Image: instagram.com/vintagescenes  

There’s a hint of fresh jasmine in the air as the breeze brushes your hair back. Two of your friends are laughing at a TikTok of their favourite niche personality you’ve never heard of. The rest of the group is sprawled on a picnic rug doing the Good Weekend quiz, stumped on a question about a recent political development (no one has had the stomach to engage with politics since November). You’ve got a crisp spritz in hand with a full platter of food in front of you and Justin Bieber’s ‘Life Is Worth Living’ plays in your head.  

There are few things as blissful as a picnic in one of Sydney’s picturesque parks on a bright summer day. Bringing together your favourite people to spend some quality time will leave you feeling rejuvenated at a time of year that can often be fraught as commitments pile up. But the key to a successful picnic is to minimise clean up and maximise vibes. By picking up takeaway from spots like Fishbowl, Black Star Pastry or Grounds of the City you can have delicious food in a snap, while Muji and Incu will have you sorted for decor.  

Here’s how to create the ultimate summer picnic by visiting The Galeries.  

Sweets from Black Star Pastry** ** 

It would be rude to have a picnic without a sweet treat! Head into Black Star Pastry to secure a Matcha Ceremony and Custard Flan that’ll have everyone feeling like they’re in heaven.  

Salads from Fishbowl 

You need something nutritious to balance out the pastries and cheese that you’ll inevitably spend most of the picnic consuming. So be sure to pick up a couple of salads from Fishbowl to hit your daily vege count without having to think about it.  

Sandwiches from Grounds of the City  

The Deli Focaccia from Grounds of the City is the kind of sandwich that everyone will start fighting over — be sure to order two and then cut them up to avoid devastation.  

Hydration from Season 2 

As the last top before you head to the park, be sure to get yourself some juices to share around. Season2 makes them fresh, and if you’re strategic about it, you could even use them as mixers to create a delicious cocktail later in the afternoon.