Looking to dine alfresco? Or for a secluded spot? By the beach, somewhere romantic or just a picnic spot with a view, switch up your outdoor soirees with a visit to Melbourne’s best picnic spots that are perfect for visiting year-round.
Perfect for families, couples, friends and everyone in between – throw a rug down at the best scenic picnic spots around Melbourne’s CBD in 2024!
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.
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 northside of the Yarra River next to Federation Square, this is one of the best picnic spots in Melbourne for families. From Birrarung Marr you get an up-close view of the Melbourne skyline with an added highlight being the 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 an equally breathtaking view of the Melbourne skyline. 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 a group of 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
As well as being one of the most used piers in Port Phillip, Gem Pier offers spectacular scenic views of the Melbourne city skyline. Set up shop along the tranquil banks of Port Phillip at one of the many nearby picnic spots or barbeque facilities. For the history buffs, 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 (enter from Yarra Boulevard) and includes a single bench that looks out onto the city skyline. This spot boasts impeccable views of Melbourne and makes for a great picture that is perfectly framed by the native bushland of the area. 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 one of the best picnic spots in Melbourne with views of both the city skyline 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, letting you surround yourself with the lush gardens and beautiful ponds filled with life. With breathtaking views of the iconic Arts Centre Building and 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, with many visiting as a respite from the hectic city. Featuring a diverse selection of several thousand plants from around the world, you’ll feel transported to a vast tropical forest teeming with life. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder the Royal Botanic Gardens has become a favourite for people looking for a picnic destination. 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 Mount Dandenong offers a breathtaking view of Melbourne that is unlike any other. 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
A hidden gem nestled in the suburbs of Melbourne, this idyllic picnic spot is blossoming with handfuls of areas to explore and unwind at. Despite its close proximity to the CBD, Yarra Bend Park feels like it’s a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The scenic view of Melbourne’s skyline is nestled among native trees and bushland of the area, making this spot the perfect location for nature lovers. While you’re here, why not take a carefree stroll down to the Yarra Boulevard? Nearby is the tranquil Bellbird Park or, you can try to sink some balls at the Yarra Bend Public Golf Course 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 of the skyline at Melbourne’s best picnic spots to visit this weekend!