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News

Looking for the perfect picnic place? Look no further. Whether it be a hidden coastal gem or a well-loved public barbecue area, there's no shortage of scenic spots in and around the Illawarra to enjoy a packed lunch with a view. Flick through the gallery above for our pick of the best picnic locations. Read more: 23 great eateries to try - new favourites and Wollongong classics

Shellharbour's Bass Point is a beautiful reserve and a lovely spot for a picnic, with plenty of secluded nooks where you can lie back and enjoy the sunshine. None of the swimming areas within Bass Point are patrolled (nearest is Shellharbour Beach). Beware the stong current. The 4km-long stretch of headland is of great environmental and heritage significance so tread lightly and take your rubbish with you. Instagram photo: meisha_mudra

Bass Point also has Bushrangers Bay, a marine aquatic reserve which is a divers' paradise and recognised as one of NSW's best scuba diving and snorkelling locations. Bushrangers is well sheltered but once you leave the mouth and head towards the ocean there is the potential to get into trouble. Instagram photo: medinaijuan 

Maloneys Bay, on the southern side of the Bass Point headland, is another great spot for a picnic but be warned the water is more exposed, and therefore more treacherous. Photo: lukemar1

Visit the Bulli boat sheds and have a swim at neighbouring Sandon Point Beach, which is patrolled in summer. Enjoy your feast while drinking in the views from the grassy headland above. Photo: Gongspotting

Cordeaux Dam at Wilton has lots of space and with 70 tables and 28 barbecues (most electric) can cater for large numbers of people. Instagram photo: milkmaidblues

Cataract Dam at Appin is the oldest of the great dams of the upper Nepean River. It has facilities to cater for hundreds of families including hectares of lawn where kids can kick a ball or throw a frisbee. Instagram photo: jessica_orchidhair

Avon Dam at Bargo also has plenty of room for kids to play cricket and move about. Instagram photo: lovecatsbooks

The Killalea State Recreation Area is one of the most spectacular spots on the South Coast and a perfect place for a picnic. Instagram photo: chefdonzelli Killalea

Coalcliff is a popular fishing spot with a secluded small beach surrounded by rocks and cliffs and is a nice place to explore and have a bite to eat. Instagram photo: toddgriggsphoto

Kanahooka Park at Kanahooka Point is a favourite spot for locals in the know. Also on Lake Illawarra, Reddall Reserve offers a range of activities including walking, cycling and water sports. There's a children's playground to keep the littlies amused. Instagram photo: bechansenfitness

Kids will enjoy the Wollongong Botanic Garden and a visit to the dry-mound garden with its strange drought-resistant plants. Look around and it's easy to imagine you're visiting another planet. There's also a Japanese garden, duck pond and a well-thought out playground. Instagram photo: ptcwong92

The Mount Keira Summit Park at the top of the escarpment is another natural attraction which on a clear day has some of the best views of Wollongong. There are a variety of walks, long and short, with good picnic facilities. Instagram photo: wollongongnsw

You can't go past Stanwell Park in the northern suburbs for a picnic. Stop first and enjoy the stunning views from Bald Hill. The beach below is a firm family favourite, with barbecues, a playground, kiosk and plenty of green open space to kick a ball, fly a kite or just sit back and watch the hang-gliders sail down to land on the beach. ​For swimming, Austinmer Beach has a rock pool and Thirroul a saltwater pool, with both beaches offering playground equipment and gas barbecues. Instagram photo: ichbinrhythm

Belmore Basin, the lighthouses and City Beach foreshore are great for a family outing. The area is made even more visually interesting by Wollongong's fishing fleet moored in the harbour. Photo: stayc_stayc

Head bush for a picnic at Minnamurra Rainforest in the Budderoo National Park. The beautiful walk along raised timber walkways caters for all ages and levels of physical ability and is a fun day out for the entire family. Also in Kiama, Cathedral Rocks, the Blowhole, Bombo headland and Gerroa. Instagram photo: jodiehphoto

Looking for the perfect picnic place? Look no further.

Whether it be a hidden coastal gem or a well-loved public barbecue area, there's no shortage of scenic spots in and around the Illawarra to enjoy a packed lunch with a view.

Flick through the gallery above for our pick of the best picnic locations.

Read more: <a href="https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/6896012/23-great-eateries-to-try-new-favourites-and-wollongong-classics/" target="_blank">23 great eateries to try - new favourites and Wollongong classics</a>

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