Brisbane’s Best Picnic Spots for Any Time of Day
Pack some snacks and head down to one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane for a happy and wholesome catch-up with your pals.
Considering that Brisbane is sunny one day, and perfect the next, any time of year is ideal for a picnic! Brissie is home to so many beautiful settings across the city for a picnic that both fills the belly and the heart with wholesome weekend fun. If you’re trying to scout the best picnic spots in Brisbane for your next social gathering, save yourself the searching and scroll through our shortlist instead. All that’s left to do then is pack up some treats (our go-tos are sandwiches, salads and charcuterie), stroll through the city’s gorgeous parks, find a shady spot and set up for a laidback afternoon.
Whether you have a few drinks with your friends or you’re carting the whole family out for an adventure, we’ve found the perfect picnic spot in Brisbane for you.
New Farm Park
The go-to spot for a Sunday picnic in the park for many Brisbanites is the sprawling New Farm Park. Pick a space amongst the rose bushes or down by the water to catch the cool breeze. If you’ve packed some snags, there are communal barbecues by the water and picnic tables to make preparation a little easier. There’s also a huge playground for the little ones to run amuck in and explore. With a hive of activity (and plenty of cute dog-spotting), New Farm Park makes the perfect place to spend a long afternoon eating, drinking and making memories with your friends and family.
Sitchu Tip: Stop in at New Farm Deli for picnic platter supplies, or pop into Ardo’s for a carafe of rosè from the tap.
New Farm Park, New Farm
Roma Street Parklands
Find yourself a cool and shady spot to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Roma Street Parklands. Whether you opt for a spot near the water fountain (there’s plenty of room to run around and play cricket, toss a footy or play a game of Finska) or tuck yourself away in the leafy quiet lawns behind the Spectacle Garden, you’re bound to find a beautiful picnic spot to while away the afternoon. There’s plenty of parking on-site, and we think Roma Street is a bit of a hidden gem on the picnic scene, as it's usually calm and quiet, with plenty of room to spread out.
City Botanic Gardens
Once upon a time, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens were home to the penal colony’s first farm in 1828. Nowadays, they are one of the only spaces in Queensland with an uninterrupted horticultural history. Wander through the tall, leafy walkways of trees to find the perfect spot to set up your picnic rug. You’ll find a shaded playground for the kids by the water and if you’re lucky, you may stumble across artworks or installations. With its lush green gardens, incredible views and endless walking paths, the City Botanic Gardens are one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane.
City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City
Rafting Ground Reserve
Lush green acres of grass and bushland await you at Rafting Ground Reserve, an absolute oasis tucked away on the west side of Brisbane. Head out to Brookfield and unwind as you enter the wide-open space of the park, with plenty of room to set up for picnics, games or parties. The grounds are well equipped with a car park, amenities block, playgrounds, barbecues and picnic shelters if you’re trying to stay out of the sun. All you need to bring are the drinks, snacks and good times!
2328 Moggill Road, Brookfield
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Searching for the best picnic spot in Brisbane with a view? Possibly the best vantage point to catch a sunset in the river city, Kangaroo Point Cliffs stretch along the water offering a whole host of spaces to enjoy a picnic! Park up on River Terrace for easy access to barbecues and community gardens to add any last-minute flourishes to your picnic snacks. Or head down the stairs to explore further and find a table closer to the water. No matter where you set up your picnic for the day, you’re guaranteed a stunning view of our beautiful city.
29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point
Sherwood Arboretum
A heritage-listed park containing over one thousand species of almost entirely native flora, the Sherwood Arboretum is a beautiful spot to put down a picnic blanket and relax. The Arboretum gets our vote as one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane thanks to its gorgeous gardens, dog-spotting opportunities and handy facilities.
You’ll find a variety of self-guided walking trails to explore, should you need to work up an appetite before you enjoy your snacks. There are plentiful picnic spots under the giant, ancient trees, as well as free barbecues and picnic tables. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available and you can bring your pooch too, as long as they stay on the leash.
57 Dewar Terrace, Sherwood
Picnic Island Green
Named for its purpose, Picnic Island Green is a great place to set up your weekend picnic at South Bank. Although the island is small, it doesn’t lack any features when it comes to the perfect day out with the family. There are play spaces for the kids, and you can spot water dragons and birds amongst the trees. There are plenty of large, leafy trees for shade (or climbing!) and barbecues available for you to whip up lunch. Plus, once you’re finished eating and relaxing, there’s so much to see and do in the area! It makes for the perfect day out in one of the most exciting areas of Brisbane.
The Arbour, South Brisbane
Howard Smith Wharves
The Howard Smith Wharves are the new darling of Brisbane and we don’t see that changing any time soon. Howard Smith Wharves easily scores points for being one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane with its incredible river views, relaxed vibe and ample foodie opportunities.
As well as a bustling food and drinks scene, you can also find the ideal place to park up and enjoy a few frosty bevs. If you forget the bevs, you can buy a six-pack (and some fish and chips!) from Felons to take under the Story Bridge for a ripper Sunday session relaxing by the water (dogs are welcome too!).
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
Daisy Hill Conservation Park
A short drive from Brisbane will take you to one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane to spot some koalas, at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park. This stunning nature reserve has convenient picnic facilities, walking trails and a koala sanctuary (which is free to enter!). Dogs are welcome in the picnic areas and walking trails but must be leashed at all times to protect the wildlife that calls this reserve home. You’ll get to enjoy a serene backdrop of natural sights and sounds on your next picnic at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park.
Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill
JC Slaughter Falls
Despite its foreboding name, the JC Slaughter Falls are one of the prettiest places in Brisbane to spend an afternoon. They’re conveniently equipped with picnic facilities such as barbecues, tables, toilets and car parking, and the falls are easy to access after a short walk. If you plan to work up an appetite first, we recommend hitting the Summit Track for a decent hike! JC Slaughter Falls are easily one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane for gorgeous natural surroundings, relaxing waterfalls and incredible photo opportunities! Pack up a hamper of delicious eats and head up Mount Coot-Tha for your next weekend picnic in Brisbane.
38 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Coot-Tha
Alpaca Picnics at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
Alpaca your picnic rug and take a trip to this picturesque picnic spot at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, where you can sip wine, enjoy a selection of delicious bites or even take an alpaca for a walk. This has got to be the best picnic spot in Brisbane for an entirely unique experience! You can even level up your visit by booking a luxe boho picnic, complete with gorgeous boho teepee styling and furniture with soft pillows and chairs to recline on. The alpaca picnics include O’Reilly’s wines, a grazing board (with options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets) and your very own alpaca friend who’ll join you!
From $189.00
852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra
Planning to visit one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane? Pack your picnic basket with the best sandwiches for a mouthwatering bite. Or if you’re packing a picnic for one, tuck one of these must-read books into your basket to enjoy while you eat your treats!
