Everywhere you look around this great nation are exceptional picnic spots whether you’re looking for something beachside, in the bush, or in one of our many parks and gardens. Whether you’re seeking out a romantic spot for you and your partner, a family-friendly area, or a secluded place to enjoy a meal in the company of just yourself, there is definitely a perfect picnic spot with your name on it.

While there are quite literally unlimited wonderful picnic options around the country, we thought we’d highlight some of our personal favourite picnic spots with incredible views. So grab some local fish and chips, pack a picnic basket, or throw some snags on a public barbecue and enjoy one of these top picnic spots.

And just as picnics at Hanging Rock may not always go according to plan, so too can domestic travel be unpredictable. Because life’s sadly not always a picnic, always remember to cover yourself with comprehensive domestic travel insurance should anything unfortunate occur.   

Kangaroo Point, Brisbane

Catch uninterrupted views of Brisbane’s skyline, taking in either a breakfast picnic at sunrise or an evening alfresco meal at sunset. There are few places that showcase both Brisbane’s natural and manmade beauty better than Kangaroo Point.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park offers plenty of green lawn at the base of the cliffs to throw down a blanket, complete with electric barbecues and covered tables. Alternatively, you could seek out a more private rocky landing for a more elevated view of the surrounds.

If you can’t find the time to pack a picnic, grab some takeaway from the local unique seafood joint that operates out of two moored vintage prawn trawlers. There’s also the option to dine aboard the trawlers.

Also in the area is Captain Burke Park which lies tucked under beautiful Story Bridge, a perfect romantic spot that often ends up showcased in locals Instagram feeds. From here, you can also access the lovely riverfront walk to work off your meal after packing up your picnic.

Picnic Point, Toowoomba

People have been picnicking at this now heritage-listed spot for well over 100 years. Perched high on the Great Dividing Range overlooking Lockyer Valley, people have long flocked to the very aptly named Picnic Point mainly to take advantage of its exceptional views.  

Set up your own picnic under one of the local bunya trees or fire up one of the barbecues and fill the air with the scent of a delicious feast. If you’re feeling a bit lazy, there’s an onsite cafe which offers up alfresco seating on the patio that takes advantage of the views. 

A children’s playground makes it family-friendly and there are a number of hiking trailheads to enjoy before or after your picnic including a waterfall trail or the challenging Table Top Mountain hike.  

Carrick Hill, Adelaide

Feel as though you’ve been transported to the English countryside by picnicking at the foot of the Adelaide Hills. Carrick Hill has not only become a popular wedding destination, it’s also a favourite picnic spot for locals.

Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Carrick Hill offers up 40 hectares of land, half of which is native bushland. There are a number of designated picnic areas including the stables lawns and kid-friendly Story Book Trail which incorporates classic children’s tales to promote imagination in young minds.

Grab some takeaway from the onsite cafe which also puts together pre-ordered picnic platters. If you pack your own picnic, just note that barbecues are not permitted due to the sensitive nature of the grounds, heritage gardens, and historic house.

You can take a guided tour of the historic home with its grand collection of privately collected art. While tours of the beautiful interiors of the house are charged, entry to the grounds and gardens are free.

Paronella Park, North Queensland

The closest thing you can get to a medieval-looking castle in Australia, Paronella Park just outside of Innisfail is a 5-hectare tropical paradise that makes for a truly magical picnic spot. Surround yourself with thousands of tropical plants, waterfall, and unique castle structure that was the vision of Catalonian immigrant José Paronella who had it built back in 1935.

They encourage you to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds beneath the waterfall, or you can hop into their cafe which focuses on fresh and nutritious fare. Be warned that you may find it difficult to focus on eating with so much to explore and photograph. You can even get special food onsite to feed the local fish.

While the entry fee may seem a bit steep at first glance, your pass is valid for 24 months which will allow you to come back an unlimited number of times within this period. The entry fee also includes extras like a guidebook to the site as well as entry to their special evening experience that features flood lighting as well as an entertaining sound and light display that’s powered by the restored hydro electric generator.

Q Station, Sydney

You’ll find a truly unique picnic spot with exceptional views close to Sydney’s CBD at Q Station. Covering 30 hectares, Q station dates back almost two hundred years when it once acted as a quarantine area for early immigrants to Australia who were afflicted by disease. 

Today, Q Station is one of the best places to enjoy a picnic thanks to well-manicured grassy hillsides that look out to Manly, Balmoral, and the Sydney skyline in the distance across Sydney Harbour. Easily accessible by boat or car, there are also countless other activities to enjoy besides filling your belly.

Walk the 2-kilometre free self-guided tour to learn about the history of the site, rent a kayak or SUP, take part in a night-time ghost tour, and even stay onsite in their unique heritage accommodation.

If you forget to pack a picnic or don’t have the time and energy to do so, you’ll also find fancy dining options onsite as well as a casual cafe.

National Arboretum Canberra

Home to arguably the finest views in Canberra, the National Arboretum covers over 250 hectares and offers up breathtaking 360-degree views. You will catch views of the CBD, Lake Burley Griffin, the city’s iconic Telstra Tower, and the Brindabella Ranges in the distance.

Many of the arboretum’s best lookouts also act as top picnic spots such as Dairy Farmers Hill and most are wheelchair accessible. Another great picnic spot is in the Himalayan Cedar Forest which features a barbecue deck complete with free public electric barbeques.

In addition to eating amongst tens of thousands of trees that include unique dragon trees, monkey puzzle trees, gum trees, and Chinese rubber trees, there are also several unique sculptures such as the giant eagle nest and Wide Brown Land sign.

There are a number of multipurpose trails to work off your brunch or lunch and on onsite cafe should you wish to have someone else do the cooking for you.

South Perth Foreshore

While there are countless great picnic spots to be found in Perth’s nearly thousand-acre Kings Park, don’t dismiss the South Perth Foreshore which offers up equally impressive views.

This extensive expanse of public green space follows the Swan River for roughly 4-kilometres and offers some of the best views of the CBD’s skyline. While picnics are popular throughout the day here, the true magic seems to come closer to sunset.

There are plenty of picnic tables and barbecues to go around, as well as gorgeously manicured lawns to enjoy an outdoor meal. Four available children’s playgrounds make it family-friendly and dogs are allowed as well.

There also seems to be a large number of companies offering luxury and beautifully styled picnic services in and around Perth that will be more than happy to set you up a truly special arrangement along the South Perth Foreshore. Some businesses in the area even hold special outdoor yoga picnic events.