Backlash at Sydney Harbour commercial picnic operators

North shore locals are jostling for space in their harbourside parks as private picnic companies move in and charge hundreds of dollars for ‘luxury’ Instagram-worthy experiences.

North shore locals are vowing to reclaim their Sydney Harbour beauty spots from the growing number of commercial picnic operators.

There is increased anger at what some have dubbed the commercialisation of public space, with businesses charging hundreds of dollars for picnics on public land.

North Sydney councillor Kathie Brodie said many of the operators set up rugs early in the morning to stake out the best harbourside spots before waiting for their clients at lunchtime.

“You walk through parks and they’re always piled up with rubbish,” she said. “These private curators have big platters of cheese that most of the people don’t eat and it just gets thrown on the ground or the bin.

“We need to reclaim our parks.”

However, there are fears nothing will be done until at least late summer with North Sydney Council at loggerheads over a new policy.

Recent concerns from residents have centred on parks being overrun by pop-up operations that can involve picnic rugs, small teepees and umbrellas set up for guests with some operators also offering add-ons such as private waiters and live music.

A photo of one of the set ups.

A quick search on the internet brings up a variety of operators offering “luxury picnics” at sites along the Lower North Shore.

One listing promises a two-and-a-half hour “luxury picnic with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour’s iconic sights” for $390 each.

Some operators are charging fees up to $1000 for the curated events in parks – despite the council allowing these events free of charge for groups of fewer than 60 people.

Earlier this year the council released plans to roll out a new booking system that included a flat $100 fee for activities such as curated picnics, marriage proposal ceremonies and other celebrations.

A $195 fee would also be introduced for corporate activities where groups range from between 40 to 60 guests.

The arrangements would apply to prime foreshore areas such as Blues Point Reserve, Henry Lawson Reserve and the Kirribilli foreshore with commercial fitness trainers and dog walkers the only activities exempt from the payment system.

A photo of the many picnics occurring on the north shore.

A majority of councillors at a meeting this week voted to defer a decision until after the December 4 election for newly elected councillors to consider.

Councillor Zoe Baker said there were various flaws in the current policy and a decision “shouldn’t be rushed at the last council meeting in caretaker mode.”

“When you say reducing the number of people who can gather in a park without making a booking and paying a $195 fee is down to 40 people, any kindergarten birthday party when you invite the entire class and a couple of parents turn up would be scooped up by this kind of policy,” she said.

“It’s like a sledgehammer trying to crack a walnut, I think it will have really terrible unintended consequences.”

Wedding ceremonies would also be captured in the booking system.

Mayor Jilly Gibson supported a trial of the booking system.

Mayor Jilly Gibson, who along with councillors Kathy Brodie and Alanya Drummond, supported enacting the policy on a trial basis, said delaying a decision could leave parks overrun with commercial events during the peak holiday season.

“It’s a difficult conversation to have, all these big picnics in the park only started during Covid and all of a sudden we’re presented with a situation we’ve never had to deal with before,” she said.

“Because people taking part in these picnics have paid for them, they think they’re in a restaurant and have a sense of ownership and entitlement over public spaces, they feel free to make noise and leave rubbish for someone else to clean up,” she said.

“The booking system isn’t perfect – it will need adjustment – but if we put it off to have endless more discussions and discussions we’re never going to find the perfect solution”.

A photo from above of some of the many picnics and events.

Councillor Kathie Brodie said many picnic operators set up rugs early in the morning to stake out the best harbourside spots.

She called for the region’s parks to be given back to residents.

The council meeting comes after public consultations on the plan showed 49 per cent of residents were in favour of the new $195 fee system, while 78 per cent supporting bookings for corporate promotional activities.

Personal trainer Nino Cvoro, who has used sites including Quibaree Park for classes for the last 15 years, believes North Sydney should follow the lead of other councils including Mosman and introduce a simplified booking system.

“The problem is a lot of people are using and abusing parks – I’m often down there cleaning up parks because of the sheer amount of rubbish left behind,” he said.

“I’m all for everyone sharing open space but you’ve got to be respectful.”

Resident Felicity O’Brien also supported the booking system, saying pop-up picnics were not the only events taking place in local parks.

“Last week we had six weddings and three other events set up in the park by 10.30am. We’ve had gender reveal parties, marry me proposals, and these endless pop up picnics,” she said.

“It’s horrifying on a weekend because they double park, unload their vans on the lawns and then come in and put up tents and furniture.

“It’s commercialisation of public space.”

Public feedback on the plan showed other residents opposed to the booking system believed people should be able to enjoy public areas for free.

“Let people enjoy the parks, and stop being a money hungry council pandering to the whinging community members who have issues with everything,” one submission to the council stated.

The first council meeting after December’s election is due to be held on January 10.