From stunning parks to picturesque beaches, soak in the vibrant atmosphere at the top picnic spots in Adelaide!
Brimming with charm, culture and natural beauty, Adelaide is home to an array of picnic spots that are perfect for locals wanting to enjoy a slice of nature.
So whether you’re wanting a serene escape for some relaxation, a change of scenery or a new spot to enjoy with family and friends, read on through as we’ve found the best picnic spots in Adelaide for you to enjoy this week. Just be sure to pack your picnic blanket!
Photographed by Svetlana Kuznets. Image via Unsplash.
Bonython Park
Situated along the banks of the River Torrens, Bonython Park offers a picturesque setting for a riverside picnic. With its expansive lawns, shady trees, and recreational facilities, this park has something for everyone. Set up your picnic near the water’s edge, and watch as paddleboats glide by and ducks swim lazily along the river. After lunch, take advantage of the park’s walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and BBQ areas. With its convenient location and tranquil ambiance, Bonython Park is famed as one of the best picnic spots in Adelaide.
Photographed by Mariangela Cruz. Image via Shutterstock.
Botanic Park
Easily confused with its neighbour, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Botanic Park is a tranquil oasis tucked away in the heart of the city. With 34 hectares of lush green lawns, meandering paths and plenty of shady trees to laze under, this free-to-use park provides the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic. After your picnic we recommend taking a stroll through the adjacent Adelaide Botanic Garden so you can admire and explore its meticulously kept collection of diverse plants.
Photographed by amophoto_au. Image via Shutterstock
Glenelg Beach
Glenelg Beach is the place where white sand meets clear waters and breathtaking sunsets. Despite being a haven for swimmers come summertime, year-round it’s actually one of the best picnic spots in Adelaide. Perfect for any type of picnic goer, if you’d like to buy picnic food upon arrival, there are also numerous eateries nearby, ranging from Mexican to Asian, seafood and pizza.
Photographed by Nathan Godwin. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Henley Beach
Wishing for water views? For a picnic by the beach, look no further than Adelaide’s top picnic spot, Henley Beach. Exuding coastal charm, with pristine sandy shores, sparkling blue waters, a vibrant promenade and the 440-metre-long Henley Beach Jetty, this picnic spot is a must visit for dining al fresco. Take a dip after your meal, build sandcastles on the shore or soak up the sun, Henley Beach is a true gem of Adelaide.
Photographed by Chessirecat. Image via Shutterstock.
Himeji Garden
A gift from Adelaide’s sister city, Himeji, this garden encompasses various features that carry symbolic and religious significance to Japan. Despite being walking distance from the CBD, it’s impossibly serene – perfect for picnickers looking for a convenient and peaceful haven from the city bustle. If you’re looking for a romantic picnic spot in Adelaide, Himeji Garden is for you.
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Thirty minutes out of Adelaide’s CBD is one of Adelaide’s most beautiful picnic spots, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Well worth the drive, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is praised for its 100 hectares of enchanting gardens. Packed with plenty of native flora to discover, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is great for those wanting a secluded spot on their next picnic. Roll out a blanket, explore one of the many walking trails and, be in complete awe at the cascading waterfalls and eucalypt forests you’ll spot on your way.
Photographed by Evangelina Silina. Image via Unsplash.
Mount Osmond Reserve
For a picnic with a touch of adventure, head to Mount Osmond Reserve. Perched atop the Adelaide Hills, this scenic reserve offers sweeping views of the city below and the vast expanse of the Adelaide Plains. Choose a spot near the lookout point, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by rugged bushland and native wildlife. After your meal, embark on a bushwalk along the reserve’s network of trails, which wind through dense eucalypt forests and past rocky outcrops. With its unspoiled natural beauty and sense of seclusion, Mount Osmond Reserve is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Kaurna Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
