Where to Picnic with a View in Pacific Palms
There’s something about unpacking a picnic under the sun, listening to the sound of waves, and taking in those endless coastal views that just hits holiday mode instantly. Whether you’re escaping the city for a long weekend or spending a week by the coast, Pacific Palms is packed with postcard-perfect picnic spots — from grassy headlands and lakeside lookouts to hidden beaches with plenty of space for the kids to run free.
Here’s our round-up of the best places to throw down a picnic rug, unpack the esky, and soak in the beauty of this coastal gem.
🌊 1. Boomerang Beach Headland – Ocean Views and Sea Breezes
For a picnic with a panoramic ocean view, you can’t go past Boomerang Beach. Perched between Blueys and Boomerang Beach, the grassy area at the Northern end offers front-row seats to the surf. Watch the waves roll in, spot the occasional dolphin, and breathe in that fresh sea air. Picnic tables are available.
🐚 2. Elizabeth Beach – Perfect for Families
Loved by locals and visitors alike, Elizabeth Beach (or ‘Lizzy’ to those in the know) is a top choice for families. This patrolled beach (during summer months) has calm surf, grassy picnic areas, shaded tables, and easy access to parking.
There’s plenty of space for beach cricket or soccer, and the nearby Drift Cafe is handy for takeaway lunch or a sweet treat – the Baja Fish Taco’s are a must! Stay for the afternoon, or settle in as the sun sets over the surrounding hills for a picture-perfect golden hour picnic.
🌅 3. Wallis Lake Foreshore at The Recky – Sunset Perfection
For one of the most stunning sunset picnic spots in the area, make your way to Wallis Lake Foreshore near The Recky (Pacific Palms Recreation Club). The wide grassy reserve sits right on the water, with views stretching across the lake to Booti Booti National Park.
It’s family-friendly with open space for kids to run, and you can even bring the paddleboards or kayaks for a pre-dinner adventure. If you’re not in the mood to pack your own food, The Recky offers an excellent bistro menu and cold drinks just metres from your picnic rug — the best of both worlds!
🏖️ 4. Seal Rocks – Wild Beauty and Ocean Breezes
Just a short drive south, Seal Rocks feels like another world — untouched, rugged, and utterly peaceful. Boat Beach is a favourite for its calm water and soft white sand, while Number One Beach is perfect for a more open-ocean feel.
Pack a picnic and find a shady spot beneath the pandanus palms, or walk up to the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse for a panoramic view that will make you feel on top of the world. Don’t forget your camera — this is one of the most photographed views on the NSW coast.
If you’re heading there from Pacific Palms, swing by Kembali Café at Blueys Beach on the way for fresh wraps, smoothies, or a coffee to go.
🌳 5. Smiths Lake – Lakeside Relaxation and Space to Play
If calm water and plenty of open space sound like your kind of picnic, Smiths Lake is ideal. The foreshore area near the Frothy Coffee Boatshed has picnic tables, grassy areas, and easy lake access for a swim or paddle. Kids can safely splash about while you relax with a book and enjoy the view across the lake.
You can also grab lunch right from the Boatshed — think fresh fish and chips, burgers, and great coffee — and enjoy it picnic-style on the water’s edge.
🐠 6. Blueys Beach – A Fresh and Vibrant Beach Picnic
When the sun’s out and the water’s sparkling, there’s nowhere better for a relaxed, beachside picnic than Blueys Beach. Stretching between two headlands, this much-loved local favourite offers soft golden sand, turquoise waves, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s pure Pacific Palms. Spread your towel or picnic rug right on the sand, unpack a spread of cheese, fresh sandwiches, colourful salads, and easy snacks, and let the soundtrack of rolling waves set the tone for a slow summer afternoon. Pair your picnic feast with a chilled drink, a good book, and a sea breeze — it’s the kind of day that reminds you why you left the city behind.
🧺 Where to Stock Up on Picnic Supplies
- The Good Food Store, Smiths Lake – Local produce, drinks, and all your picnic essentials.
- Forster (25 mins north) – Head into town for Woolworths, Coles, or Aldi, plus gourmet delis, bakeries, and bottle shops for everything from fresh seafood to cheese and wine.
- Blueys Cellars & Deli, Blueys Beach – The one stop shop for fine wines, beers and gourmet food.
✨ Plan Your Stay with Pacific Palms Holidays
Whether you’re chasing ocean views, lakeside serenity, or a family-friendly spot to spread out under the sun, Pacific Palms has a picnic spot with your name on it. Stay close to the action in Blueys or Boomerang Beach, or find a tranquil hideaway near Smiths Lake or Seal Rocks — all just a few hours’ drive from Sydney.
Explore our collection of holiday homes, beach cottages, and lakefront stays — the perfect base for your next coastal escape.
👉 Browse Pacific Palms Holiday Homes and start planning your picnic-with-a-view getaway today.