New Farm Park – Brisbane
Ask any Brisbane native for the most prime picnic locale around and odds are they will have the same answer. New Farm Park is a classic for a reason – the riverfront location, the stunning and immaculately kept gardens, the dogs … Whether you want to cosy up on a first date or put on a bit of a ‘bring a plate to share’ situation, New Farm Park has got areas to suit all needs. As an added bonus, the park is licensed for BYO so you can have some adult beverages without having to brown bag it.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs – Brisbane
Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? Gather your favourite foods into a cute wicker basket and take yourself to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, where you will be greeted by one of the most breathtaking vistas in Brisbane. The cliffs provide an uninterrupted view of that dreamy Brisbane City skyline, and the precinct is dotted with barbecue facilities and wacky coloured sculptures. This is also a favoured spot for abseiling enthusiasts, so keep an eye out for thrill-seekers doing their thing.
Wynnum Manly Foreshore – Redlands
Feeling the need for a seaside sojourn but don’t feel like battling the traffic to the coast? The Wynnum Manly foreshore has got everything you need to pretend you’re on holidays in your own city – grab some fresh fish and chips from the seafood markets and spread out a towel on the sand. The gorgeous panoramic views of Moreton Bay make the shore a great place for some lunchtime feasting –the 4.5 kilometre stretch is studded with spots to spread out and relax.
Kondalilla National Park – Montville
Nestled in the super scenic Blackall Range, the Kondalilla National Park is a true gem of the hinterland. Just a short downhill walk from the car park you will find a very roomy picnic area to set up shop. If you can tear yourself away from the picnic grounds, there are plenty of walking paths for all fitness levels to tackle. Don’t forget your swimmers, because a dip in the crisp and clear watering holes is almost impossible to resist.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – Maleny
We all need a little bit of time out occasionally, and the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve provides a seriously chill escape. You will find a dedicated picnic area boasting breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains landscape, plus more than two kilometres of tranquil walking tracks to enjoy. No picnic is really complete without a delicious dairy-based treat, so make a point to stop into Maleny Cheese on your way to the park to nab some provisions (trust us when we say that the triple cream brie is a game changer).
Buderim Forest Park – Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Less than ten minutes from the bustling hub of Cotton Tree lays a hinterland gem in Buderim Forest Park, boasting 45 hectares of nature’s finest. Take the Lindsay Road entry and fuel up at one of the picnic tables in the sprawling grounds of the park, and then go for a stroll through the rainforest on the elevated wooden boardwalk to burn off the calories. The paths lead to the stunning Buderim Falls – a great visual reward for all of your hard work.
Image: Visit Sunshine Coast
Cedar Creek Falls – Mt Tambourine
Contrary to the advice of an iconic 90s girl group, we here at The Weekend Edition are advocates for chasing waterfalls. If you like your picnics with a side of lush rainforest vibes, Cedar Creek Falls has got it going on. There are plenty of places in Tambourine to pull up stumps, but Cedar Creek is hard to beat. There are three flowing waterfalls to discover, making for a picturesque backdrop to your portable lunch.
Moogerah Peaks National Park – Scenic Rim
Adventure is out there, and Moogerah Peaks National Park is a great place to go looking for it. Outdoorsy types will have a field day exploring the various walking tracks and taking in the views of the surrounding four peaks. Once you’ve had a poke around the grounds, make your way to the banks of Lake Moogerah – there are plenty of secluded pockets to spread out with your spoils and take a long lunch before you set off to do some more sightseeing.
Picnic Point – Toowoomba
When the name of a place is dedicated to a certain activity, you know it’s legit. Sitting high on the Great Dividing Range with sweeping views of the Lockyer Valley, Picnic Point is the peak of al fresco perfection. The lush greenery of native trees will keep you shaded as you eat, plus there’s an awesome playground to keep the little ones occupied. If you run out of provisions, there’s a cafe and restaurant where you can top up.
Image: Josselin Berger
Burleigh Hill – Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a primo place to catch a sunset, and one of the best places to see the show is from Burleigh Hill. Offering a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, this is a great spot for a twilight feast. If you’re feeling a little too relaxed (read: lazy) to BYO, the iconic Fish Mongers is conveniently located within strolling distance of the hill – nab yourself some hearty take-away nosh and a cheeky six-pack of some local brews to maximise the weekend vibes.
Image: Burleigh Tourism
This post was created with our good friend Sofie Formica, ambassador for our official site partner Mercedes-Benz Brisbane. Featured vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz A180 in Polar Silver Metallic. Available at Mercedes-Benz Brisbane.
