10 Lovely Spots for a Picnic in Hobart & Surrounds

Hobart delivers some of Australia’s most beautiful picnic settings, from riverfront lawns to quiet inner-city parks framed by kunanyi/Mt Wellington. When the sun’s out, locals and visitors spread a blanket, unpack something delicious and claim a corner of the city’s green spaces. If you’re searching for the best picnic spots in Hobart – waterfront, foreshore, lookout or beach – this guide brings together the top places to lay out lunch and enjoy the fresh Tasmanian air.

Here are the 10 best picnic spots in Hobart to bookmark for your next alfresco moment.

St David’s Park

St David’s Park is a longtime favourite for Hobart picnics, a leafy sanctuary tucked between Salamanca Place and the city centre. Grand trees cast wide pools of shade, historic stone walls and lion statues add character, and the lawns feel made for lazy afternoons with something delicious from a nearby cafe or market stall. Spread a blanket beneath the canopy, wander through the memorial pathways and enjoy one of the city’s most inviting green escapes.

Davey Street, Hobart

Franklin Square

Franklin Square is the CBD’s much-loved green escape, a leafy pause between the waterfront and the city’s busiest streets. Shaded by mature oaks and elms, it’s perfect for a spontaneous picnic, a quick cafe lunch or a bite from Street Eats at Franko in summer. Claim a patch of lawn, sit by the fountain with something cold or take on the outdoor chessboard. It’s an easy, refreshing break without ever leaving town.

70 Macquarie Street, Hobart

Rosny Hill Lookout

Rosny Hill Lookout is a dream spot for a low-key picnic with a sweeping Hobart backdrop. Just across the Tasman Bridge, this eastern-shore vantage point frames the Derwent, city skyline and kunanyi / Mount Wellington in one wide panorama. Bring your own blanket and snacks, find a sheltered patch near the lookout and enjoy the calm. For a post-picnic wander, follow the gentle Rosny Hill Circuit Track around the summit.

49 Leura Street, Rosny 

Fern Tree Park

If you love forest picnics more than manicured lawns, Fern Tree Park is one of the best picnic spots near Hobart for a cool, sheltered lunch. Set at the base of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, it’s known for its tall ferns, crisp mountain air, grassy clearings, on-site toilets and gas BBQs. Families rate it for the nature-inspired playground, where kids can climb, swing and explore. Bring a thermos, a hearty sandwich and settle into the soft forest floor. It’s also a great starting point for short walks on kunanyi, making it an easy picnic-plus-hike option.

Fern Tree, Hobart

Cascade Gardens 

Cascade Gardens is one of Hobart’s most popular picnic spots, set along the Hobart Rivulet beside the historic Cascade Brewery. Grassy lawns, shade trees and picnic tables make it ideal for a relaxed lunch. Bring a blanket, unpack something fresh or grab food from the brewery’s restaurant and settle in with mountain views and heritage surrounds. It’s an excellent choice for casual catch-ups, family picnics or a quiet afternoon outdoors in South Hobart.

2 Mcrobies Road, South Hobart

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the best picnic spots in Hobart, offering a lush, tranquil setting for everything from relaxed group lunches to romantic alfresco afternoons. Expect expansive lawns, shaded pockets beneath mature trees, native birdlife and the resident ducks wandering through. Entry is by donation, and you’re welcome to bring your own picnic supplies. If you need extras, the on-site cafe has light meals and drinks to round out your garden picnic.

Lower Domain Road, Hobart

Richmond Bridge Park

Richmond Bridge Park is one of Tasmania’s most picturesque picnic spots, set beside the historic Richmond Bridge with a serene, English countryside feel. Wide green lawns and calm Coal River views create a dreamy backdrop for an alfresco lunch, with ducks often wandering through. Just a short drive from Hobart, this peaceful riverside park is ideal for slow afternoons, easy catch-ups and anyone wanting to savour the gentle charm of one of the state’s most historic townships.

Richmond, Tasmania 

Princes Park

Just a stone’s throw from Salamanca Place is this beautiful, quiet park set high in Battery Point. In the 1800s it was home to a semaphore station used to communicate with boats entering the harbour, and today those sweeping Derwent views are here for visitors to enjoy. While the park is hilly, you’ll find level spots beneath the trees for a picnic, a great play area for kids and the bonus of nearby Jackman & McRoss for pre-picnic treats.

Castray Esplanade & Salamanca Place, Battery Point

Long Beach Reserve

One of the best beachside picnic spots in Hobart is located in the stunning enclave of Sandy Bay at the Long Beach Reserve. With a great kids’ play area, plenty of picnic tables and BBQs as well as a million-dollar water view, it’s little wonder locals and tourists flock here on sunny days. Once you’re done with eating and taking in that beautiful Derwent River vista, you can go for a stroll along the lovely stretch of sand or bring your swimmers along for a post-picnic dip.

Long Point Road, Sandy Bay

Waterworks Reserve

Waterworks Reserve feels like a hidden retreat within Hobart, a bush-framed pocket where the air cools, the light softens and the old reservoirs shimmer between the trees. Set at the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, it’s a long-time favourite for relaxed picnics, with shaded lawns, BBQs and plenty of space to claim your spot. Bring a blanket, breathe in the eucalyptus and wander the walking trails that begin here to complete the escape.

Ridgeway Road, Ridgeway

Now that you’ve sussed out the best picnic spots in Hobart, it’s time to venture out for a bite to eat. Check out our favourite bakeries and restaurants around the city. Or venture further afield to uncover Launceston’s best restaurants.