Picnicking – it’s a favourite pastime for many.
And when it comes to Australia’s best picnic spots, the options are just about endless.
Clearly, we can’t feature them all. But we can highlight some sensational spots that extend well beyond just pretty patches of grass.
Whether for the views, the ambience, or the unique setting, it’s time to throw down a blanket at one of these alluring locations.
This picturesque park is filled with treasure: billabongs, lagoons, and Aboriginal heritage sites backed by towering trees that dominate the sprawling forest. Picnic tables are dotted throughout, mostly reached along rewarding walking trails.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill and BIG4 Swan Hill.
High Country picnic spots are abundant. And Centenary Park is among the top picks, particularly for families. It’s central, on the banks of the Ovens River, and includes an action-packed splash park along with a playground.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Bright, NRMA Bright and BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park.
Pack a picnic or grab fish and chips, claim a patch of lush grass, and enjoy the shimmering water views. Holiday bliss.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island, Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park or NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park.
Launceston has tons of parks and gardens that suit a pleasant picnic. This historical park gets the nod for its central location, ample grass and shade, and feast of facilities for young and old. The highlight is a Japanese Macaque monkey enclosure.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park.
This private garden is absolutely dazzling, filled with more colours than a rainbow. Picnic within tranquil surrounds that are home to thousands of rhododendrons and other plants as well as lakes, waterfalls, and more. And there’s the chance to glimpse wildlife. An underrated gem.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park or BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park.
Claim turf on the banks of the Coal River and admire views that feature one of Australia’s oldest bridges. Iconic Richmond Bridge was built in 1825 and is still in use today.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park.
The Garden City is prime for picnics. Its dazzling parks and gardens are super inviting for an afternoon on the lawn. There’s even a place called Picnic Point: this lookout is nestled within massive parklands and serves up pretty panoramas.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park.
The spectacular reserve dishes up a sea of subtropical rainforest and allows visitors to feast on spectacular views of the iconic Glass House Mountains. Lawned areas are perfect for picnics; a playground adds further appeal for families.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park or Ingenia Holidays Landsborough.
This waterhole is a truly captivating picnic location, home to flowing falls within an amphitheatre-like setting. This is a great place for a swim too, or a hike for the more adventurous and energetic.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Conway Beach Tourist Park Whitsundays, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort or NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park.
Indulge in scenic surrounds within Arakoon National Park. This beach picnic spot is a magnet thanks to its beautiful outlook and features shade-covered tables, barbecues, and a playground. Sensational.
Nearby accommodation: NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort or Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks.
Located in the heart of Goulburn, Belmore Park attracts locals and visitors alike thanks to its versatile appeal. Picnic under a tree and then explore various monuments and sculptures as well as gardens, war memorials, and more.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Governor's Hill Carapark.
This vibrant riverside park is a top pick for combining tasty chews with gorgeous views. Loads of shaded, grassy patches directly overlook the mighty Murray.
Nearby parks: BIG4 Albury Tourist Park or BIG4 Borderland Wodonga Holiday Park.
This is one of the most iconic places to admire a stunning Top End sunset. And from late April to late October, you can fill the picnic basket with goodies from the neighbouring markets that are held each Thursday and Sunday.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park or BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park.
This epic park is well-suited to a scenic picnic. Put down the rug at any number of places and feast on spectacular surrounds as well as whatever you’ve packed into the basket.
Nearby park: BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Katherine.
With its riverside setting, Possum Parade is a relaxing place to while away an afternoon. But it’s at dusk that things get interesting as several friendly possums reliably stop by for a feed, much to the delight of youngsters.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, BIG4 Loxton Riverfront Holiday Park or Berri Riverside Holiday Park.
Enjoy a unique beach picnic experience. This popular stretch of sand is backed by cliffs where anglers once carved caves for storage purposes. Nowadays, the caves create quirky, shade-filled picnic spots.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park.
While called a lake, really this is a massive swimming pool. Ample grassy areas with shade suit picnics and the artificial, chlorinated lake has all-ages appeal thanks to a diving pontoon, lane swimming, an enclosed children’s area, and more. A must-visit when in Naracoorte from late November until late March.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Naracoorte Holiday Park.
Comprising 4000ha of bushland, this popular Swan Valley park is more than just a prized Perth picnic spot. While there are ample picnic grounds, Whiteman Park is also home to playgrounds, designated dog parks, three transport museums, vintage bus and train rides, electric tram rides, a wildlife park, and more. Wow!
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park or Perth Central Caravan Park.
Picnic in picturesque surrounds at this riverside park, filled with tall trees that offer plenty of protection from the sun. There's a playground for young ones and a fantastic heritage trail to soak up past tales and burn energy after an indulgent spread.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River.
This sure is one enticing, idyllic picnic spot. Put the rug down on the banks of this serene freshwater pool, flanked by ghost gum trees and vibrant reddish rocks. This is also a great choice for a refreshing dip year round and is located roughly 40km from Carnarvon.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Plantation Caravan Park in Carnarvon.
Isn’t it time you had a break? Start your adventures here.
