The best picnic spots around Oz!
Summer is a-coming, as is the perfect opportunity to capitalise on the best picnic locations throughout Australia. To get you thinking about where you’re gonna ditch the table service, we’ve rounded up 18 prime picnic areas around the country, as well as a few sneaky spots (shhhhh) that actually allow bevvies!
Just imagine all your mates, great weather, top-notch banter, a spread of your favourite snacks (insert cheeseboard) and a chilled beverage. Whether it be a weekend catch-up, a special romantic occasion, or the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon in the sun – A PICNIC IS THE ANSWER!
NSW
Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney
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Why retreat to your typical city bar when you can round up the troops and head to Barangaroo Reserve for a boozy arvo?! Get all your picnic equipment ready and lie out in the sun, with second-to-none views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge right before your eyes.
Where to stay: Sydney Harbour YHA (10 minutes’ walk away)
VIC
Treasury Gardens, Melbourne
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Melbourne locals have been picnicking at Treasury Gardens for many years! Throwing off some seriously royal-like vibes the garden has a rich green lawn, an ornamental pond, memorial statues and a range of different walking paths. This dreamy picnic location is a peaceful spot for relaxed work lunches, delicate afternoon teas and catch-ups with friends.
Where to stay: Melbourne Metro YHA (12 minutes’ drive away)
Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful locations. The gardens are a popular tourist attraction, with 19th-century buildings, sculptures and stunning flowers all year round. The carved Fairies Tree and the Scarred Tree (a remnant of Aboriginal culture) are ideal places to roll out the picnic blanket and will away a sunny afternoon. Can't forget to mention, BOOZE IS ALLOWED peeps!
Where to stay: Melbourne Central YHA (17 minutes’ drive away)
Cowes Beach Foreshore, Phillip Island
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If a picnic of fish and chips followed by a long beach swim sounds appealing – this is the location for your next summer picnic! The Cowes Beach Foreshore feels as though it was made for such an occasion. The foreshore and Cowes Beach are popular amongst families, offering a great view of the water and close-by jetty.
Where to stay: Phillip Island YHA (17 minutes’ drive away)
QLD
Picnic Point Lookout, Toowoomba
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I mean, the name ‘Picnic Point’ speaks for itself! The stunning lookout and parkland are the perfect accompaniment of packed lunches and lazy sunset watching afternoons. If the whole ‘pre-packed lunch’ isn’t your thing, use the free BBQ’s and find a quiet patch of grass for birdwatching, quiet contemplation and killer Instagram shots.
Where to stay: Brisbane City YHA (1hr 30 minutes’ drive away)
New Farm Park, Brisbane
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Queensland is well known for its stunning beaches, although, don’t overlook the picnicking potential right in the city. Setup camp at New Farm Park, with a cold one in hand (yes, alcohol is allowed) and some hella good cheese and crackers! New Farm Park has something for everyone, from massive trees and shaded spots, to open grass areas, BBQ’s and views of the Brisbane River.
Where to stay: Brisbane City YHA (15 minutes’ drive away)
SA
Mt Lofty Botanic Garden, Adelaide Hills
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Spanning a massive 97 hectares in the Adelaide Hills, Mt Lofty Botanic Garden is home to walking trails, crazy-bright blooms and a heritage rose garden. Bring your picnic rug along and take a seat under one of the leafy trees.
Botanic Gardens, Adelaide
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I know what you’re thinking… another Adelaide Garden. However, the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide are truly something else, amidst 50 hectares of magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture. Picnic here and you’ll feel like you’re on the set of ‘The Secret Garden’. Did I mention alcohol is allowed?
Where to stay: Adelaide Central YHA (10 minutes’ drive away)
ACT
Commonwealth Park, Canberra
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Commonwealth Park is one of Canberra’s greenest locations! Take your pick of walking trails before tossing down the picnic rug and setting up by a pond or lake. The park has a heap of sculptured gardens to explore, playgrounds for the kids AND hosts Floriade (if you weren’t already sold)!
Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
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Give your next picnic a botanical touch by seeking out the Australian National Botanical Gardens. With a tonne of Australian native plants, the gardens feature LIVE exhibitions, glasshouses and scenic walking tracks. Entry into the gardens is totally FREE, so take a seat at one of the picnic tables or stretch out on the lawn.
WA
Rottnest Island
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You’d struggle to find a picnic spot more gorgeous than Rottnest Island – so, that’s why the entire island makes the list! The island’s untouched shoreline looks like something you’d find on a postcard, with unlimited beaches to swim, little bays to explore, and snorkelling and picnic areas for days.
Where to stay: Fremantle Prison YHA (get a ferry across to Rottnest Island)
Kings Park, Perth
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Kings Park in Perth is one hell of a picnic spot, showing off more than 400 hectares of rich grounds and blooming gardens. During warmer weather the gardens are full of picnickers, parking themselves on the lawn with views of the Swan River, near one of the three playgrounds for kids, or beside the Botanic Garden to admire the seasonal flowers.
Where to stay: Fremantle Prison YHA
TAS
Friendly Beaches, East Coast
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Friendly Beach is just as welcoming as it sounds, located in the Freycinet National Park on Tassie’s East Coast. Bring your picnic snacks and blanket for a beach-side treat, featuring stunning views of the pristine shoreline.
Happy picnicking!
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