With over 200 green spaces and an abundance of picturesque vistas to choose from, Brisbane families really are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect place to lay out their picnic blanket. But where are the BEST picnic spots in Brisbane? From lakeside greens to sweeping mountain views, below are some of our favourite places to enjoy a sweet spread with our family.
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Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane
New Farm Park
Forever favoured as a picnic destination for Brisbane families, New Farm Park offers a spectacular inner-city setting that has something for everyone to enjoy.
For the kids, the park is renowned for its imaginative wooden playground, which is built into the base of a row of towing fig trees. With multiple levels and areas to discover, they will be equally enthralled by the fairytale feel of the fort and the large fig roots that they can lose themselves in too.
The park itself, which occupies 37 acres of prime inner-city land, includes large expanses of flat, manicured lawns and riverside hills to lay your picnic on. There is a coffee van onsite, lovely river walks, a gazebo, large shady trees, and a vast selection of nearby shops and cafes if you want to have a stroll afterwards. Bring along your pets, a frisbee and some ball sports – all are welcome and frequently found at the park along with the many happy families that fill it each weekend.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlights: Beautiful manicured lawns, river views, BBQs, riverside, incredible kids playground, rose garden, shady trees.
Nearby Facilities: City Cat terminal, toilets, cafes and shops, dog off-leash area, Brisbane Powerhouse.
Parking: Free parking inside park and on street.
Address: 1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm
City Botanic Gardens
This list would be remiss if it didn’t include the giant inner-city oasis that is the City Botanic Gardens. Covering nearly 50 acres of lush green land, the gardens offer picnic-goers an abundance of manicured lawns, pristine gardens and shaded trees to choose between.
Alongside the beautiful backdrop it provides for your picnic, the gardens are also home to a delightful kids playground. Perfect for all ages and abilities, the central play space features plenty of sensory fun and exploration for little ones.
Once you are done, there are still plenty of other attractions and activities you can enjoy with the kids. Aside from the huge lawns that are perfect for running, flying a kite, and playing a game on, you can also feed ducks at the ornamental ponds, walk or ride along the bike paths, watch a show at the outdoor Riverstage, or stroll along Weeping Fig avenue. There is also local wildlife to spot and kids can read the many plaques that reside at the base of trees to find out more about the local plant life.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlights: 50 acres of green space, river views, manicured lawns, BBQs, rose gardens, riverside, walk and ride paths, kids playground, duck pond, information plaques.
Nearby Facilities: Bus and train, city centre, shopping, toilets, City Cat terminal.
Parking: Parking can be difficult as the park is in the city centre. Free street parking is available, although you may need to pay for parking as it is hard to secure.
Address: 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City
Roma Street Parklands
Brisbane really is an overachiever when it comes to providing its residents with beautiful outdoor green spaces to enjoy. Roma Street Parklands is a standout example of this, a horticultural masterpiece laid out over 11 acres in the city centre.
Not only will you find a multitude of scenic picnic spaces for your spread, you will also be able to fill a full day with fun activities and exploration with your family. Depending on the age of your kids, they may want to spend time on one of the two playgrounds, ride bikes or scooters along the varying pathways, take in a guided tour of the many gardens and forested areas, or stroll around the giant central lagoon.
At the end of the day, whether you feeding curious minds at the worm farm and vegetable garden, riding the sweet little Xpress train to the different sections of the park, taking in an outdoor movie at the amphitheatre, or simply lounging on your blanket and enjoying the natural surrounds – this is a perfect picnic spot for families in Brisbane.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: Large gardens, manicured lawns, BBQs, rolling hills, amphitheatre, fountain, guided walks, kids playgrounds, worm farm, Xpress train, vegetable and herb garden, flower gardens, lagoon.
Nearby Facilities: Train and bus services, toilets, cafe, city centre and shopping.
Parking: Paid street parking is available, although some free spots can be found.
Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City
Southbank Parklands
Catering to the many Brisbane families that flock to it daily, Southbank Parklands offer many beautiful picnic spots to those who visit.
With its main attractions found within an easy stroll of each other, you will find plenty of open green lawns and BBQ facilities sprinkled generously throughout the parklands. Located right alongside the Brisbane River, arriving here by City Cat is a fun way to start your day and will also save you time and money on the inner city parking. Be sure to pack in some swim gear as the swimming pool, man-made beach and splash pad areas are all great spots to lay your blanket down near and settle in for the day.
After you are done, there are plenty of shops, gardens, walks and fun activities to explore with the kids while here.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: Many picnic lawns, BBQs, city views, river views, kids playgrounds, splash play area, swimming pool, man-made beach, city views, forests, gardens, pathways, markets.
Nearby Facilities: City Cat terminal, bus and trains, toilets, showers, shops, restaurants, cafes.
Parking: Paid street parking.
Address: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane
Sherwood Arboretum
The Sherwood Arboretum covers an area of 15 hectares and contains approximately 1100 trees, representing approximately 250 species. Part of the wider Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, it is a mesmerising place to stroll through, and a stunning picnic spot for families.
Kids can find a lot to enjoy here too. There are numerous densely forested pockets that make for some fun fairytale imaginative play opportunities, many great climbing trees, a large pond, playground and plenty of hills to roll up and down on. Another picnic spot with a riverside location, Sherwood Arboretum also has a river jetty for water sports too.
The key attraction here though a grand avenue of 72 kauri pines, which create a natural wooden pathway into the arboretum. Stunning.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: River views, pine avenue, BBQs, playground, small grassy hills, climbing trees, fairytale woods, large pond, river jetty.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets,
Parking: Free and ample parking.
Address: 87 Jolimont Street, Sherwood
River Quay Green
Although technically part of Southbank Parklands, River Quay Green has developed its own unique personality and following for Brisbane locals and visitors. Its pristine and gently sloping green lawn space is accessed via a set of terraced steps, at the top of which resides five of Brisbane’s premiere dining destinations.
Even so, it has become a favourite spot for picnic lovers, what with its prime riverside location and stunning views of Brisbane city. With a City Cat terminal just nearby, it is easy to access from the water or land and is actually a wet licensed area, meaning you can consume alcohol there between 10am and 8pm daily (for those who are over 18 years).
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: River views, city views, gentle sloping green space.
Nearby Facilities: City Cat terminal, bus and train access, toilets, Southbank Parklands, ride and bike paths.
Parking: Paid street parking.
Address: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane
Orleigh Park
Head to the very end of Montague Street in West End and you will come across the expansive riverside parkland stretch known as Orleigh Park. A popular and vibrant hang out place for the laid back locals who reside nearby, it is the perfect picnic haven for families looking for a day out in the sunshine.
Shaded by Moreton Bay figs, the parkland includes a string of kids playgrounds, picnic pavilions, BBQs, walk and bike paths, and a very handy City Cat terminal at the far end. Also known as Frog Park, the popular playground with frog tongue slide even features as one of the Brisbane locations visited by the Heeler family in Bluey.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: River views, rotundas, shaded picnic tables, shady trees, multiple kids playgrounds, grassy green spaces.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets
Parking: Free street parking.
Address: 68 Hill End Terrace, West End
Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha houses some of the most picturesque picnic spots in Brisbane. Found along different sections on the mountain, there are many ideal locations to choose from.
One of the most popular with families is the tranquil Simpson Falls picnic area. Titled as such because it just beckons a soft blanket and delicious homemade spread, the area is a spacious canvas of lush green grass, shady trees and a sprinkling of picnic tables throughout.A creek bed borders the picnic area, and after a decent rain, there are many shallow places for children to splash and search for yabbies.
The Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens is another wonderful place to lay down your family picnic. Australia’s premier subtropical botanic gardens, there are many picnic tables and lawns to be found throughout the area, with BBQs and generous space to play on. Afterwards, allow time to explore the Children’s Trail, Tropical Display Dome, kids playground, Japanese Garden and other attractions found here.
Dog Friendly: No. Only guide and assistance dogs
Picnic Highlight: Shady trees, picnic tables, BBQs, Tropical Display Dome, Children’s Trail, Japanese Garden, Fern House, kids playground.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets, Planetarium, Cafe, picnic tables
Parking: Free Parking
Address: Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane
Jolly’s Lookout
Out of all the magnificent picnic spots you can find in and around Brisbane, the one located at the top of Jolly’s Lookout on Mt Nebo is easily one of the most spectacular. With sweeping 180 degree views over D’Aguilar Range to the Glass House Mountains, and east across Samford Valley to Moreton Bay and the bay islands, it is hard not to be spellbound while taking in the scenic vistas that surround you.
Knowing it is a spot people want to enjoy for a while, the lookout has picnic tables, BBQs, wheelchair accessibility and toilets nearby.
When you are done eating your meal and admiring the view, you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the Egernia circuit or longer Thylogale walking track — be sure to keep your eye out for kookaburras, goannas, currawongs and wallabies.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: 180 degree views, forest walks and tracks, BBQs, picnic tables, shady trees, local wildlife.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets
Parking: Park at Jollys Lookout car park to access the day-use area and lookout.
Address: Jolly’s Lookout, Mt Nebo, South D’Aguilar National Park.
Daisy Hill Conservation Park
Image Credit: Qld Govt Parks and Forests
Daisy Hill Conservation Park in south Brisbane is an mega picnic park full of family activities and fun things to do. Home to a wide variety of wildlife, the park also houses the beloved Daisy Hill Koala Centre – a sanctuary known for its hands-on immersive displays and resident koalas, giving kids the best possible space to learn all about this iconic Australian species.
The grounds themselves consist of tall eucalypt forest and sun-dappled melaleuca wetlands, with a myriad of bush, horse, walking and riding trails to discover. Picnic tables and BBQs are sprinkled beneath shaded trees and there are wide open areas perfect for a game of ball or cricket with the kids.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: Picnic tables, BBQs, wooded playing areas, walking tracks, bush walks, horse and bike riding tracks, Koala Centre.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets, information centre.
Parking: Numerous different free parking areas situated along the ring road that encircles the park.
Address: Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill
Suttons Beach Park
What’s not to love about a beachside park with expansive grassy lawns and a tree-filled shoreline? For anyone who loves the idea of a seaside picnic, Suttons Beach Park is a destination spot that will leave you happily wondering whether you should move closer to the area permanently.
Located in the friendly suburb of Redcliffe, Suttons Beach Park borders the calm waters and patrolled beach of Sutton Beach. With ample grassed area, BBQs and picnic tables all lining the shoreline park, families can easily move between their picnic set up and the ocean’s crystal waters throughout the day. Even better, the park has a delightful and fully-fenced playground for the kids.
Pack a picnic, the swim gear, plenty of sunscreen for a full day out – oh and bring your bike too. There is a bikeway that travels through here that continues along the gorgeous coastline.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: Beside a patrolled beach, picnic tables, BBQs, fully-fenced kids playground, bikeway.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets, beach showers.
Parking: Ample free parking.
Address: Marine Parade at Suttons Beach
Bullocky Rest
Situated on the south-eastern bank of Lake Samsonvale in Moreton Bay Shire is Bullocky Rest. A large, picturesque park that rims Lake Samsonvale, it is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy a relaxing and low key picnic immersed in nature.
For families with older kids, there is a playground on site that for once caters for older children. The lake is also perfect for throwing a line in – possibly to catch your picnic lunch to fry up on one of the nearby BBQs! Amongst the large, grassy lawns there are a generous amount of both covered and uncovered picnic tables and ample room to play a few sporting games with the kids. Bring the bikes for a ride or walk along the bush tracks and watch the ducks as they swim and play in the lakes calm waters.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: Lakeside views, picnic tables, shady trees, BBQs, wildlife spotting, fishing, grassy banks, playground.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets
Parking: Ample free parking
Address: Forgan Rd, Joyner
Mount Tamborine – Cedar Creek Falls Picnic Area
Next time the sun peeks over the horizon, forget about making the routine trip to the local pool and instead steer your family-filled car toward Cedar Creek Falls at Tamborine Mountain.
Right at the entrance to the trail you take to get to the falls and rock pools lies two absolutely stunning picnic areas. Blanketed in a canopy of trees, the sun-dappled green lawns offer an inviting and tranquil spot to set up lunch. Lay a tablecloth on the ground or one of the provided picnic tables and make use of the BBQs also found here.
Once you are done, we recommend packing the picnic gear away in the car before heading off to the falls. One of the most delightful walks in the Tamborine area, the Cedar Creek Falls Track (1.1 km return), explores the creek’s various cascades, rock pools, flora and fauna.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Picnic Highlight: Cedar creek falls and rock pools, walking trails, waterfalls, picnic tables, grassy areas, BBQs, mountain trails, Mt Tamborine.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets
Parking: Small car park at the entrance to Cedar Creek Falls
Address: Tamborine National Park, off Cedar Creek Falls Road in Cedar Creek
Other Picturesque Picnic Spots Around Brisbane
Wivenhoe Dam
Wellington Point Recreation Reserve
We really area spoilt for choice when it comes to breathtaking picnic spots around Brisbane. The ones above are some of our favourites to visit. Which ones does your family love?
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