Top picnic spots in The Hills

Published on 11 February 2021

Summer is the perfect time to pack a picnic and visit one the Hills’ family-friendly parks.

“We have many great local parks and reserves, which are abundant with natural scenery. Most have playground equipment and some feature barbeque and fitness equipment,” Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said.

“Many reserves, such as Heritage Park in Castle Hill and Turkey’s Nest Recreation Park in Beaumont Hills, offer sweeping views and are ideal for catching a stunning sunset.

“These parks are perfect for a family day out or a catch-up with friends, and can also be enjoyed this Valentine’s Day for a romantic picnic,” Mayor Byrne added.

Some top picnic spots to visit include:

Turkey’s Nest Recreation Park, Beaumont Hills

Turkey’s Nest Recreation Park is the perfect place for a picnic, with plenty to see and do, including a pond that is home to many families of ducks, native flora and fauna, and walking paths for a leisurely stroll.

Be sure to stick around for sunset – Turkey’s Nest boasts some of the best views in the Hills.

Features of the park include picnic settings with shelter, a playground, open grassed area, walking paths and a pond viewing platform.

Heritage Park, Castle Hill

With its 20 hectares of rolling landscaped hills and remnant Blue Gum forest, Heritage Park is a great location for picnicking, walking and learning about nature and the Hills’ early colonial history.

A stroll around the park will bring to life the story of the convicts and their fateful quest for freedom, as well as the early settlers of the district. For the perfect sunset view, head to the top of the park where you can see out over The Hills towards the Blue Mountains. 

The park’s features include concrete walking paths, picnic areas, interpretive structures and signage playground and public toilets in a heritage-listed site within a bushland setting.

Balcombe Heights Estate, Baulkham Hills

Head down to the historic Balcombe Heights Estate to enjoy a picnic and learn about the fascinating past of The Hills.

Explore some of the many historic elements throughout the estate, including heritage buildings, the memorial tree avenue of Brush box (planted in memory of soldiers lost in the World War I), sundial, fishpond and memorial garden.

Other features include BBQ and picnic facilities, a playground, walking and cycling paths, an off-leash dog fenced area and a skate park.

For more information on parks and reserves located in The Hills, visit The Hills Shire Council website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Venues/Parks-Recreation.