Daylight drinking allowed in 18 Sydney parks as ‘thank you’ to fully vaccinated

Fully vaccinated Sydneysiders in three select areas will be able to drink alcohol in parks as a “thank you” for their part in the jab rollout.

The NSW government has relaxed the drinking rules in 18 parks located near the suburbs of Sydney Olympic Park, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour.

Most of the parks previously had drinking bans in place, except a few of the green areas near Sydney Olympic Park.

People who have been double-jabbed and who live within a 5km radius of the parks – or in the same LGA – will be able to have a bottle of wine under an open sky.

“Vaccinated Sydneysiders have embraced the easing of restrictions and are out picnicking in record numbers across our parks and public spaces,” Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said.

“After an incredibly tough winter, people who have followed Covid rules and received both jabs deserve to enjoy a beer or wine responsibly.”

The parks where the drinking rules have been relaxed are:

• Ballarat Park, Darling Island
• Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove
• Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park
• Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
• Bligh & Barney Reserve, The Rocks
• Cadi Park, Pyrmont
• Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park
• Dawes Point Reserve, The Rocks
• First Fleet Park, The Rocks
• Hickson Rd Reserve, The Rocks
• Jill Berry Lawn / ICC Lawn, Darling Harbour
• MCA Lawn, The Rocks
• Metcalfe Park, Darling Island,
• Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park
• Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
• Pyrmont Bay Park
• Waterfront Park, Pyrmont
• Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park

Fully vaccinated picnickers will be able to drink in those parks during daylight hours until October 31.

The reason those specific parks were selected was because they are all managed by Placemaking NSW, a state government-controlled body.

Local councils are generally responsible for setting alcohol rules in parks.

Mr Stokes said that responsible drinking was also allowed in Centennial Parklands, Parramatta Park, Royal Botanic Gardens and Western Sydney Parklands.

“Our rangers told us that picnickers have been following the health advice and safely distancing,” Mr Stokes said.

“We only ask that rules continue to be followed, that everyone drinks responsibly and disposes of all rubbish and enjoys our beautiful public spaces.”

People who have had two vaccine shots are currently allowed to picnic in groups of five.