Last updated: July 2026 · 11 parks listed

Best BBQ & Picnic Parks in Upper North Shore (Updated July 2026)

Upper North Shore has parks with electric BBQ facilities, covered picnic shelters, and picnic tables suitable for family gatherings and group events. All parks below have confirmed BBQ or picnic facilities.

What to look for

The best BBQ parks have electric BBQs (free to use), covered shelters for shade, picnic tables, toilets, and parking. The table below compares Upper North Shore's top BBQ parks.

Comparison table — Best BBQ & Picnic Parks in Upper North Shore

Park	Suburb	BBQ	Picnic area	Toilets	Parking	Playground	Details
Brickpit Park	Thornleigh	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	View →
Oakleigh Park	Thornleigh	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	View →
The Esplanade Garden	Thornleigh	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	View →
Booth Park	Beecroft	✓	✓	✓	✓	?	View →
Jack Thompson Reserve	Pennant Hills	✓	✓	✓	?	✓	View →
Caley Reserve	Wahroonga	✓	✓	?	✓	✓	View →
Jacana Reserve	Wahroonga	✓	✓	?	✓	✓	View →
Waitara Jaycee Park	Wahroonga	✓	✓	?	✓	✓	View →
Bingara Park	Beecroft	✓	✓	?	?	✓	View →
Yanung Reserve	Beecroft	✓	✓	?	?	✓	View →
Myall Avenue Park	Wahroonga	✓	✓	?	?	✓	View →

Park profiles — Best BBQ & Picnic Parks in Upper North Shore

Brickpit Park

📍 Thornleigh, NSW 2120

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Brickpit Park in Thornleigh NSW is a comprehensive recreational facility featuring a newly opened fully fenced off-leash dog park, upgraded playgrounds with inclusive equipment, sports courts, picnic areas, and a continuous paved circuit path for walking and cycling.

Off-Leash Dog Area at Brickpit Park

Brickpit Park has a fully fenced off-leash dog park that opened to the public on July 8, 2025. The dog park features double-gated entrances, concrete pathways, waste bins, dog waste bags, and water stations for dogs. Brickpit Park's dog area includes new landscaping with trees, shrubs, and lawn spaces. Dogs must remain on-leash until inside the fenced area and must be re-leashed before leaving. Brickpit Park requires dog owners to keep dogs in sight, ensure voice command control, dispose of waste correctly, and prevent dogs from rushing at or harassing other dogs and people. Dogs are not permitted off-leash in other areas of Brickpit Park.

Playgrounds and Walking Paths at Brickpit Park

Brickpit Park features an upgraded playground with embankment play, a slide, inclusive play equipment, a junior water play area, flying fox, swings, and climbing net. Shade sails and picnic shelters provide comfort during play. Brickpit Park includes accessible pathways throughout the play area. A new continuous paved circuit path was completed in June 2025, providing a scenic loop around the park suitable for walking, running, and cycling. The circuit path offers accessible recreation for visitors of varying fitness levels and mobility needs.

Off-leash dog ownersYoung children and familiesSports enthusiastsWalkers and runnersBasketball and netball playersWeekend picnics and BBQsAccessible recreationMixed-age group outings

🐕 Off-leash area🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Dog Friendly · Family & Kids · Sports & Active · Accessibility · Facilities

Oakleigh Park

📍 Thornleigh, NSW 2120

Full details →

Oakleigh Park in Thornleigh, NSW 2120 is a community recreational space featuring a playground, BBQ facilities, and picnic areas. The park serves as a versatile venue for family gatherings and outdoor activities within the Hornsby Shire local area.

Playground and Family Facilities at Oakleigh Park

Oakleigh Park has a playground designed for families with children. The playground at Oakleigh Park makes it suitable for young children seeking outdoor recreation. Oakleigh Park provides picnic areas where families can gather. Oakleigh Park's combination of playground equipment and picnic spaces makes it an ideal destination for family outings. The park's facilities support casual gatherings and recreational play, with multiple amenities supporting extended visits. Parents visiting Oakleigh Park should note that the playground and picnic areas are available during the park's 24-hour operating schedule.

Sports Facilities and BBQ Areas at Oakleigh Park

Oakleigh Park houses baseball and soccer facilities that serve seasonal sports activities. During summer months, Oakleigh Park operates one senior and one junior baseball diamond with batting cages available for practice. In winter, Oakleigh Park transforms to accommodate soccer, featuring one senior field and multiple small-sided fields. Oakleigh Park has BBQ facilities available for visitors planning group gatherings or community events. The park's sports amenities support both recreational play and organized club activities. Visitors should check if BBQ facility booking is required before planning events at Oakleigh Park.

Family picnicsKids playgroundCommunity BBQ eventsBaseball trainingSoccer gamesGroup gatheringsWeekend recreation

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🏅 Sports

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids · Accessibility · Facilities

The Esplanade Garden

📍 Thornleigh, NSW 2120

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The Esplanade Garden in Thornleigh NSW is a public park offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and BBQ facilities for families and community gatherings. The park features well-maintained open spaces ideal for relaxation and informal recreation across the local area.

Playground and Family Spaces at The Esplanade Garden

The Esplanade Garden has a well-equipped playground featuring various play structures for children. The park provides multiple seating areas where families can supervise children while enjoying the outdoor environment. The Esplanade Garden maintains open spaces throughout the reserve, creating safe zones for children to play and explore. Visitors have praised the modern playground equipment at The Esplanade Garden for its quality and variety. The park's design supports families seeking accessible, engaging recreational spaces within Thornleigh's community.

Picnic and BBQ Facilities at The Esplanade Garden

The Esplanade Garden has dedicated picnic areas where families and groups can enjoy meals outdoors. The park features public BBQ facilities available for visitor use on a first-come, first-served basis. The Esplanade Garden provides multiple seating spots overlooking open spaces, enhancing the picnic experience. Visitors appreciate the combination of picnic tables and BBQ areas at The Esplanade Garden for weekend gatherings and community celebrations. The facilities support both casual family outings and larger social events throughout the year.

Family picnicsKids' playgroundWeekend BBQ gatheringsCommunity eventsAccessible outdoor spacesCasual recreation

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids · Accessibility · Facilities

Booth Park

📍 Beecroft, NSW 2119

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Booth Park is a serene 2.5-acre urban park in Beecroft, NSW, offering well-maintained walking paths, a cricket field, and peaceful green spaces. Dogs must remain leashed, and the park provides essential amenities including restrooms for visitors seeking a quiet recreational escape.

Walking Paths and Recreation

Booth Park has well-maintained paths ideal for walking and running. The paths at Booth Park feature pleasant surroundings with lush greenery and natural scenery. Booth Park offers a peaceful ambiance suitable for leisurely walks and casual strolls. Some areas of paths at Booth Park may include natural surfaces or slight inclines, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Booth Park provides benches and rest areas along the paths. The park's 2.5-acre setting at Booth Park creates a rejuvenating environment for visitors seeking a tranquil escape from urban life.

Dog Policy at Booth Park

Dogs at Booth Park must be kept on a leash at all times. Booth Park is not designated as an off-leash dog area by The Hills Shire Council. Dogs are prohibited from areas within 10 meters of children's playground equipment at Booth Park. Dogs are also restricted from food preparation areas such as public barbecues at Booth Park. The Hills Shire Council maintains specific designated off-leash areas elsewhere, including Balcombe Heights Reserve, Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, and Coolong Reserve. For comprehensive dog policy details, visit The Hills Shire Council's official website.

Peaceful walksFamily picnicsCricket enthusiastsCasual outdoor activitiesLeashed dog walksQuiet relaxationOutdoor dining

🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Sports & Active · Accessibility · Facilities

Jack Thompson Reserve

📍 Pennant Hills, NSW 2120

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Jack Thompson Reserve is a fully fenced playground in Pennant Hills NSW 2120, located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The reserve's standout feature is its children's bike track, complemented by play equipment, large flat grassy areas, and family amenities including BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and toilet facilities.

Playground and Bike Track at Jack Thompson Reserve

Jack Thompson Reserve features a fully fenced playground providing a safe environment for children. Jack Thompson Reserve includes play equipment suitable for various ages, with a dedicated small children's bike track integrated into the design. Jack Thompson Reserve has a large, flat grassy area surrounding the play equipment, offering plenty of space for children to run and explore. Jack Thompson Reserve's fenced design ensures children remain secure during play. The bike track at Jack Thompson Reserve allows young riders to develop skills in a controlled, protected setting. Jack Thompson Reserve is particularly suited for families seeking a safe, enclosed play environment away from traffic hazards.

BBQ and Picnic Facilities at Jack Thompson Reserve

Jack Thompson Reserve has BBQ facilities available for family gatherings and group events. Jack Thompson Reserve provides picnic tables positioned throughout the reserve for dining and socialising. Jack Thompson Reserve offers shaded areas, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor meals protected from sun exposure. Jack Thompson Reserve includes drinking water access for visitor convenience. These amenities at Jack Thompson Reserve make it an ideal location for family picnics, birthday celebrations, and casual weekend gatherings. The combination of BBQs, tables, and shade at Jack Thompson Reserve creates a comfortable environment for extended outdoor stays.

Young children's playFamily picnicsLearning to ride bikesSafe fenced play areaWeekend BBQ gatheringsShaded outdoor spacesGroup celebrationsToddler-friendly activities

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids

Caley Reserve

📍 Wahroonga, NSW 2076

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Caley Reserve is a local park in Wahroonga, NSW 2076, featuring walking tracks through natural bushland, playground facilities, picnic areas, and public BBQ amenities for families and visitors.

Playground and Family Facilities at Caley Reserve

Caley Reserve has a playground featuring various play equipment suitable for children. Caley Reserve includes picnic tables where families can enjoy outdoor meals. Caley Reserve provides public BBQ facilities for group gatherings and cooking. These amenities make Caley Reserve an ideal destination for family outings and social events. The park's combination of play areas and dining facilities creates a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages seeking a relaxing day in a natural setting.

Walking Tracks and Natural Bushland at Caley Reserve

Caley Reserve features several walking tracks that traverse the natural bushland of North Wahroonga. The tracks at Caley Reserve offer opportunities to explore local flora and fauna. Caley Reserve's walking paths vary in difficulty, with some sections featuring steep terrain and uneven ground. These trails provide scenic exploration of the area near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Visitors should review specific trail descriptions and assess personal fitness levels before walking, as some paths may be challenging for those with mobility limitations.

Family picnicsKids playgroundWeekend BBQWalking trailsNature walksLeashed dog walksOutdoor gatheringsLocal bushland exploration

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids · Accessibility

Jacana Reserve

📍 Wahroonga, NSW 2076

Full details →

Jacana Reserve is a public park in Wahroonga, NSW offering open grassy areas, a playground, and picnic facilities. Located at 8 Jacana Close, the reserve provides a welcoming space for families and recreational activities in the local community.

Playground and Recreation Areas

Jacana Reserve has a playground with child-friendly equipment. Jacana Reserve offers open grassy areas suitable for various recreational activities. The playground at Jacana Reserve caters to families looking for outdoor play spaces. Jacana Reserve provides shaded spots throughout the reserve for visitors to rest and supervise children. The open spaces at Jacana Reserve allow families to enjoy picnics and casual outdoor recreation in a community setting.

Picnic and BBQ Facilities

Jacana Reserve has BBQ facilities available for public use. Jacana Reserve includes picnic areas with tables for family gatherings. The picnic areas at Jacana Reserve feature shaded spots to protect visitors from sun exposure. Jacana Reserve offers free BBQ grills for visitors planning outdoor meals. These facilities make Jacana Reserve an ideal destination for family picnics, celebrations, and group outings in Wahroonga.

Family picnicsKids playgroundWeekend BBQCasual recreationCommunity gatheringsOutdoor family time

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids · Accessibility

Waitara Jaycee Park

📍 Wahroonga, NSW 2076

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Waitara Jaycee Park is a community park in Wahroonga, NSW, featuring a playground with swings and slides, BBQ facilities, and picnic areas. The park serves as a safe, family-friendly gathering space ideal for outdoor recreation and local community events.

Playground and Play Equipment at Waitara Jaycee Park

Waitara Jaycee Park features a playground equipped with swings, slides, and other basic play equipment designed for children. The playground is suitable for young children and offers a safe environment for supervised play. Waitara Jaycee Park's play facilities make it an accessible option for families seeking simple, traditional recreational equipment. The park provides a fenced play area to ensure child safety during visits. Waitara Jaycee Park is located approximately 550 meters from Waitara train station, making it convenient for families using public transport to access the playground facilities.

Picnic and BBQ Facilities at Waitara Jaycee Park

Waitara Jaycee Park has BBQ facilities available for visitor use, making it ideal for family gatherings and outdoor meals. Waitara Jaycee Park provides picnic areas where visitors can set up tables and enjoy food in a community setting. The park offers a convenient setup for hosting informal picnics or small group barbecues. Waitara Jaycee Park's BBQ and picnic amenities are designed to accommodate families and groups seeking outdoor dining options. These facilities make Waitara Jaycee Park a practical choice for weekend gatherings and casual outdoor entertaining in the Wahroonga area.

Young childrenFamily picnicsCasual BBQsCommunity gatheringsWeekend outingsSmall groups

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🅿️ Parking

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids

Bingara Park

📍 Beecroft, NSW 2119

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Bingara Park is a family-friendly reserve on Bingara Road in Beecroft, NSW 2119, featuring an adventure-themed playground designed for younger children, shaded by large mature trees, with picnic areas and BBQ facilities for community gatherings.

Playground and Family Activities at Bingara Park

Bingara Park has an adventure-themed playground specifically designed for younger children. Bingara Park features large, mature trees that provide cool, natural shade throughout the day, creating an inviting atmosphere for play and relaxation. Bingara Park is ideal for families seeking a safe, shaded environment for children to explore and enjoy outdoor activities. The playground at Bingara Park offers a family-friendly setting that encourages active play in a secure setting.

Picnic and BBQ Facilities at Bingara Park

Bingara Park has picnic areas and BBQ facilities available for visitors. Bingara Park provides park benches for comfortable seating during meals and gatherings. Bingara Park includes water fountains to keep visitors hydrated during their visit. Bingara Park is a popular destination for community gatherings, family picnics, and social events. The combination of picnic and BBQ amenities at Bingara Park makes it suitable for group outings and celebrations.

Young childrenFamily picnicsBBQ gatheringsShaded play areasWeekend outingsCommunity groups

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids

#10

Yanung Reserve

📍 Beecroft, NSW 2119

Full details →

Yanung Reserve is a bushland reserve in Beecroft managed by Ku-ring-gai Council, featuring walking tracks through native flora and fauna. The reserve offers a serene location for walks, picnics, and nature experiences with playground facilities and BBQ amenities for family visits.

Walking Trails at Yanung Reserve

Yanung Reserve has walking tracks that provide access through bushland environments. The trails at Yanung Reserve wind through native flora and fauna, offering a serene walking experience. Yanung Reserve's trails vary in difficulty, with most paths suitable for casual walkers and families. The walking tracks at Yanung Reserve can be accessed from several points via local streets. Visitors to Yanung Reserve should bring sufficient water and prepare for natural walking conditions. Yanung Reserve trails offer opportunities to experience local nature in a peaceful setting.

Playground and Picnic Facilities at Yanung Reserve

Yanung Reserve features a playground with various equipment for children. The playground at Yanung Reserve makes the reserve suitable for family outings. Yanung Reserve has picnic areas with tables and grassy spaces available. Yanung Reserve includes public BBQ facilities for cooking meals. The picnic and BBQ amenities at Yanung Reserve allow visitors to combine outdoor recreation with dining. Yanung Reserve's facilities support day trips and casual gatherings in a natural bushland setting.

Nature walksFamily picnicsChildren's playtimeBBQ gatheringsBushland explorationCasual visitors

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚶 Paths

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids

#11

Myall Avenue Park

📍 Wahroonga, NSW 2076

Full details →

Myall Avenue Park is a community green space located at 7A Myall Avenue in Wahroonga, NSW, managed by Ku-ring-gai Council. The park offers playground facilities, picnic areas, and BBQ amenities, making it a popular destination for families seeking outdoor recreation and gatherings.

Playground and Family Facilities

Myall Avenue Park has play equipment designed for children's recreation. The park features a playground suitable for families visiting with young children. Myall Avenue Park provides shaded areas where families can gather and supervise play. The playground at Myall Avenue Park offers a safe outdoor space for recreational activity. Parents appreciate the park's facilities for children's entertainment and family bonding during visits to Wahroonga.

BBQ and Picnic Areas

Myall Avenue Park has BBQ facilities available for public use during gatherings. The park provides picnic areas where visitors can enjoy meals and outdoor meals. Myall Avenue Park offers shaded spaces ideal for family picnics and social events. The picnic amenities at Myall Avenue Park make it suitable for birthday parties and community celebrations. Visitors can plan outdoor gatherings at Myall Avenue Park with access to cooking and dining facilities.

Family picnicsChildren's playBBQ gatheringsLocal residentsWeekend outingsCasual recreation

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ

Park Profile

Based on confirmed facilities data

Scores highest for: Family & Kids

Frequently asked questions

Which Upper North Shore parks have free electric BBQs?

Most council parks in Upper North Shore with confirmed BBQ facilities have free-to-use electric BBQs. Check individual park listings for electric vs charcoal BBQ confirmation.

Which Upper North Shore parks have covered picnic shelters?

Parks with confirmed picnic facilities often include covered shelters. Check individual listings for shelter confirmation as coverage varies by park.

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