The Best Parks For a Picnic in Brisbane

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Author
15 minutes Mar 4th, 2022
rows of trees along the entrance of the park

If there is one thing that the whole of Australia understands about Brisbane, it’s the great weather. Blue skies and perfect temperatures are abundant, making it the perfect spot for a good ol’ picnic.

Luckily, plenty of Brisbane parks are made for perfect picnicking, but how do you find the best spot to lay your blanket? You read on for our complete list of the best picnic parks in Brisbane. Pack the snacks, something comfortable to lie on, a good book and some sporting equipment for the kids and enjoy some time in the sun with these fantastic Brisbane parks.

The Essentials You Need For a Great Picnic

an array of fruits and cheese sliced up and placed on a chopping board

Picnic season is basically year-round in Brisbane, and whether you are heading to the beach, the right equipment is essential. So, what do you need?

This is the ultimate list for a successful and stylish picnic that is both relaxing and fun. Always remember, your rubbish goes in the bin or comes home with you!

Food & Drinks:

A decent amount of food and drink is vital as what is a picnic without snacks!? Opt for things that are easy to prepare and share.

Picnic Basket:

The process of packing a picnic basket means the picnic is legit. Make sure you have a decent-sized basket. If you need to do some walking to get to your picnic spot, a picnic backpack may be the go instead. A good picnic blanket will make everything more comfortable, and you may want to add a small tarp into the mix in seasons where the ground is damp.

Portable Picnic Table:

Take the comfort to a whole new level with a picnic table that will also make food prep and serving much easier. From an aesthetic point of view, your picnic will look a touch more stylish with added layers of height, also keeping your food away from creepy crawlies.

Plates, Glasses, & Utensils:

Opt for non-disposable plates, cups, utensils, and cloth napkins to avoid extra and unnecessary waste. A wooden cutting board that can double as a serving platter can also be useful – and don’t forget a bottle opener!

Esky & Ice:

Warm drinks and salads are a party killer. Make sure you have an esky with plenty of ice to keep everything cool throughout the day.

Sun protection:

The glorious Brisbane sunshine can be harsh. So slip, slop, and slap with sunscreen, a hat, or a beach umbrella.

Activities:

Be it a football, frisbee or the bocce set, bring something that can keep the kids (and adults) busy that makes use of the wonderful space a picnic affords.

With so many places to picnic in Brisbane, how do you choose the best ones? We’ve got the full list here, and they are spread all around the state. So, no matter where you are or where you feel like going, we’ve got you covered!

City Botanic Gardens

a landscape of the botanical gardens in brisbane

Since 1855, the City Botanical Gardens in Brisbane CBD has been a popular picnic and meeting place. It is one of the main picnic spots Brisbane has to offer, with loads of walkways and open spaces. There is nothing better than lazing in the sun amongst the fig and palm trees, as a place of respite to reconnect with nature in the CBD.

Address: City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Victoria Park

a landscape photo of victoria park

Located in Herston Victoria Park is a spot with many planned upgrades happening now and into the future. What was once a golf course is now an open grassed area perfect for a picnic and stroll. The wide-open spaces that were once putting greens and driving ranges are split by areas of trees that provide plenty of shady spots for your day outdoors.

Address: 454 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000

Newstead Park

a landscape photo of a house sitting on newstead park

Love being near the water? The river views of Newstead Park is one of the best water-side picnic areas Brisbane can provide. Settle in under the antique pagoda or lay the rug on the lush green grass surrounded by plenty of trees. With breakout spots like this, who knew city-living could be so nature-filled?

Address: Newstead QLD 4006

Wynnum And Manly Foreshore

the wynumm manly foreshore in brisbane city

Let’s keep the water theme going, but this time, by the sea! There is no need to head to the Gold Coast for a little ocean spray when there are the tree-lined rows of the Manly and Wynnum foreshore. This is beachside picnic vibes at its absolute best.

Address: Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum QLD 4178

Wilson’s Outlook

the view from wilsons outlook reserve in brisbane city

If you are doing it for the ‘gram, head to New Farm for the stunning city views from Wilson’s Outlook. If we had to pick one picnic spot that offered the best views over Brisbane, this would be it. If you head down in the late afternoon, the sunset over the city will be a sight you’ll never forget (especially if you grab the perfect snap).

Address: 231 Lower Bowen Tce, New Farm QLD 4005

Rocks Riverside Park

a picnic setup and view of the river at rocks riverside park

Locals know how beautiful Seventeen Mile Rocks is, especially with picnic spots like Rocks Riverside Park. You’ll enjoy lunch on the river in the secluded pocket that was once an industrial park. There are wide-stretching lawns and even a waterpark and bushwalking tracks. Whether you want a chilled out day lounging about or a little action and adventure, this spot has you covered for both.

Address: 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks QLD 4073

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

a picnic setup at kangaroo point cliffs

This spot is well-known with the fitness buffs who flood the place every weekend to better the previous weekend’s time, and there is a reason. The hike up the cliffs results in amazing views. However, if you don’t feel like the exercise, the bottom of Kangaroo Point Cliff stairs has plenty of grassy spots, shade, and riverside views, making it one of the best parks in Brisbane for picnic activities.

Address: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169

New Farm Park

a landscape photo of a rotunda at new farm park

New Farm Park is best known for its purple jacaranda season sheen that makes it look like you’ve set up a green screen behind your picnic to create the perfect backdrop. This is what wallpapers are made of folks! Bookended by the Powerhouse and a huge dog park, New Farm Park is one of the few spots that is not a dry zone if mum and dad need to make the picnic a little more fun.

Address: 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005

Orleigh Park

a view of brisbane city from orleigh park

Head to the West End next to the Brisbane river for a picnic at Orleigh Park. It comes complete with outdoor gym equipment for the adults and a playground for the kids (or vice versa). Orleigh Park is the spot for an active picnic day. Set the rug and folding chairs up under the Moreton Bay figs, and enjoy your weekend!

Address: 68 Hill End Terrace, West End QLD 4101

Roma Street Parkland

a landscape photo of roma st parkland

Another great CBD location for those who don’t want to stray too far from the path is Roma Street Parkland. In summer, the spot comes complete with live music, and you can dine in at The Garden Room cafe if you don’t feel like packing the pic-a-nic basket.

Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Mt Coot-tha Reserve/Botanical Gardens

 a creek leading into a watering hole in mt cootha reserve brisbane

Last but not least on our list is the gorgeous Mt Coot-tha. With many a great picnic spot, those who feel like a bit of a climb can head up to the lookout spot for some very magical views of the surrounding areas.

You can also opt for the Botanical Gardens, which sit at the base of the mountain filled with Poinciana trees. The Japanese Garden is another stunning area, as is the bushland of Mt Coot-tha Reserve. The options are plentiful here, so it just comes down to the setting you feel like on your picnic day of choice!

Address: 445 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Bardon QLD 4065

Feel like something a little more mentally stimulating than a picnic? Want to splash some cash on unique local wares? Read our article on where to find Brisbane’s best markets. This list tells you where your next weekend shopping trip should be from clothing to fresh produce and food, along with plenty of bargains!

There’s always plenty to do outdoors in Brisbane so you can enjoy the perfect weather the state is known for. We’ve got all of the tips and to-do lists ready and waiting for you to discover!