Just imagine all your friends, fantastic weather, great conversation, a spread of your favourite snacks, and a chilled drink. Whether it be a weekend catch-up, a special romantic occasion, or the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon in the sun, a picnic is always the answer!
We’ve rounded up the best picnic spots around Australia.
New South Wales
BARANGAROO RESERVE, SYDNEY
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Why retreat to your typical city bar when you can round up your friends and head to Barangaroo Reserve for the afternoon? Get all your picnic equipment ready and lie out in the sun, with second-to-none views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge right before your eyes.
ANGOURIE BAY, NORTH COAST
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A picture-perfect picnic spot, Angourie Bay is located between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. The picnic area is right across from Angourie Beach and sits inside the beautiful Yaraygir National Park, allowing the perfect combination of beach fun and picnicking goodness. Not to mention, snacks are always conveniently close after your beach swim.
HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS, HUNTER VALLEY
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Hunter Valley Gardens never disappoint – this is wine country, after all! The stunning gardens span more than 25 acres, boasting formal gardens, an Italian Grotto, a waterfall and plenty of picturesque walks and rides. Visitors can bring their own picnics, but in case of emergency, there’s an on-site shopping village for all your extra food cravings.
Victoria
TREASURY GARDENS, MELBOURNE
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Melbourne locals have been picnicking at Treasury Gardens for many years! The garden offers a rich green lawn, an ornamental pond, memorial statues and a range of different walking paths, making it feel very regal indeed. This dreamy picnic location is a peaceful spot for relaxed work lunches, delicate afternoon teas and catch-ups with friends.
FITZROY GARDENS, MELBOURNE
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Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful locations. The gardens are a popular tourist attraction, with 19th-century buildings, sculptures and stunning flowers all year round. The carved Fairies Tree and the Scarred Tree (a remnant of Aboriginal culture) are ideal places to roll out the picnic blanket and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Alcohol is permitted here.
COWES BEACH FORESHORE, PHILLIP ISLAND
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If a picnic of fish and chips followed by a long beach swim sounds appealing, this is the location for your next picnic – the Cowes Beach Foreshore feels as though it was made for such an occasion. The foreshore and Cowes Beach are popular amongst families, offering a great view of the water and nearby jetty.
Queensland
PICNIC POINT LOOKOUT, TOOWOOMBA
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The name ‘Picnic Point’ really speaks for itself! The stunning lookout and parkland are the perfect accompaniment to packed lunches and lazy afternoons watching the sunset. If a pre-packed lunch isn’t your thing, use the free barbecues and find a quiet patch of grass for birdwatching, quiet contemplation and great Instagram shots.
NEW FARM PARK, BRISBANE
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Queensland is well-known for its stunning beaches, but don’t overlook the picnicking potential right in the city. Set up camp at New Farm Park, with a cold drink in hand (alcohol is allowed here) and some cheese and crackers. New Farm Park has something for everyone, from massive trees and shaded spots, to open grass areas, barbecues and views of the Brisbane River.
South Australia
MT LOFTY BOTANIC GARDEN, ADELAIDE HILLS
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Spanning a massive 97 hectares in the Adelaide Hills, Mt Lofty Botanic Garden is home to walking trails, bright blooms and a heritage rose garden. Bring your picnic rug along and take a seat under one of the leafy trees.
BOTANIC GARDENS, ADELAIDE
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The Botanic Gardens in Adelaide are truly something else, amidst 50 hectares of magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture. Picnic here and you’ll feel like you’re on the set of The Secret Garden. Alcohol is allowed here.
Australian Capital Territory
COMMONWEALTH PARK, CANBERRA
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Commonwealth Park is one of Canberra’s greenest locations. Take your pick of walking trails before throwing down your picnic rug and setting up by a pond or lake. The park has lots of sculptured gardens to explore, and it hosts Floriade (if you weren’t already sold)!
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS, CANBERRA
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Give your next picnic a botanical touch by seeking out the Australian National Botanical Gardens. With a huge variety of Australian native plants, the gardens feature live exhibitions, glasshouses and scenic walking tracks. Entry into the gardens is totally free, so take a seat at one of the picnic tables or stretch out on the lawn.
Western Australia
ROTTNEST ISLAND
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You’d struggle to find a picnic spot more gorgeous than Rottnest Island – so, that’s why the entire island makes the list! The island’s untouched shoreline looks like something you’d find on a postcard, with unlimited beaches to swim, little bays to explore, and snorkelling and picnic areas practically everywhere.
KINGS PARK, PERTH
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Kings Park in Perth is a fantastic picnic spot, boasting more than 400 hectares of rich grounds and blooming gardens. During warmer weather, the gardens are full of picnickers, parking themselves on the lawn to enjoy views of the Swan River, or beside the Botanic Garden to admire the seasonal flowers.
Tasmania
FRIENDLY BEACH, EAST COAST
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Friendly Beach is just as welcoming as it sounds, located in the Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. Bring your picnic snacks and blanket for a beach-side treat, featuring stunning views of the pristine shoreline.
EMU VALLEY RHODODENDRON GARDEN, NORTHWEST COAST
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When its namesake florals are blooming, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is something else! It covers hectares of land, with thousands of stunning flowers, lakes, gazebos and picnic areas. Bring a picnic here and to soak up the garden’s beauty.
