From botanic gardens to beaches and cascading waterfalls. We’ve found all of the best picnic spots around Australia for you to enjoy!
Planning a romantic day out? Or maybe you’re in search of a secluded spot with a view? Whether you’re going solo, accompanied by a loved one or maybe you’re planning a catchup with friends, we’ve curated a guide to Australia’s top picnic spots for you to enjoy!
When the weekend hits and the sun is out, it’s hard to find anything better to do than head out on a picnic. From family-friendly beach days, to romantic sunset views or a secluded picnic spot to get away from the crowds – eating al fresco really is the perfect way to celebrate any event. Plus, did we mention that it suits any budget!
So, find your rattan picnic baskets and fleece mats, round-up your picnic mates and head to one of the best picnic spots around Australia this weekend!
The Best Picnic Spots in Sydney:
Photographed by Catrin Haze. Image via Shutterstock.
Centennial Park
One of Sydney’s largest natural gems, Centennial Park is home to a plethora of beautiful moments including vistas, gardens, ponds and more. The park stretches across 189 hectares, so despite its immense popularity, there’s always plenty of room for a secret picnic for visitors to admire and enjoy the surrounds. You might even spot a wedding ceremony on the weekend! After one visit you’ll soon realise why it’s one of the best picnic spots in Sydney!
Photographed by Anna Kucera. Image via Destination NSW.
Sydney Park
When Sydney Park first comes to mind, you would think that it’s tucked away in the CBD. However, this urban oasis is actually situated in the inner-city suburb of Alexandria. An expansive park to say the least, Sydney Park has wetlands, rolling hills and an impressive playground for kids. A fantastic destination for a city picnic, after one visit you’ll realise why this park is considered as one of the best parks in Sydney for picnics!
Ready for an adventure? Discover Sydney’s Top 12 Most Scenic Picnic Spots here.
The Best Picnic Spots in Canberra:
Photographed by Jonathan Steinbeck. Image via Shutterstock.
Corin Forest
Another short drive from the CBD will lead you to Corin Forest – one of the best picnic spots in Canberra. Located in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges, Corin Forest is easily described as an alpine adventure year-round. Think picturesque grasslands, snow-capped fields and a secluded mountain valley. Take a ride on the toboggan, join in on a snowball fight or warm up with a hot chocolate at a lodge, the choice is yours.
Photographed by Jonathan Steinbeck. Image via Shutterstock.
Gibraltar Falls
Forty-five minutes south-west out of Canberra’s CBD you will find the state’s very own hidden oasis: Gibraltar Falls. Featuring a plunging waterfall that pools into a magical stream, Gibraltar Falls also has a free-to-use picnic area with gas barbeque amenities for the public to use at the car park entrance to the grounds. Take a short walk along the gravel walking track to the lookouts over the falls and creek or go off the beaten path on the trail to Woods Reserve.
The Best Picnic Spots in 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, nine different picnic spots and, not to forget, the illustrious Australian Grand Prix. With some of the best panoramic views of the Melbourne city skyline, work your way through Albert Park’s nine picnic areas, some of which include the Coot Picnic Area, Cormorant Picnic Area and Swan Picnic Area. After watching the sunset, we recommend heading out for an evening stroll along the lake to catch a glimpse of the city lights reflecting onto the water – so romantic!
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 a group of friends for any occasion. Some critters also call Carlton Gardens home, so be on the look out for a furry friend!
Lay out your picnic blanket and enjoy the serenity of the skyline at the 13 Most Scenic and Best Picnic Spots in Melbourne.
The Best Picnic Spots in Hobart:
Photographed by Karin Wheeler. Image via Shutterstock.
Caldew Park
Otherwise known as ‘The Train Park’, Caldew Park is a little slice of family-friendly fun in the heart of Hobart. This picnic spot in Tasmania is equipped with everything you need for a day out. Think barbeque amenities that are free to use, undercover picnic areas, trees for shade, toilets and, most importantly, slides, tunnels and other play equipment to keep the kids busy. One of the best picnic spots around Australia!
Photographed by Kathryn Leahy. Image supplied via Tourism Tasmania.
Cascade Gardens
A short 10-minute drive out of Hobart’s CBD will lead you to Cascade Gardens that sits just a touch away from the Cascade Brewery. With plenty to do and see, this historical site features tree-lined gardens, picnic tables, toilets, walking tracks, barbeque amenities and, for the fury friend lovers, an on- and off-leash area for dogs. Grab your picnic blankets, snacks and your weekend is sorted!
The Best Picnic Spots in Adelaide:
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 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.
From stunning parks to picturesque beaches, soak in the vibrant atmosphere at the Best Picnic Spots in Adelaide this weekend.
The Best Picnic Spots in Perth:
Photographed by Andy Lim. Image via Shutterstock.
Araluen Botanic Park
Kickstart your weekend right at Araluen Botanic Park, an internationally-acclaimed oasis of greenery and flowers that’ll make your picnic experience memorable. For those who’d like to cook a hearty meal, there are also free barbecues and firewood facilities located throughout the park. After one visit, you’ll soon realise why it’s one of the best picnic spots in Perth!
Located right in the heart of the city, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike for good reason. This iconic park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Perth skyline and the Swan River, making it the perfect spot for a picnic with a view. And, in between snacks, why not explore the treetop walkway and native flora of the botanical gardens at Kings Park in Perth.
Image via Tourism Western Australia.Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Graze and laze your way through this list of the Top 8 Picnic Spots in Perth.
The Best Picnic Spots in Darwin:
Photographed by Felix Baker. Image via Tourism NT.
East Point Reserve
For those craving panoramic views and coastal charm, East Point Reserve is the ultimate picnic destination. Located on the northern outskirts of Darwin, this expansive reserve boasts rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and sweeping vistas of the Arafura Sea. Whether you prefer a secluded spot amidst the mangroves or a grassy area overlooking the ocean, East Point Reserve has something for everyone.
Photographed by Nick Brundle Photography. Image via Shutterstock.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Spread over 42 hectares, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a tranquil oasis tucked away just a stone’s throw from the city. A haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens features winding paths, a diverse array of flora, designated barbecue areas and plenty of lush canopies to laze under. Great to visit even if it is just to walk through, we do recommend you take your time and enjoy everything that the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens has to offer.
The Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane:
Photographed by Pawel Papis. Image via Shutterstock.
Burleigh Heads Beach
Queensland is widely acclaimed for its beautiful beaches; and we think it’s fair to say that Burleigh Heads Beach is one reason why. Its sand and parkland offer prime spots from where you can look across the pristine ocean stretch, with the backdrop of a high-rise city line. Despite being closer to the Gold Coast than Brisbane itself, we still think that Burleigh Heads Beach is still worth the visit for a scenic picnic spot this weekend!
Photographed by Visual Collective. Image via Shutterstock.
New Farm Park
New Farm Park is an iconic Brisbane picnic spot for a good reason. Sprawling over 15 hectares, there’s plenty of room for BBQs and dogs to come along. One of the oldest, grandest and largest parks in Brisbane, New Farm Park welcomes thousands each week looking to make the most of the city’s breathtaking weather. In fact, it’s one of the few parks in Brisbane you can bring your own alcohol, so crack open a cold one and lay out your picnic blanket and basket at New Farm Park for a classic, no-fuss picnic spot.
Pack your picnic basket with food, we’ve found the 11 Best and Most Scenic Picnic Spots in Brisbane.
Before you head off to one of the best picnic spots around Australia, you need to ensure you have all of the necessities. Be sure to pack these 5 Practical Essentials For Your Next Picnic. And take the stress out of your outdoor feast thanks to Australia’s 9 Best Delivered Grazing Boxes.
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