Sydney is amongst the worlds most celebrated harbour cities, and we think one of the best ways to take advantage of its beauty is via a good old-fashioned picnic. You might have thought that a picnic takes a lot of planning too… well it used to, but not anymore. The only thing you need to do is pick your favourite park or foreshore, turn up and let Buffet by Bonnie do the rest!
Pop up picnics are Bonnie’s forte and wow does this little lady know how to put on a spread! We chose the small reserve at Little Manly Point for our picnic. The lush green parkland is elevated above a small cove of peaceful harbour and it’s perfect. This stunning enclave got our vote because it’s protected and private. As predicted, we had this special grassy knoll all to ourselves and FYI if you have little ones there’s even a play area to keep them entertained.
Like two excited schoolgirls we head toward Manly in the Arteon. It’s the perfect autumn day, crystal blue sky and a glorious 24 degrees, confirming Sydney is putting on her best show for us.
We arrive to the warm sun glistening off the bay, boats gently drifting in the subtle breeze, and ahead on the grass a magical setting of soft rugs and fluffy cushions.
Bonnie casually strolls towards us grinning, her dark glossy ponytail swinging behind her.
She places down the platter and it’s incredible, a true work of art that’s almost too good to eat. Our eyes are drawn to an avalanche of green olives and wedges of different cheeses peak out from underneath a blanket of colourful fruits. A selection of cold cuts skirt the circumference along with baby bocconcini and cherry tomatoes. We wonder how Bonnie mother of toddler twin boys has the time to run her successful business. Admiring the careful curation of vibrant berries that spill from split coconut husks we realise that with this level of detail she obviously must love her job.
Diving into the dips we notice there’s a selection of different crackers too. One is a thick crumbly biscuit, like a savoury shortbread infused with cheese. The creamy eggplant dip is smoky and rich and the beetroot dip is fresh and light. Indulging like this you can’t help but think of grand medieval feasts where kings once gathered before tables of overflowing fruits, where red wine was drunk from golden goblets.
Today we toast with a glass of Moët Sparkling Rose, its dashing pink effervescence is the perfect marriage with the blue cheese and sweet figs from Bonnie’s platter. Looking out to the harbour with the sun slowly sinking behind the trees we take in the beautiful stillness and with full bellies we realise we are indeed living the very best life.
BEST PICNIC SPOTS IN SYDNEY
East and CBD
McKell Park, Darling Point
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney CBD
Nielsen Park, Vaucluse
Bronte Park, Bronte
Centennial Park, Centennial Park
Rushcutters Bay Park , Rushcutters Bay
Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse
North
Sydney Harbour National Park, North Head Manly
Rosherville Reserve, Mosman
Davidson Park, Forestville
Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
Clifton Gardens, Mosman
Cremone Point Reserve, Cremorne
Inner West
Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove
Leichhardt Park, Lilyfield
South
Lady Robinson Beach, Sans Souci
Moore Reserve, Hurstville Grove
Carss Bush Park, Carss Park
The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Angela
Outfits guides for a picnic like this has to be Boho. It’s close to my personal style and I feel most comfortable in a loose silhouette. My look is relaxed but still feminine and romantic.
MARGARITA
I love to channel country bumpkin vibes when it is time to throw a picnic. Maybe it is due to me being British or maybe it is to do with not loving baking in the sun but for me a cool breeze is a must when enjoying this lovely tradition. Rugged up, cosy and feminine wins for me every time. Saying that however, when I say cool I mean a nice mild 20 degrees. On this occasion I wore my beloved Zimmermann dress. This iconic Aussie brand is a favourite when it comes to exquisite textures and fine detail. I belted the dress with my first Hermes belt and finessed the look with some vintage cowboy boots.
