The best picnic spots in Brisbane to throw your blanket down

With a subtropical climate and an annual average of 283 days of sunshine, Brisbane offers near year-round opportunities to throw out a picnic blanket, lay down a spread, and embrace a few hours of watching the world go by.

And there’s no shortage of places to do so, from the heart of the city to our countryside, inner-city suburbs, bayside towns, and even a few special spots worth turning into a day trip.

Looking for inspiration? Here are the best picnic spots in Brisbane. 

Inner-city havens for your picnic

Kangaroo Point Cliffs: With sparkling skyline views that become even more illuminated come sunset, BBQs, plenty of grassland, plus nearby eateries to get takeaway for an easy picnic, Kangaroo Point Cliffs bustles day and night.

Howard Smith Wharves: This riverside hotspot isn’t just home to some of Brisbane’s favourite waterfront dining and bars, but offers sprawling public green space to soak up the afternoon sun.

City Botanic Gardens: In the heart of the Brisbane CBD, City Botanic Gardens’ lush 49 acres is one of the best picnic spots in Brisbane, where you can choose from riverside lounging, a spot by the pond, or right by the playground if the kids are in tow. 

GoBoat: Want to see city sights from the water? Choose your crew of up to 8 people, prep your charcuterie platter and rent an electric picnic boat from GoBoat – no boat license required. Even better? Boats are pet-friendly.

Roma Street Parkland: This inner city oasis sprawls across 16-hectares of stunning parkland from intricately manicured gardens to green space. Make use of the free BBQs, two playgrounds, year-round calendar of community events – and if you’re bringing a bottle of wine to crack, be sure to picnic in either the Celebration and Lakeside Precincts, from 10 am to 8 pm daily.

South Bank Parklands: Extend your day exploring the Cultural Centre with a picnic at South Bank Parklands and the only tricky part will be choosing whether you throw down the blanket at aptly named Picnic Island, on the sands of Streets Beach, or by the water at River Quay Green – where you can often find live music on weekends.

Best picnic spots in Brisbane to take in the views

Rotary Lookout, Tamborine: A must-do on your day out or weekend exploring Tamborine Mountain, catch sunset at Rotary Lookout for some of the best Scenic Rim views. Preferably enjoyed with a glass of something special.

Mount Coot-tha summit: A weekend hike to the summit of Mount Coot-tha is a local’s rite of passage – from sunrise to sunset. But for those packing plenty of picnic snacks, there’s limited parking at the top too. Grab a spot on the grass and enjoy panoramic views out across the city and Moreton Bay.

Jolly’s Lookout, Mt Nebo: Relaxing has never looked as good as an afternoon spent at Jolly’s Lookout. Beyond the views that’ll keep you staring, there are BBQs for public use, nature walks nearby and you can turn it into a scenic drive discovering the beauty of D’Aguilar National Park.

Highgate Hill Park: You’ll find only locals at this serene space close to vibrant West End. Find a shady spot under the trees and take in the city skyline, sans crowds. 

Green and serene picnic spots in Brisbane and surrounds

New Farm Park: An undoubted favourite for Brisbane locals, catch the CityCat ferry here, take a spin around the farmers market for your goodies (Saturdays 6am – noon), and find your spot by the river or under the shade of a jacaranda in the parklands.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha: Choose your perfect spot from 56-hectares of gardens open daily, free-entry. Be sure to check out the Japanese Garden and Tropical Dome while you’re here, and let the kids run out some energy at the playground.

Sherwood Arboretum: Part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, Sherwood Arboretum has been a serene place to wander and picnic since opening in 1925. The grand avenue of 72 kauri pines makes for a beautiful photo, there’s a riverfront boardwalk and pontoon, plus BBQs, covered picnic areas, playground and wheelchair accessible amenities. 

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards: A picnic spot where no prep is needed, arrive at the vineyard, pick up a picnic basket (you can pre-order with vegan options), do a little wine tasting and take a bottle to enjoy among the vines and fresh air of Canungra Valley. Stop by the alpaca farm to make a few cuddly friends too.  

White Rock, Ipswich: For a refreshing day in the bush, head to White Rock Conservation area to make use of picnic areas, bushwalks for all levels, mountain biking trails and more. Home to 624 flora and 159 fauna species, this park remains sacred to the Traditional Owners who request visitors do not climb White Rock. 

Picnic by the water in and around Brisbane

Tangalooma Island Resort: As far as day trips from Brisbane go, you can’t beat a cruise and adventure on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). One of the world’s largest sand islands, it’s fair to say you’ll have your pick of sandy spots to lay down the beach towel and open the picnic basket – but for somewhere beautiful and right where the boat drops you off, it’s hard to do better than Tangalooma Island Resort. BYO snorkel to explore the wrecks after you dust off that cheese platter.

Orleigh Park, West End: Looking for Brisbane River vibes without the South Bank crowds? Head to Orleigh Park where there’s plenty of shade, plenty of street parking, and all the facilities you need for a great picnic. Want to take the scenic route here? The CityCat stops right at the park at West End Ferry Terminal.  

Shorncliffe Pier: Northsiders know you don’t have to drive far for a picnic by the ocean, and the Shorncliffe-Sandgate area has countless spots to choose from. Shorncliffe Pier is one of Brisbane’s best, with Moora Park offering BBQs, playground, toilets, and the Lover’s Walk if you want to stretch your legs.

Seeking a similar vibe in Brisbane’s east? Wynnum-Manly Foreshore has a long jetty into the bay, bike paths for the kids, weekend markets and an abundance of green space with water views to spend the afternoon. 

Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island: Just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane City, Bribie Island is an adventure-packed day trip – and come lunchtime Bongaree Beach is the spot to be. Shallow, calm waters meet a large park with playgrounds, BBQs, plenty of shade – and the option to get takeaway fish and chips rather than prep for your picnic.

Forgan Picnic Area, Lake Samsonvale: A drive through the country will lead you to this quiet and serene picnic area by the lake, with BBQs plus a playground for kids. Nearby, Bullocky Rest is another great picnic spot.  

Picnic spots that are a kid's wonderland

Daisy Hill Conservation Park: It’s not just the trails and parklands that will win the kids over here on Brisbane’s south side. Daisy Hill Conservation Park and surrounds are home to one of Australia's most significant regional koala populations. Can’t spot them in the trees? Stop by the free-entry koala centre within the park to see them up close in a natural setting. The centre is open seven days, 9am – 4pm.

Charlish Park, Redcliffe: A seaside picnic spot without committing to a drive to Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, Charlish Park will become a regular family outing from first visit. Right next to Settlement Cove Lagoon, kids of all ages can splash and play in the lagoon and wading pools, then make use of the playgrounds, beach and BBQs.  

Underwood Park, Logan: The highlight of this park is the FUNderwood Hollow playground for the kids, but you’ll also discover gazebos for a shady picnic, boardwalk by the lagoon, BMX facilities and a dog off-leash area for those bringing extra family members along for the outing.

Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks: Home to over 8000 square metres of open grassed space, playgrounds, jumping pillow and a water play area – it’s a local family favourite. Bring the dog and get your steps up along the riverside pathways while you’re here.