What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than an old fashioned picnic. The Camden Haven is picnickers’ heaven and there is a plethora of magnificent spots to enjoy the sun on those beautiful days.

Lake Cathie is picnic ‘central’ with its lagoon and lake. The foreshore parklands have a children’s playground, toilets, covered BBQs and picnic tables.

The foreshore at North Haven for several kilometres offers some great spots with picnic tables and BBQs set along the waters’ edge. At Laurieton you can choose from the foreshore as well as Henry Kendall Reserve and, if you’re looking for a bit of elevation, try the summit of North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park where ther are picnic tables, toilets and BBQs

The Dunbogan Reserve is one of the prettiest picnic spots in the area. It is situated right where Gogleys Creek enters the river and even has a small tidal pool for the kids. At Bonny Hills you can picnic at Rainbow Beach near the surf club where there toilets, picnic tables and BBQs.

In the hinterland there are plenty of picnicking options. Swans Crossing in the Kerewong State Forest offers a great spot with wood fired BBQs, toilets, tables and a refreshing dip in Upsalls Creek. There are several picnic areas in Coorabakh National Park. Starrs Creek Rainforest Area is a great place to experience the beauty of the rainforest. There are toilets and picnic tables provided.

The Bird Tree day use area in Middle Brother National Park has picnic tables but no toilets. Crowdy Bay National Park features some excellent picnic spots. You can picnic with kangaroos at Diamond Head camp ground where there are picnic tables and BBQs. There are more basic, but quieter, spots along Diamond Head Road, namely Blackbutt, Cheese Tree and Geebung picnic areas. At Kendall you can picnic beside the beautiful Camden Haven River. The picnic spot is located just over the bridge on the eastern side. There are picnic tables and toilets.

Grab a picnic hamper from Kendall Cellars and Providore, where they specialize in local produce.  Or if it’s a BBQ you’re having then Wiggly Tail Pork Shop & Butchery has all of your BBQ needs.

Please remember not to feed the wildlife. When you feed native animals you’re giving them the wildlife equivalent of junk food. Instead of eating a wide range of natural foods, they depend on processed seeds, bread and other foods that are not part of their natural diet. This can make them very sick. Animals that expect to be fed by people can become aggressive, harassing people for food when they are hungry. They may also lose their ability to forage for natural foods.