7 Best Picnic Spots in Australia

“A picnic is more than eating a meal, it is a pleasurable state of mind.”
― DeeDee Stovel, Picnic: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus

Nature, family, and a ton of delicious food. Who wouldn’t like it? When the sun is out and the wind is pleasant, one of the best ways to spend your day is to have a picnic. Dining al fresco with your friends or family while basking in the soothing rays of the sun and enjoying the lushness of the scenery around you is bound to pick up your mood and add a spring to your step. Picnics are not only fun but also budget-friendly. Especially, after being cooped up indoors for so long during the pandemic, we all need a few days dedicated to the outdoors.

If you live in Australia, you have a vast selection of places to go it. The world’s largest island and smallest continent boasts a plethora of scenic picnic spots. From green parks and rocky mountains to sandy beaches and historical sites, Australia has it all. To make things easier for you, here I am with a list of some of the best picnic spots in Australia.

Centennial Park

Location: Sydney

Address: Grand Drive, Centennial Parklands, Sydney, NSW 2021

Sydney’s Centennial Park is believed to be the most popular picnic destination in Australia in 2023. With its BBQ spot, playgrounds, walking tracks, ponds, hire bikes, and horse riding arena, 189 hectares park is the go-to place for a family gathering or a rendezvous with friends. Myriad animals like possums, foxes, rabbits, and birds abound in Centennial Park, making it a haven for animal lovers. The park became a part of the Australian National Heritage List on October 3, 2018. During the summer, Centennial Park offers an outdoor cinema experience operated by Moonlight Cinema. Film festivals, food, and beverages, among many other perks, are a staple of Centennial Park.

Gibraltar Falls

Location: Canberra

Address: Corin Rd, Paddys River, ACT 2620  

If you are looking for an idyllic spot in the arms of nature, then Gibraltar Falls is the place for you. Around 50 Km from Canberra’s city center, the cascade waterfall has a drop of 50 m. The magical waterfall pools into Gibraltar Creek creating a picture-perfect snapshot. Several walking trails in the area will give you the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the waterfalls. As a bonus, the picnic area with its gas barbeque amenities at the car parking entrance to the grounds is free for the public to use.

Abbotsford Convent

Location: Melbourne

Address: 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067

Located in Victoria, Melbourne, the Abbotsford Convent was added to Australia’s National Heritage List on August 31, 2017. It is the perfect place for history buffs. The architectural sites, restaurants, and magnificent views provide an incredible experience. The music festivals, food festivals, markets, and open-air cinema make it a cultural hub. The Heritage Gardens near the Convent Building is a great place t soak up some sunshine and enjoy some greenery.

Glenelg Beach

Location: Adelaide

Address: Cnr Jetty Rd and Colley Tce, Glenelg, SA 5045

Glenelg Beach is one of the best picnic spots in Adelaide. It is situated on the shore of Holdfast Bay in Gulf St. Vincent. The pristine white sand, crystal clear water, dazzling sunrises, and mesmerizing sunsets make Glenelg Beach a go-to place for all picnic goers, including tourists and locals. Swimmers love the place. The host of eateries offering multiple cuisines like Mexican and Asian promise to fill your bellies while you enjoy the beach. Also, Glenelg Beach is the site of an annual Epiphany celebration for the Orthodox people. The Greek festival of Theophany is celebrated on Gleaning Beach as well.

Araluen Botanical Park

Location: Perth

Address: 362 Croyden Rd, Roleystone, WA 6111

Araluen Botanical Park is a must-visit place for all plant and flower enthusiasts. Located in the Darling Ranges, 30 Km south of Perth, the park boasts a plethora of exotic plant varieties and native bush. The 150 hectares botanical park offers free barbeques and firewood facilities for all those who prefer cooking their own meals. It also has a gift shop, a café with tearooms, a miniature train, and several walkways. Indeed, it is an oasis for all nature lovers.

Burleigh Heads Beach

Location: Queensland

Address: Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220

The Burleigh Heads Beach is one of the most renowned picnic places in Australia. Located in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, it is one of the best surfing, swimming, and body-boarding beaches in the area. Surfers from beyond Gold Coast haunt the area for its spectacular surf break. Sundays are special as musicians and fire-twirlers gather at the park beside Burleigh SLSC for some mind-blowing jam sessions.

Caldew Park

Location: Hobart

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

Caldew Park is a wonderland for families with children. It is also known as the Train Park as originally there was a traction engine installed at the site. The tricycle track, slides, tunnels, and other amenities for children available in the area are sure to make your children happy. It also has free-to-use barbeque facilities, shady trees, and undercover picnic areas, making it a perfect place for a family get-together. It is also known as the Train Park as originally there was a traction engine installed at the site.

Conclusion

Australia is a vast country with six states and two territories. With its national parks, beaches, coral reefs, deserts, and rainforests, the island nation is a haven for all nature lovers. Naturally, it is quite a daunting task to pick out the perfect picnic spot. I hope this list makes it helps you in selecting your next destination for a scrumptious picnic.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a place, grab a basket, pack your picnic gear, and head out for a pleasant day outside.

Do vote for your favorite picnic spot, and comment and let me which of these places calls to you the most.