Gaze upon the Brisbane river with these perfect picnic spots in Brisbane
Best Picnic Spots Brisbane
Brisbane is known for its beautiful year-round weather, making it the prime location for a romantic, friendly or family picnic. From piers to riverside parks, beach reserves and heritage-listed cliffs, Brisbane is home to some of the finest spots to park up for a relaxing picnic.
Grab your picnic blanket and basket of nibbles and drinks, and discover our roundup of the best picnic spots in Brisbane.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
The Kangaroo Point Cliffs, located on Brisbane River and across from the CBD, is one of Brisbane’s most coveted picnic spots. The heritage-listed cliffs offer both a charming riverside location from the bottom and a clifftop spot with breathtaking views of Brisbane CBD and the mountains beyond. Popular amongst locals and tourists, Kangaroo Point Cliffs is kitted with BBQs, picnic tables, grassy spots, a playground and cafe for those that left their picnic hampers at home.
Location: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, QLD 4169
New Farm Park
Hop on the CityCat and cruise your way to New Farm Park, one of Brisbane’s oldest parks. With jacaranda trees, heritage rose gardens, picnic areas and playground, New Farm Park is the perfect location to picnic and while away the afternoon. The park, set over a roomy 37 acres, provides the ideal setting for special occasions, romantic sundowners or a day of family fun. The next-door historic Brisbane Powerhouse, situated next to New Farm Park, is also a must-see.
Location: 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm, Brisbane, QLD, 4005
Sherwood Arboretum
Located a short 20-minute drive west of the city, Sherwood Arboretum is home to over 1000 trees, including towering Bunya Pines, Silky Oaks and Cluster Figs, with acres of land featuring freshwater wetlands and eucalyptus forests. Another heritage-listed site, Sherwood Arboretum offers an array of idyllic picnic spots along the river and around the playground. Sizzle some sausages and put out a spread after walking along the arboretum’s tree, bird or Kauri heritage trails.
Location: 87 Jolimont St, Sherwood, QLD, 4075
River Quay Green
Located on Brisbane’s famous South Bank, River Quay Green is the ideal spot to up your picnic game. Take your pick of gourmet picnic hampers from the renowned restaurants that line the green. Indulge in a deluxe hamper of marinated olives, house-baked bread, charcuterie and selection of cheeses from brasserie restaurant and bar Aquitaine, dig into takeaway fish tacos from River Quay Fish or an Italian grazing basket from Popolo. With live music sessions and beautiful river views, it’s no wonder River Quay Green is one of Brisbane’s best picnic spots.
Location: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101
Wilson Outlook Reserve
With stunning views of Story Bridge, the river and the city beyond, Wilson Outlook Reserve is undoubtedly one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets. The small stretch of romantic reserve, favoured by locals, is the perfect place to picnic as the sun sets and the dazzling city lights come to life. Although small, Wilson Outlook has a scattering of picnic tables and a park gym for those who like to flex with a view.
Location: 231 Lower Bowen Tce, New Farm, QLD, 4005
Shorncliffe Pier
Shornecliffe Pier, located 30 minutes from the city, provides the ideal setting for a sunny seaside picnic. Dating back to 1872, Shorncliffe Pier (formerly Sandgate) has been a long time favourite amongst the city’s sunseekers. Take a stroll or cast a line off the 350m long timber pier, cool off with a dip in the swimming baths and enjoy a family picnic along the scenic shoreline. With a playground for the kids, Shorncliffe Pier is the perfect setting for a day of adventure with the family.
Location: Park Parade, Shorncliffe, QLD, 4017
Colmslie Beach Reserve
Colmslie Beach Reserve is a charming parkland with a prime Brisbane riverfront location. The dog-friendly reserve features sheltered BBQs, picnic tables and a sprawling ocean-themed playground, perfect for a lazy afternoon with the family. Colmslie Beach Reserve is located in Murarrie, outside the city’s hub, offering equal doses of serenity and fun with access to its very own beach with views of Gateway Bridge.
Location: Col Gardner Dr, Morningside, Brisbane, QLD, 4170
Minnippi Parklands
Located 20-minute south-east of the city, Minnippi Parklands is another dreamy Brisbane picnic spot with hectares of lush meadowlands and a lagoon covered in lilypads. Picnic areas are aplenty, with several public barbecues and spacious picnic shelters—perfect for outdoor celebrations. The parklands are also home to multiple walking and cycling trails, an aeroplane-themed kids playground and a beautiful array of birds for any avid birdwatchers.
Location: 276 Meadowlands Rd, Carina, QLD 4152