Brisbane’s Best Picnic Spots for all Occasions

Warm weather is here and with it comes picnic season! Brisbane 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. 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.

1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm

Roma Street Parklands

Find yourself a cool and shady spot to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds 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.

1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane City

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 the only space 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.

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.

2328 Moggill Road, Brookfield

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

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. 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!

87 Jolimont Street, Sherwood

Picnic Island Green

Named for its purpose, the 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.

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. 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

Looking forward to lock in a lunch date with your besties at one of Brisbane's best picnic spots? If you're looking for more fun things to do, head straight to our What's On hub for the latest in events around Brisbane.