Looking for a romantic alfresco dinner with a view? Or for a secluded spot along the beach? Switch up your outdoor soirees with a visit to the best picnic spots in Melbourne.
Perfect for families, couples, friends and everyone in between – throw a rug down at these stunning spots around Melbourne!
Image via Visit Victoria.
Albert Park Lake
This park is iconic for a reason. Albert Park is home to a plethora of walking and cycling trails, picnic spots and the illustrious Australian Grand Prix. With some of the best panoramic views of Melbourne city, we recommend exploring Albert Park’s nine picnic areas. And after watching the sunset, head out for an evening stroll along the lake to see the city lights reflecting onto the water – so romantic!
Image via Visit Victoria.
Birrarung Marr
If you haven’t walked along the banks of Birrarung Marr, are you even a true Melburnian? For some of us, this riverside location brings back happy memories of going to Moomba Festival as a child. Located along the Yarra River near Federation Square, this is one of the best picnic spots in Melbourne for families. From Birrarung Marr you get an up-close view of both the Melbourne skyline and iconic Arts Centre Melbourne spire. And, when the sun goes down, Birrarung Marr is perfect for a romantic evening stroll along the Yarra River.
Photographed by George Lakos. Image via Unsplash.
Burke’s Lookout
After checking out the views from SkyHigh, head on over to Burke’s Lookout for equally breathtaking views. Burke’s Lookout is a well-kept secret among city-dwellers, and a favourite spot among the locals. This lookout offers sweeping views of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the You-Yangs. To get there is an easy 10-minute walk from the Osprey Road carpark (off Ridge Road). From there, take a left and follow the Kyeema Track until you get to the lookout. You’ll know when you get there – the view speaks for itself. Keep in mind that the car park has limited spaces and fills up quickly.
Image via Visit Victoria.
Carlton Gardens
Right on the outskirts of the CBD lies one of the most beautiful and tranquil picnic spots in Melbourne. The Carlton Gardens, housing the famed Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building, is a marvel of natural beauty. With a massive expanse of ponds, trees, the wide-open paddocks are ideal to pop down a picnic with some friends for any occasion. Some critters also call Carlton Gardens home, so be on the look out for a furry friend!
Image via Visit Victoria.
Gem Pier
In Port Phillip, Gem Pier offers spectacular scenic views of the Melbourne city skyline. Set up along the tranquil banks of Port Phillip at the many picnic spots or barbeque facilities. Gem Pier is also home to the historic HMAS Castlemaine, a WWII veteran warship that is the last of its class. The corvette has since been turned into a permanent floating museum and offers patrons a glimpse into the lives of crew members in wartimes. One of the best picnic spots in Melbourne for families!
Image supplied.
Norris Reserve
A well-kept secret among Kew locals, this is the perfect secluded picnic spot for two – but you might miss it if you’re not careful. This tiny alcove connects Yarra Boulevard with Studley Park Road and includes a single bench that looks out onto the city skyline. This spot boasts impeccable views of Melbourne and makes for a great picnic spot. Norris Reserve is one of those places that you stumble across by accident, then proceed to take everyone you know there.
Photographed by Nils Versemann. Image via Shutterstock.
Point Ormond
Right next to Elwood Beach, a white structure marks the location of Point Ormond. Here you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, as well as the lush greenery and sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay. Renowned as one of the best beach picnic spots in Melbourne, here you can lay out your picnic blanket along the beach, on the grassy lawns or, sit at one of the many picnic tables and make use of the communal barbeque facilities. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, relaxed bike ride or even a barbeque.
Queen Victoria Gardens offers a serene picnic day out with friends and family. Just outside of the CBD and a five-minute walk from Flinders Street Station, this pristine garden provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Surround yourself with lush gardens and beautiful ponds filled with life. And with breathtaking views of the Melbourne city skyline, Queen Victoria Gardens is a great spot for a quick snack for a lunch break or a delightful space to soak in the natural beauty of Melbourne.
Image via Visit Victoria.Queen Victoria Gardens
Image supplied.
Ramsden Street Reserve
On a sunny day you can’t go wrong with Ramsden Street Reserve. To catch impeccable views of the Melbourne city skyline, set up your picnic atop the hill opposite Ramsden Street Oval. There is something perfectly picturesque about this spot. Maybe it’s the combination of people kicking around a footy on the oval, the sounds of cyclists whizzing by, or the many dogs who are running free. Whatever the occasion, we’re sure you’ll find the charming Ramsden Street Reserve to be one of the best picnic grounds in Melbourne thanks to its impressive view.
Image via Visit Victoria.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens has been the crown jewel of Melbourne’s cultural life for over 170 years. Featuring several thousand plants from around the world, you’ll feel transported to a vast tropical forest teeming with life. It’s no wonder the Royal Botanic Gardens has become a respite from the city. Whether you stroll around the many swan-filled ponds or just sit on one of the many shimmering green fields, this is a must visit picnic spot in Melbourne!
Photographed by Sharat.kumar. Image via Shutterstock.
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Situated at the uppermost peaks of the Dandenong Ranges, SkyHigh offers a breathtaking picnic spot in Melbourne. Here you can grab something to eat at the award-winning restaurant and bistro or, for something more casual, set up your picnic on the lawn at one of their many picnic tables or gas barbeque facilities. Their upstairs function room features floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne down below. We recommend going for a walk through the fairytale-esque SkyHigh Gardens on your visit.
Image via Visit Victoria
St Kilda Pier
If you’re looking for a picnic spot south east of Melbourne, St Kilda Pier should be your go-to. On top of being a beloved heritage site, St Kilda Pier is also the perfect spot for a stroll, a relaxed bike ride or, of course, a picnic! Walk along the pier with an ice-cream in hand as you take in the breathtaking views of the Melbourne city skyline and Port Phillip Bat. One of our favourite beach picnic spots in Victoria!
Image supplied.
Yarra Bend Park
Calling all nature lovers in Melbourne! A hidden gem nestled in the suburbs of Melbourne, Yarra Bend Park is perfect to simply explore and unwind. Despite its close proximity to the CBD and scenic view of Melbourne, this idyllic picnic spot feels like it’s a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a carefree stroll through the lush native trees and bushland down to the Yarra Boulevard. Or lay down your picnic blanket on this stunning slice of Melbourne. You can’t go wrong with this beautiful slice of nature near Melbourne!
Explore more secluded and scenic views with our Guide to the Best Picnic Spots around Victoria. Take the stress out of organising your next picnic with Australia’s Best Delivered Grazing Boxes.
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Lay out your picnic blanket and enjoy the serenity at Melbourne’s best picnic spots to visit this weekend!