About Sydney Picnic Guide

Sydney Picnic Guide team at a harbor picnic

Our Story

Sydney Picnic Guide began in 2015 when three friends—Olivia, James, and Emma—found themselves constantly fielding questions from international visitors and locals alike about Sydney's best outdoor dining spots. What started as an informal Google Map shared among friends quickly evolved into Sydney's first dedicated picnic location service.

After a successful first year operating through social media and word of mouth, we launched our official website in 2017, expanded our team of local experts, and began offering guided picnic experiences alongside our free location resources. By 2019, we had introduced our popular workshops program, teaching picnic food preparation, sustainability practices, and photography skills to enhance the outdoor dining experience.

Today, Sydney Picnic Guide has helped over 50,000 people discover perfect picnic locations across the greater Sydney region. We take pride in our intimate knowledge of Sydney's outdoor spaces and our commitment to promoting responsible enjoyment of these natural treasures.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

Sydney Picnic Guide exists to connect people with Sydney's extraordinary outdoor spaces through memorable picnic experiences. We believe that sharing food in beautiful natural settings creates lasting connections—to the land, to our companions, and to our community.

We aim to make outdoor dining accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or experience level, while promoting practices that preserve these spaces for future generations. Through education, guidance, and practical resources, we help transform simple meals into extraordinary experiences in Sydney's remarkable landscape.

Our Core Values

Local Expertise: We maintain firsthand knowledge of every location we recommend, revisiting spots regularly to ensure our guidance remains current and accurate.
Environmental Stewardship: We advocate for responsible enjoyment of natural spaces and lead by example in sustainable outdoor dining practices.
Inclusivity: We provide options for all mobility levels, dietary preferences, and budget considerations to make picnicking accessible to everyone.
Community Building: We believe food shared outdoors brings people together, creating moments of connection in our increasingly digital world.
Cultural Appreciation: We respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we enjoy and promote understanding of their cultural significance.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team of Sydney natives and outdoor enthusiasts combines diverse expertise to bring you the ultimate picnic experiences

Olivia Bennett

Founder & CEO

With a background in tourism and environmental conservation, Olivia leads our strategic direction and partnerships. Her encyclopedic knowledge of Sydney's hidden gems comes from a lifetime exploring the city's natural spaces. When not scouting new picnic locations, Olivia volunteers with local conservation groups.

James Chen

Culinary Director

A former restaurant chef with training in both classical and contemporary Australian cuisine, James oversees our food workshops and develops our seasonal picnic menus. His specialty is creating impressive yet practical dishes that maintain their quality in outdoor settings. James champions local producers and indigenous ingredients.

Emma Thompson

Lead Guide & Naturalist

With a degree in ecology and certification in wilderness first aid, Emma ensures our experiences are both educational and safe. She coordinates our team of guides and develops our nature appreciation workshops. Emma's knowledge of Sydney's flora and fauna adds depth to every picnic location we recommend.

Daniel Rodriguez

Sustainability Manager

With a master's degree in environmental management, Daniel leads our zero-waste initiatives and sustainable picnicking workshops. He evaluates our operations to minimize ecological impact and develops partnerships with eco-friendly suppliers. Daniel's passion for conservation inspires our commitment to responsible outdoor dining.

Our Achievements

Over the years, Sydney Picnic Guide has grown from a passion project to Sydney's most trusted outdoor dining resource

50,000+ Visitors Guided

Since our founding, we've helped over fifty thousand locals and tourists discover perfect picnic spots throughout Sydney, through our website, guided tours, and workshops.

Tourism Excellence Award

We were honored to receive the 2022 Sydney Tourism Excellence Award in the "Local Experiences" category, recognizing our contribution to sustainable tourism.

5 Tons of Waste Prevented

Through our sustainable picnicking initiatives and workshops, we've helped prevent an estimated 5 tons of single-use plastics and food waste from entering Sydney's ecosystems.

120+ Community Events

We've organized over 120 community picnic events, bringing together diverse groups of Sydneysiders to celebrate seasonal produce and cultural food traditions.

30+ Media Features

Our expertise has been featured in over 30 publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Timeout Sydney, and international travel guides highlighting Australian experiences.

4.8-Star Rated App

Our mobile application has maintained a 4.8-star rating since launch, with over 15,000 downloads and active users contributing location reviews and photos.

What Our Clients Say

"As a newcomer to Sydney, I was overwhelmed by options but unsure where to start. Sydney Picnic Guide's personalized recommendations led me to the most magical afternoon at Nielsen Park—a spot I would never have found on my own. Their food packing tips were invaluable, and everything was exactly as described."

Sarah Mitchell

International Student

"We've lived in Sydney for decades but discovered entirely new spots through Sydney Picnic Guide. Their family-friendly filter helped us find places with the perfect balance of amenities and natural beauty. The sustainability workshop changed how we approach outdoor meals—our kids now insist on zero-waste picnics every weekend!"

David and Jane Wong

Local Family

"Sydney Picnic Guide organized our corporate team-building event for 30 people with incredible attention to detail. From location selection that accommodated varying mobility needs to catering that impressed our international guests, every aspect exceeded expectations. The guided activities fostered connection while showcasing Sydney's beauty."