Grab Your Rug: The Best Picnic Spots in Launceston & Surrounds

As the weather warms up and the sun shines a little brighter, there’s never been a better time to head to the market, stock up on nibbles and find a comfy spot for an alfresco feast!

Rally your friends, your family, or your partner, or take yourself on a solo date in the great outdoors and relax in the best picnic spots in Launceston and surrounds.

Royal Park

Royal Park in Launceston is a riverside haven, perfect for a laid-back picnic. Stretch out on lush lawns beneath the shade of mature trees and indulge in a spread of local treats. Meandering boardwalks add to the charm, while the playground, skate park, and barbecue areas make it a spot for everyone to enjoy. For a touch of culture to complement your day, wander over to the neighbouring Queen Victoria Art Gallery—it’s a lovely finishing touch!

Royal Park, Launceston

Woolmers Estate

Woolmers Estate can be found tucked away in Longford, providing a unique picnic spot surrounded by Tasmania’s rich colonial history. Wander through its stunning gardens, including a renowned rose garden, before settling on a blanket to enjoy your meal. With historical buildings, including the oldest intact woolshed in Australia, and scenic views, Woolmers provides a peaceful and picturesque setting made for a leisurely picnic amidst heritage and nature.

658 Woolmers Lane, Longford 

City Park

Established in the 1820s, Launceston’s City Park was rated in the top 10 parks in Australia, for good reason. Once called the ‘People’s Park’, City Park has a kid’s playground, cafes, a duck pond, multiple picnic spots, and its most unusual feature – a Japanese Macaque monkey enclosure. The park’s unlikely residents were a gift from Launceston’s sister city, Ikeda in Japan, and have lived there since the 1980s.

With public toilets, plenty of space for a lazy picnic, beautiful photo ops and shade areas, this spot is hard to beat. 

45-55 Tamar Street, Launceston 

Cataract Gorge

There’s something special about Cataract Gorge. Perhaps it’s the fact you can walk just 15 minutes from Launceston CBD and find yourself immersed in a 65-million-year-old gorge, or that the river reserve stretches for 5km. It could also be the way the area makes you feel miles away from the city, offering the perfect setting for a picnic.

With easy walking trails and a public pool area surrounded by lush green grass, even in summer when it’s filled with people, the sense of tranquillity remains ever-present. 

74-90 Basin Road, West Launceston

Deloraine Train Park

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Deloraine, Deloraine Train Park is an absolute gem for a picnic near Launceston. This charming spot boasts a historic steam train engine to thrill kids and train buffs alike. With its vast open spaces, a fun-filled playground, and panoramic views of the lush countryside, it’s an ideal setting for a relaxed day out.

A scenic drive from Launceston, Deloraine Train Park offers a tranquil escape with friendly ducks and a meandering river. Pack a picnic, soak in Tasmania’s natural beauty, and savour a delightful lunch in this leafy retreat.

West Parade, Delorainde

Riverbend Park

Riverbend Park is the ultimate family-friendly picnic spot, featuring spacious picnic areas and BBQ facilities with stunning views of the Tamar River. This all-abilities park, transformed from a former industrial site, boasts four exciting zones, including the River Play and Gorge Play areas, and the impressive Sky Walk and ‘confluence net’—two of Australia’s largest play structures. Kids will love the playground, water play, and swings, while adults can relax in a peaceful setting. With clean amenities, outdoor table tennis, and a sports court, it’s perfect for a full day of fun and one of our top picks for the best picnic spots in Launceston.

81 Lindsay Street, Invermay

Princes Square

Princes Square is a picture-perfect picnic spot in Launceston, offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city. With its historic fountain and lush green lawns, it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re spreading out your picnic blanket under the shade of trees or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the water, the atmosphere is idyllic and inviting.

Sitchu Tip: For the ultimate end to a relaxing afternoon, stroll over to Havilah for a glass of wine. 

Elizabeth Street, Launceston

Punchbowl Reserve

Punchbowl Reserve is the kind of spot that makes you want to pack a picnic basket and settle in for an afternoon of good food and great company. With its serene walking trails, covered picnic tables and BBQs, peaceful creek, and plenty of green space, it’s an ideal place to unwind. The sound of the creek bubbling by adds a lovely touch, and there’s even a playground for the little ones to explore.

102-134 Punchbowl Road, Punchbowl

Tamar Islands Wetlands Centre

Just a 10-minute drive from Launceston, the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre offers a tranquil escape, perfect for a laid-back picnic. A gentle 500-metre walk leads you to a peaceful bird hide, where you can relax and watch the wetlands come alive with birdlife. The nearby interpretation centre adds an extra layer of insight into the area’s natural beauty.

With wheelchair access and picnic tables throughout, it’s an inviting spot to unwind and enjoy the calm, untouched beauty of Tasmania’s wetlands.

West Tamar Highway, Riverside 

If you loved our edit of the best picnic spots in Launceston, there’s more where that came from! Live like a local in the know and visit the best cafes and restaurants in town.

Kelsey Harrington, Kelly Mills

21 January 2025