The 10 Best Picnic Areas around Brisbane to Enjoy In 2021

Pack your basket with food and visit some of the best picnic areas around Brisbane!
Reclaim the outdoors and gather your closest friends for a picnic. Whether you want to fancy it up with a grazing platter, support a local business with takeaway or simply fill up your basket with some snacks, a picnic is the go-to post isolation activity to catch up with friends, while being able to keep your space.
Note: social distancing rules still apply and to help stop the spread, we encourage you to socialise safely.

Photographed by Marlon Trottmann. Image via Shutterstock.
River Quay Green South Bank
South Bank is arguably the most popular picnic spot in Brisbane; but a little further away from the general hustle lies River Quay Green. Situated along the riverside and boasting a front row view overlooking Brisbane’s skyline, this lush green space gives you the relaxing atmosphere of South Bank without too much competition for space.

Photographed by Lenny K Photography. Image via Flickr.
Captain Burke Park
Kangaroo Point’s best kept secret is nestled right under the Story Bridge at Captain Burke Park. At night, the park is lit up by the towering bridge and fairy lights hanging on the surrounding trees, making it the best place to enjoy a late-night picnic without having to handle a flashlight in one hand.

Photographed by Visual Collective. Image via Shutterstock.
New Farm Park
New Farm Park is an iconic Brisbane spot for a reason. Sprawling over 15 hectares, there’s plenty of room for social distancing, BBQs and dogs to come along. 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.

Image by Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Rocks Riverside Park
If you’ve never ventured down to Brisbane’s south-west suburbs, here’s your excuse to finally do so. Tucked away in Seventeen Mile Rocks is the Rocks Riverside Park. With a picturesque view, free WiFi and a vast green space boasting a community garden, the Rocks Riverside Park is the ultimate spot to relax on your next day out. Why invite the family too?

Image by Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Right in the heart of the CBD lies the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. With various areas to enjoy, you can lay down a blanket anywhere in the bamboo grove, the ornamental pond or the various shady areas on the green. Despite its central location, the City Botanic Gardens are enclosed away from the bustle of the city as a surprisingly peaceful space to sit down and enjoy a picnic.

Image by Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
This wouldn’t be a picnic list without Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. Boasting one of the best views of the city, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs is alive with activity. From rock climbers to fitness enthusiasts and the fellow picnic-goer, this is the spot to be if you’ve been missing the liveliness of the city.

Photographed by Lenny K Photography. Image via Flickr.
J.C. Slaughter Falls
If you’re after a little bit of adventure, hike to your new favourite picnic spot at Mount Cootha’s J.C. Slaughter Falls. From the summit of Mount Cootha, you can take the four-and-a-half-kilometre scenic route to the J.C. Slaughter picnic area that provides wide open green spaces to relax and recover. A few minutes away from the city, Mount Cootha’s J.C. Slaughter Falls is a short getaway from urban life and one of the most peaceful picnic spots in Brisbane.

Photographed by EQRoy. Image via Shutterstock.
Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art or GOMA might be closed right now due to COVID-19 restrictions, but its lawn is still open and free to use. While it’s not a park, it’s definitely a great picnic spot. The lawn extends close to the shoreline of the Brisbane River and provides ample space to stretch your legs and enjoy some snacks. Tucked away in the Cultural Arts Precinct, this is a go-to for a lowkey picnic away from others. For more information on GOMA’s opening, please visit their website.

Photographed by EQRoy. Image via Shutterstock.
Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is an inner-city oasis with 16 hectares of pristine gardens. Whether you want to feast on a cheeseboard on the Celebration Lawn or wander around the Spectacle Garden, this is one of the best places to get some fresh air post-isolation. However, as a major tourist attraction, this spot is no secret so be prepared for a little company. The best part though? Dogs are welcome!

Photographed by Matthew Horgan. Image via Shutterstock
Scarborough Beach
Situated about 40-minutes away from the centre of Brisbane, Redcliffe is the spot for those missing the beach. The picturesque Scarborough Beach, is the perfect place to set up your picnic and with an array of cafes nearby, you can combat the winter chills and grab some coffee and hot chips to help take in the ocean view.
Are you ready to get out and about? Why don’t you become one with nature and wander through one of these secluded walking tracks in Brisbane? Or, if you really need a getaway, check out these perfect day trips that are all 150-kilometres from Brisbane!