The Best Picnic Spots in Canberra for an Alfresco Feast
Get outdoors and soak up the sun with this edit of the best picnic spots in Canberra.
Whether you're socialising on a budget, looking for a romantic date idea or want to cater and tablescape your own outdoor soiree, few things are better than a picnic.
Thankfully, Canberra is packed with stunning locations to throw down a rug and tuck into a delicious fare. We've put together a list of the most charming parks and the best picnic spots Canberra has to offer. So, pack up your basket, blanket, and bestie and enjoy the great outdoors this weekend.
Commonwealth Park, Lake Burley Griffin
The manicured parklands of Commonwealth Park run from the centre of the city to the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and provide countless spots for a picnic with friends. Choose from open grass areas, spots by a pond, amongst artwork and sculptures, or under the shade of the many trees.
If you plan your picnic for spring, you're in luck with the Floriade Flower Festival taking over the park with countless blooms on display. It's a photo opportunity you won't want to miss!
Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra
Picnic on the Lake
Thanks to Go Boat Canberra, you can skipper your own boat and enjoy a picturesque picnic (and maybe a cheeky glass of wine) from the water on Lake Burley Griffin.
It's completely BYO, so you can bring as many pastries, gourmet cheeses, and cold meats as you can manage and enjoy beautiful views of the city as you cruise at a leisurely pace. No boat license is required, but be sure your skipper doesn't get carried away with the champagne!
Sailing from Queen Elizabeth Terrace
Haig Park
Sitting on the edge of the city, Haig Park has plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the best picnic spots in Canberra for families and friends, the park is serviced by barbecue facilities, public bathrooms, fitness tracks and playgrounds, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon here soaking up the sun.
Be sure to take a stroll through the park, admire the hundreds of pine trees planted over one hundred years ago, and discover beautiful art displays as you go.
Haig Park, Braddon
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Just 45 minutes from the city centre, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the serenity of the outdoors. There is plenty to do with 24 signposted walks, wildlife spotting ops (Eastern Grey Kangaroos are plentiful) and a Nature Discovery Playground for the kids complete with flying fox, slide, climbing rope frame and water pump. With so much space to explore, you can try a new picnic spot on each visit.
National Gallery of Australia
The Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Australia is a fab spot to spread out your picnic rug. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this space is scattered with the Gallery's collection of sculptures. Pack your own picnic or grab some snacks from the gallery cafe and admire the garden at leisure.
Parkes Place, Canberra
Old Parliament House Gardens
Imagine sitting amongst an abundance of roses in one of Australia's most historical political landmarks, which also happens to be gorgeous on a sunny day.
Old Parliament House Gardens is the perfect picnic spot in Canberra to bring your pastries and champagne as you marvel at the beauty around you. There are plenty of spots to sit from open lawns and seating pavilions to gorgeous wisteria arbours. Be sure to take a wander through the gardens while you’re there to really appreciate its charm.
18 King George Terrace, Parkes
National Arboretum Canberra
The National Arboretum Canberra is perched high up above town, with stunning views of Canberra and beyond. Encircled by green forest, the Arboretum has several walks you can do before (or skip straight to!) you indulge in a picnic at the Himalayan Cedar Forest barbecue area.
This little oasis is surrounded by 100-year-old huge cedars, which provide an abundance of shade for sunny days and free electric barbecues.
Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
Red Hill Nature Reserve
If you fancy having a picnic with some of the best views in Canberra, Red Hill Nature Reserve boasts panoramic views of the capital city and even some of Canberra's Nature Park. With its expansive wooded landscape, the reserve provides a serene environment for picnics. Enjoy a leisurely day out with family and friends, and come autumn, revel in the reds and oranges of the trees. Enjoy some bird watching — the eucalypt hollows are favoured nesting spots for white-throated treecreepers and southern boobooks.
Red Hill Drive, Red Hill
Australian National Botanic Gardens
If you’re a long-term Canberra resident, you may have delightful memories of picnicking at the Botanic Gardens with your family. It is the perfect place to enjoy lunch amongst the 4,300 varieties of native flowers, trees and plants.
The soft grass at the Eucalyptus Lawns is one of the best picnic spots in Canberra, with more than 70 different types of eucalypts to shade you. The Burbidge Amphitheatre and Ducrou Pavilion are also great spots, as are the many picnic tables scattered throughout the gardens. Just make sure you don’t leave any scraps behind, as it can be hazardous to the wildlife.
Clunies Ross Street, Acton
Canberra Nara Peace Park
Located within Lennox Gardens on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra Nara Peace Park is a tranquil escape. Enjoy a picnic on the grass or at the picnic tables amongst a Japanese-themed garden, gazebo, stone lanterns and several beautiful cherry blossom trees.
This gorgeous, shady spot has a deep and rich history and you can read about it within the park. You can see Black Mountain, the Brindabella Ranges and the city centre from Canberra Nara Peace Park – it truly is a beautiful place and one of the best picnic spots in Canberra.
Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
Now you've discovered where to find the best picnic spots in Canberra, why not pick up some goodies for your al fresco feast? Stock up on pastries from Canberra's best bakeries, or indulge in delicious sweet treats from Canberra's best cake shops.
