games and a great, fully-equipped playground catering to all age groups.

The small car park at Little Manly Point can get busy on weekends and during holidays, but the bonus is that parking here is free, a rarity in the Manly area. Street parking is also available in the vicinity.

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Key Information:

• Facilities: Public toilets (at nearby beach), shaded playground, picnic tables with seating, tree shade, disabled access via boom gate
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• Cost: Free

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Location Information:

• Location: Little Manly Point, Stuart St., Manly, NSW
• Getting there: Catch the Manly ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. From there, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk to Little Manly Point. Buses from the city and other Northern Beaches areas also stop at Manly Wharf, making it easily accessible by public transport.

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Pirrama Park in Pyrmont: Inner-City Grilling with Bridge Views

Nestled at the end of Pirrama Road in Pyrmont, Pirrama Park offers a delightful urban oasis with stunning views of the iconic Anzac Bridge and the surrounding waterways. This award-winning park provides free electric barbecues for public use, with two dedicated BBQ areas each featuring four units.

The covered seating areas strategically placed around the barbecues offer the perfect setup for a comfortable picnic, rain or shine. Note that the electric barbecues automatically turn off after 10 minutes, so you’ll need to press the button periodically. Pirrama Park’s thoughtful design and amenities have been recognized by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Beyond grilling and picnicking, Pirrama Park boasts ample open space for various activities such as tai chi, yoga, fishing, and even a casual game of touch football. A great bike riding trail runs through the park, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy a weekend meal outdoors. While there is plenty of parking available, it is metered and paid, so be sure to purchase a ticket.

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Key Information:

• Facilities: Public toilets, playground, cafes, covered picnic areas
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• Cost: Free (parking fees apply)

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Location Information:

• Location: Pirrama Park, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW
• Getting there: Pirrama Park is easily accessible by public transport. Catch a bus from the city that will drop you at or near the park’s entrance. The park is located at the end of Harris Street.

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Cabarita Park: Riverside Fun for the Whole Family

Located in a gorgeous waterside setting, Cabarita Park is a fantastic option for a warm weather BBQ. This park boasts an excellent combination of amenities, including a fantastic shaded playground, a toddler-friendly swimming pool, a convenient kiosk, a swimmable river beach, and, of course, excellent BBQ facilities. Cabarita Park truly stands out as one of the best public BBQ spots in the Sydney Harbour region.

The BBQ facility features undercover seating, making it an ideal picnic location even if a little rain decides to make an appearance. Within the park, you’ll find two playgrounds: a smaller, older, fenced area with natural shade and a larger, newer one situated behind the public toilets near the park entrances.

Cabarita Park offers five metered car parking areas. The first is located just after entering the park near the playground. The second is closer to the main picnic and BBQ area and the swimming centre (take a left at the roundabout). Alternatively, you can go straight at the roundabout for street parking or parking near the marina.

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Key Information:

• Facilities: Public toilets, swimming centre, playground, grassed areas, scooters for kids
• Opening hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Cost: Free (parking fees apply)

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Location Information:

• Location: Cabarita Park, Cabarita Rd, Cabarita, NSW
• Getting there: Cabarita Park is well-serviced by public transport, including buses and ferries via the Cabarita Wharf.

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So, pack your esky, grab your mates, and get ready to fire up the grill at one of these fantastic Sydney Harbour BBQ spots! With stunning scenery and great facilities, you’re guaranteed a memorable Aussie outdoor experience. Remember to check parking fees and public transport options before you go, and most importantly, have a cracking BBQ!

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