Do you smell that? The scent of eucalyptus mixes with the river’s breeze at Picnic Point. This spot is more than just a pretty view. It holds stories of wartime secrets and community fun.
Picnic Point sits 23 kilometres southwest of Sydney’s central business district. It is a suburb in the City of Canterbury-Bankstown. This residential area hugs the northern bank of the Georges River.
Let’s step back in time. Picnic Point got its name from its location on the Georges River. This area used to be part of East Hills. In 1975, Picnic Point became its own suburb. The boundaries were updated in 1994.
During World War II, Picnic Point National Park played a crucial role. It housed a remote receiving station and an operations bunker for the RAAF. This facility worked with two others. One was in Bankstown at the RAAF headquarters. The other was a transmitting station in Bass Hill. The remote receiving station is now under the Transgrid South Sydney electricity sub station.
Today, Picnic Point is known for its parks and reserves along the river. Georges River National Park is a highlight. As the name suggests, this area is perfect for picnics. Boat ramps offer access to the river for boating and water sports. Waterskiing and wakeboarding are popular.
Fitzpatrick Park is another gem in Picnic Point. It is a great spot for family barbecues. Kids can run around. You can throw a Frisbee. Fishing is also popular here. Try your luck catching luderick, mullet, or mulloway. You can launch a canoe or kayak from the nearby boat ramp.
Yeramba Lagoon is within Picnic Point. It is the largest section of National Park in the Canterbury Bankstown Council area. The lagoon is home to a lot of native plants and animals.
Picnic Point also has Picnic Point High School and Picnic Point Public School. Education is important to the community.
The suburb is part of the Canterbury-Bankstown Council. This council was formed in 2016. It was created by merging the Canterbury and Bankstown local government areas. This brought Picnic Point under a new administrative umbrella.
So, as you enjoy your picnic today remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From wartime secrets to community gatherings, Picnic Point has a rich story. Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty and the history that makes this place special. Perhaps cast a line and enjoy the river.