Somewhere romantic? Or something with a view? Get ready to lay out your picnic blanket as we’ve found all of the best picnic spots!

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 one of the best picnic spots in Australia this weekend!

The Best Picnic Spots in Sydney:

<strong>Centennial Park</strong>
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. One of the best picnic spots in Sydney!

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Grand Drive, Centennial Parklands Sydney, NSW 2021
<strong>Bradfield Park</strong>
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 front-row views of the bridge, alongside the equally iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Bradfield Park is considered as one of the best picnic spots in Australia with a view!

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Alfred St, South Milsons Point, NSW 2061

 The Best Picnic Spots in Canberra:

<strong>Gibraltar Falls</strong>
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.

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Corin Rd, Paddys River, ACT 2620
<strong>Corin Forest</strong>
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.

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1268 Corin Dam Rd, Paddys River, ACT 2620

The Best Picnic Spots in Melbourne:

<strong>Squeaky Beach</strong>
Photographed by Marcella Miriello. Image via Shutterstock.

Squeaky Beach

If you’re looking for one of the best picnic spots in Melbourne, look no further than Squeaky Beach. Despite its name, this picnic spot is far from that and, instead, 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.

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Wilsons Promontory, VIC 3960
<strong>Abbotsford Convent</strong>
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. One of the best picnic spots Victoria has to offer!

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1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067

The Best Picnic Spots in Hobart:

<strong>Cascade Gardens</strong>
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!

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McRobies Rd, South Hobart, TAS 7004
<strong>Caldew Park</strong>
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. Considered as one of the best picnic spots around Australia, Caldew Park is well worth visiting in 2023!

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Cnr Hill St and Warwick St, West Hobart, TAS 7000

The Best Picnic Spots in Adelaide:

<strong>Himeji Garden</strong>
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.

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Cnr South Tce and Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
<strong>Glenelg Beach</strong>
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.

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Cnr Jetty Rd and Colley Tce, Glenelg, SA 5045

The Best Picnic Spots in Perth:

<strong>Araluen Botanic Park</strong>
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!

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362 Croyden Rd, Roleystone, WA 6111
<strong>Kings Park and Botanic Garden</strong>
Photographed by David Steele. Image via Shutterstock.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Kings Park will welcome you to the 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.

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Fraser Ave, Perth, WA 6005

The Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane:

<strong>New Farm Park</strong>
Photographed by Benlukerussell. Image via Shutterstock.

New Farm Park

Brisbane, why not stock up on fresh produce from a nearby farmers market and then enjoy them straight away at the nearby New Farm Park? This 15-hectare picnic area combines a vast open space of both undercover picnic areas and sunny spots, with a promenade fronting the Brisbane River.

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1042 Brunswick St, New Farm, QLD 4005
<strong>Burleigh Heads Beach</strong>
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.

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Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220

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 10 Best Delivered Grazing Boxes.

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.

This article was first published on August 13 2018. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on April 20 2023.
Feature image: Photographed by Anna Guerrero. Image via Pexels.