Whip out the picnic blanket and pop on your walking shoes to experience the peaceful picnic grounds at Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall.

Brisbane Entertainment Centre Picnic Grounds

Chances are you have attended a concert or sporting event at the popular Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) on Brisbane’s northside, but did you know there are spacious picnic grounds and designated areas for remote controlled cars and boats there too?!

Set on 72 hectares of native bushland, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre has more to offer than just a rock concert or a game of basketball. Tucked away at the back of the centre you will find the spacious picnic grounds, which are free for all to enjoy, seven days a week.

After entering the main gates on Bicentennial Way and following the one-way ring road (Melaleuca Drive) you will find the entrance to the picnic grounds on the left, just after the maintenance area. Here you will find plenty of free, off-street parking, right by the picnic grounds. A toilet block is also located in this area for visitors.

Finding a picnic spot is easy, especially during the week, when the place is practically deserted. Several picnic tables and electric BBQ’s line the edge of the lake close to the car park, or further around (past the model boat launching shelter) you will find additional BBQ’s and picnic tables, all with great views of the lake.

Aside from enjoying a picnic or some quiet time, it is also a great spot to explore, walk, ride and enjoy nature. Listen to the birds which flit between trees, keep an eye out for snakes and lizards, marvel at the pretty flowers and lily pads which float on the lake or just take a walk or ride and see where it leads you.

Areas for Remote Control Vehicles at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

What you also may not know is there are two designated areas on the BEC grounds for remote control vehicles.

Just before you reach the picnic grounds carpark you will see a dirt circuit with jumps and a viewing platform specifically designed for remote control cars. All visitors are free to use this track, though NO petrol remote control vehicles are permitted.

Additionally, remote control boats can be launched on the lake near the picnic area. There is even a shelter available for launching. Model boat groups regularly hold events on the lake at BEC, so if you are lucky you will spot some boats on your next visit.

Additional public toilets are located near the remote control car circuit.

Tips for Visiting Brisbane Entertainment Centre

While this is a lovely spot to enjoy some quiet time and a picnic, there are some important things to consider when visiting:

Mosquitoes can be a problem in the area, particularly in the Summer months, so be prepared by wearing long clothing and insect repellent.
This is a bushland setting and as such wildlife including snakes frequent the area. Stick to the paths where possible, watch where you walk, and flush the toilet before use and close the lid afterwards.
There is a lake which the picnic grounds are set around. This waterway is unfenced, so extra care and supervision should be exercised when visiting with young children.
On event days the venue can be busy, with the roads leading to the BEC full of cars. Check the BEC website for event details.
Bike riding is permitted on the pathways. Helmets should be worn at all times and riders should give way to pedestrians.
While remote control vehicles are permitted on the designated lake/track, they are not permitted elsewhere. Petrol-powered remote-controlled vehicles are also NOT permitted.
Dogs are permitted on the BEC grounds but they must be on leash at all times and owners must pick up after them.

Accessibility at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Accessing the picnic grounds from the carpark is via a paved pathway, though this does not continue all the way to the BBQ’s and tables. The grass is however usually kept short and is relatively flat, so with assistance those in wheelchairs, prams or with walking aides could access them.

The launching shelter for the remote control boats can be accessed by the paved. pathway. Accessible toilets are located near the picnic area.

Brisbane Entertainment Centre Features

Picnic grounds (open 6am to sunset, seven days a week)
Accessible toilets
Picnic tables
Multiple electric BBQ’s
Rubbish bins
Water taps
Pathways for walking and riding
Dirt track for Remote Control Cars
Lake for remote control boats
Dogs permitted on leash
Off street parking (free on non-event days)

Opening Hours

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre picnic grounds are generally open daily from 6am – 7pm seven days a week, though this is subject to change and dependent on event activity in either the Sports Centre or Main Arena.

While You Are in the Area

After you have enjoyed a walk or picnic at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre might we suggest having a play at the nearby Mulbeam Park, which can be found about a 5min drive away.

If you are craving more nature, then perhaps visit the Boondall Wetlands which has walks and a wonderful Environment Centre or Nudgee Beach and playground.

What We Thought About Brisbane Entertainment Centre Picnic Grounds

We were pleasantly surprised when we visited the Brisbane Entertainment Centre for the first time. Although we had previously been to the BEC for concerts, we did not know the picnic area existed.

The area was well maintained and peaceful with nice clean facilities. We enjoyed a leisurely walk among the trees, passing birdlife and waterways. During our visit there was a man racing his remote-controlled car around the designated RC circuit, which we enjoyed watching (next time we may just bring our own).

How to Get to Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Brisbane Entertainment Centre is located at 1 Melaleuca Drive, Boondall, about 16km north of Brisbane CBD.

The quickest way to access the picnic area is to enter via Gate A (main entrance). The ring road is one-way, so after visiting the picnic area you will probably find it easier to exit via Gate B.

If you are utilising public transport, you will find Boondall Train Station (on the Shorncliffe Line) just a short 600m walk away (just follow the path).