By Bed Threads Entertainment 19.09.2022

32 of the Best Picnic Spots All Around Australia

Something for everyone, in every location, for every picnic vibe.

When the weather starts to warm up, our minds turn to one thing (and one thing only): picnics. There’s something about a seasonal shift that makes us long for a meal alfresco.

We pack a bag with bread, cheese, fruit and dips, with one of our Bed Threads Throws doubling as a picnic blanket and a handful of serviettes for good measure, and head for some of our favourite locations around the country.

Here’s where we love to picnic, in every state in Australia.

Sydney

1. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay

Now heritage listed, this beautiful garden nestled underneath the Harbour Bridge was rescued by Wendy Whiteley, the widow of the legendary Australian artist Brett Whiteley, and turned into a verdant sanctuary perfect for picnics. It was once a best-kept secret but has become a must-visit for anyone who loves to eat outside.

2. Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne

Hop on a ferry to Cremorne Point and you’ll be blessed with the discovery of this incredible picnic destination, with one of the best views in Sydney. You’ll be eating opposite a pristine and uninterrupted vista of the Sydney skyline, and if the weather is warm you can nip over to Maccallum Pool for a swim.

3. McKell Park, Darling Point

Often overlooked for its neighbours in Rushcutters Bay and Redleaf, what McKell Park lacks in proximity to the swimming areas and parking spots it more than makes up for in sheer tranquillity. Sure, the views onto the Harbour Bridge – and surrounding mansions in the ritzy suburb of Darling Point – are spectacular, but the lush parkland makes this picnic area feel special all on its own.

4. Wattamolla Picnic Area, Royal National Park

Pack the car and go for a drive to this secluded picnic spot, overlooking a lagoon that looks out to the ocean. This picnic spot takes a bit more effort to reach but it’s well worth it, given the surrounding bushland, the beautiful views and the serenity.

Melbourne

5. Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North

This is a super happening picnic spot in the north of Melbourne and one of our favourites in the city. There’s plenty of space to spread out your picnic blanket and really make a day of it, and there’s also a nearby skate park and bowls club too.

6. St Kilda Pier, St Kilda

Picnic here and you’ll be looking out through boats over the water and onto the Melbourne CBD. It’s a pretty spectacular view for a picnic and is a special spot for anyone looking for a place to settle in for an evening with a meal and a few drinks.

7. Heide Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen

Fancy your picnic with a spot of contemporary sculpture? Heide Museum of Modern Art, only a short drive from the centre of Melbourne, is an incredible spot. You’ll be eating in the incredibly well-preserved gardens and looking over some 30 works by artists including Anish Kapoor, not to mention a whole museum worth of art you can take in after your picnic if you choose.

8. SkyHigh, Dandenong

You’ll need to go for a bit of a drive to get to this picnic spot but trust us, it’s worth it. Once you make it to SkyHigh in the Dandenong Ranges, you’ll be met with one of the most breathtaking views of Melbourne. It’s an incredible site, and what’s more is that SkyHigh also has more areas to explore, including a maze, a forest and gardens.

Brisbane

9. Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Kangaroo Point

This might be one of the most Instagrammed spots in Brisbane, and with good reason. The cliffs at Kangaroo Point are a great space for a picnic, with a view of the city and plenty of space to enjoy yourself.

10. New Farm Park, Brisbane

It’s a classic for a reason. New Farm Park is an incredibly popular picnic spot for its central location, proximity to good food stores and providores, and expansive space. There’s so much room in this park for picnickers to find their own little corner – but the early bird gets the worm or the gazebo that is.

11. Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane

Smack bang in the centre of the city is this green spot, which feels like an oasis in the heart of Brisbane. You can escape here in the middle of the working week for an al fresco lunch, or make a day of it on the weekend.

12. Shorncliffe Pier, Sandgate

About 26 minutes in a car out of the city and you’ll hit Shorncliffe pier, a coastal spot that was made for picnics, with a long pier, ocean breeze and a green grassy knoll to settle in on. Cool off in the water on a hot day or just lay back and enjoy the view.

Adelaide

13. Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Hills

Just a short drive from the centre of Adelaide is Mount Lofty, where you’ll find a gorgeous Botanic Gardens that's perfect for picnicking in. There’s something very special and serene about this place, which is also in close proximity to the nearby Adelaide Hills wineries. Pick up a bottle and head here for a picnic.

14. Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide

We love Adelaide Botanic Garden for its sheer variety of picnic spots. There are close wooded areas that will make you feel like you’re in a forest, big open spaces perfect for when you want space to play games, and spots near natural bushland. There’s something for everyone here.

15. Himeji Garden, Adelaide

The Japanese city of Himeji gifted this traditional garden to Adelaide, their sister city, and it
remains one of the most peaceful spots in the region. You’ll love packing lunch and sitting quietly here in contemplation – it’s ideal for solo picnics with a book.

16. Continental Park, Port Elliot

If you don’t mind driving about an hour outside of Adelaide, Continental Park in Port Elliot is a wonderful place for a picnic. The picnic area overlooks the beach, which makes it the perfect spot for anyone looking to combine a swimming afternoon with their picnic, but it’s also beautiful enough on its own.

Perth

17. Kings Park

Views over the West Australian capital don’t get better than from Kings Park, a perfectly situated spot for a picnic. After you’ve eaten your fill, you can wander around the Botanic Gardens too for a post-picnic walk.

18. Lesmurdie Falls, Perth

A short 20-minute drive out of Perth city and you’ll be at Lesmurdie Falls, a picturesque spot in the hills for a picnic. Pack your bags backpack style and go for a short bushwalk along the waterfall walk to find your perfect spot.

19. Point Walter Reserve, Melville

With plenty of shade and lots of space to spread out, Point Walter Reserve is a great option for picnics with large groups or families wanting to really relax. The views back over the river are stunning and the location can’t be beaten.

20. John Oldham Park

A central spot that is easily reached in the heart of the city, this picnic location in Perth is an old faithful. The grounds are gorgeous and the atmosphere is relaxing and soothing. A great space for a mid-week picnic.

Darwin

21. Mindil Beach

The main attraction at Mindil Beach are the sunsets: a rainbow burst of orange, pink and yellow, the perfect way to bid farewell to the day. Pack your picnic and time your arrival for just before sunset and you’ll be in for a treat.

22. Cullen Bay

When it’s the dry season in Darwin, Cullen Bay is a beautiful spot to lay down a picnic rug and eat outdoors. There’s a designated grassy picnic area that makes for a great destination for alfresco dining and offers views over the water.

23. Nightcliff Foreshore

Locals flock to Nightcliff for the food trucks, the barbecue facilities and the prime picnic-going spots. You can pack your own dinner or you can take your luck with the available food truck offerings, which are always fantastic, and find a spot along the foreshore to watch the sun go down or contemplate the ocean.

24. Berry Springs Nature Park, Northern Territory

A 40-minute drive from Darwin city centre is this pristine nature park, complete with an oasis of a waterhole for swimming. There are picnic areas for bringing your own meal nearby, which means you can combine a dip with your picnic.

Hobart

25. Mount Nelson Signal Station

Make your way up to this lookout spot and you’ll be greeted with views over the entire of Hobart and the River Derwent. The vista is splendid and very romantic at sundown, but there’s also the option to take a 90-minute round trip walk through the surrounding area, too, if you like to walk before you settle in for lunch.

26. Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

A short drive and an even shorter ferry from Hobart is Bruny Island, home of delicious cheese, fantastic local produce and pristine beaches and parkland for picnics. We love Adventure Bay, a rugged coastline spot just made for picnic afternoons.

27. Cascade Gardens

Everything is lush and overgrown and very, very green at this secluded picnic spot in the heart of Hobart. As the name suggests, it’s really close to the Cascade Brewery, if you want to pair your picnic with a beer tasting session.

28. Long Beach Reserve, Sandy Bay

Head just south of Hobart’s centre through Sandy Bay to Long Beach Reserve, a lovely little
coastline for picnicking, with a playground for children too. This is a great spot if you want to head out of the city – if by out of the city, you mean a very short 10-minute drive.

Canberra

29. Commonwealth Park

You’ll feel very patriotic picnicking here at Commonwealth Park, with its view right on Parliament House. The spot is flat and sprawling, which means there’s plenty of space to spread out, and the view is unparalleled in one of our national institutions.

30. Lennox Gardens

Inside this intricately maintained park are both the Canberra Beijing Garden and the Canberra Nara Peace Park, as well as plenty of other stunning parkland for laying down your picnic rug and spending a peaceful afternoon.

31. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

About 45 minutes outside of the city is the Tidbinballa Nature Reserve, a really incredible
national park that is overgrown, secluded and serene. Picnic here and you might spot echidnas, kangaroos, and koalas.

32. Corin Forest, Tidbinbilla

For another option in Tidbinbilla, look no further than Corin Forest. The vibe here is totally
different: fairytale forest, with close-wooded trees and a magical aura. In winter, this spot
becomes a super fun alpine activity area.

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by Juna Xu Entertainment 20.10.2021