2021 Guide To The 14 Best Picnic Spots Around Australia
Whether you’re looking for somewhere romantic, adventurous, secluded or a picnic area with a view, here’s your guide to the 14 best picnic spots around Australia.
When the weekend hits, 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 willow baskets and fleece mats, design your Instagrammable charcuterie or antipasto board, gather your picnic date and head to one of one of Australia’s 14 best picnic spots this weekend.
The Best Picnic Spots in New South Wales
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.
Photographed by Logan Brown. Image via Shutterstock.
Bradfield Park
Follow your visit to the Kirribilli Markets with an eat-out at Bradfield Park, located just a few minutes-walk away. Situated beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge’s north end, the grassland offers prime views of the bridge, alongside the equally-iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour.
The Best Picnic Spots in the Australian Capital Territory
Photographed by Jonathan Steinbeck. Image via Shutterstock.
Gibraltar Falls
Forty-five minutes south-west out of Canberra’s CBD you will find Australian Capital Territory’s hidden oasis, Gibraltar Falls. Featuring a plunging waterfall that pools into a magical stream, Gibraltar Falls also features 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.
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.
The Best Picnic Spots in Victoria
Photographed by Marcella Miriello. Image via Shutterstock.
Squeaky Beach
Squeaky Beach is nothing short of stunning. Its large expanse of white sand, turquoise ocean, granite boulders and surrounding terrain, all work to create a picturesque dreamscape that’ll keep you picnicking from day to night.
Photographed by Nils Versemann. Image via Shutterstock
Abbotsford Convent
The National Heritage listed precinct is rich with history, architectural sites, eateries and beautiful vistas. In particular, the Heritage Gardens located before the Convent Building is the perfect place to warm yourself with the sunshine and abundance of greenery.
The Best Picnic Spots in Tasmania
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, a on- and off-leash area for dogs. Grab your picnic blankets, snacks and your weekend is complete!
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 in 2021. 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 picnic spot near Hobart that is worth visiting in 2021.
The Best Picnic Spots in South Australia
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.
Photographed by amophoto_au. Image via Shutterstock
Glenelg Beach
Glenelg Beach — the place where white sand meets clear waters and breathtaking sunsets. And if you’d like to buy picnic food upon arrival, there are also numerous eateries nearby, ranging from Mexican to Asian, seafood to pizza.
The Best Picnic Spots in Western Australia
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.
Photographed by David Steele. Image via Shutterstock.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park will welcome you to parklands, a botanic garden of over 3000 flora species, and picturesque views of Perth’s skyline and the Swan River. Bringing both natural and metropolitan scenes in one, it’s an unmatched gem of a location you’ll have more picnics for.
The Best Picnic Spots in Queensland
Photographed by Benlukerussell. Image via Shutterstock.
New Farm Park
Brisbane, why stock up on fresh produce from the Farmers Markets and then enjoy them straight away at the nearby New Farm Park. The 15-hectare picnic area combines a vast open space of both undercover picnic areas and sunny spots, with a promenade fronting the Brisbane River.
Photographed by Pawel Papis. Image via Shutterstock.
Burleigh Heads Beach
The Gold Coast 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.
Looking for more picnic ideas? Dive deeper into your city with our guides to the best picnic spots with views of the Melbourne skyline or around Brisbane. If you’re not sure exactly what to take with you, check out our top 10 essentials for every picnic.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
