Relax in the Green With These Stunning Brisbane Picnic Spots
Brisbane isn’t short of beautiful picnic spots, from secluded riverside reserves to sprawling parks and picturesque gardens, perfect for festive family barbecues, romantic sunset picnics and after-work wind-downs.
Take a tour around the city as we uncover the best picnic spots in Brisbane.
Wilson Outlook Reserve
With some of the most dramatic views of the Brisbane skyline, Wilson Outlook Reserve is the perfect spot for a lazy late afternoon picnic. The small riverside reserve, located directly above Howard Smith Wharves, has picnic tables and plenty of grassy patches to relax and watch the sunset over Story Bridge as the city lights come to life. Whether a romantic date or a picnic with friends, Wilson Outlook Reserve is no doubt one of the city’s hidden gems.
Location: 231 Lower Bowen Tce, New Farm, QLD, 4005
New Farm Park
New Farm Park is one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks and picnic spots in Brisbane. Hop on a free bike for guests of Crystalbrook Vincent, cruise down the Riverwalk pathway that connects Brisbane CBD and New Farm, and set up a family picnic under the park’s shady jacarandas. The sprawling 37-hectare park is a hive of activity, with a playground for the kids, picnic spots with gas barbecues, Jan Powers Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, perfect for romantic picnics on Brisbane’s riverside.
Location: 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm, Brisbane, QLD, 4005
Credit to: Tourism and Events Queensland
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park offers an exciting combination of nature, art, breathtaking views and barbecue spots. The heritage-listed cliffs provide an idyllic setting for afternoon picnics or birthday parties, with a playground, picnic tables and a cafe to grab some nibbles and watch the sunset over Brisbane. For art lovers and adventure junkies—the park has sculptures dotted throughout, with plenty of activities from rock climbing and abseiling to kayaking on Brisbane River.
Location: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, QLD, 4169
City Botanical Gardens
A cute picnic spot in Brisbane’s CBD, the City Botanical Gardens offers a tranquil green oasis to escape the bustle of the city. The heritage-listed gardens sit alongside Brisbane River and feature a Weeping Fig avenue, bamboo grove and ornamental pond. The park provides an abundance of lush picnic spots with a shaded playground to keep the kids entertained. The historic gardens also host music festivals, concerts and exhibitions at Riverstage, one of Brisbane’s best outdoor entertainment venues.
Location: City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice St, Brisbane City, QLD, 4000
Credit to: Tourism and Events Queensland
Bedford Playground
Also known as Bedford Park and Spring Hill Park, Bedford Playground is a heritage-listed playground that dates back to 1927. Popular amongst locals, this small leafy park offers a quiet escape from the busy inner-city suburbs, with shady trees and a picnic area and electric barbecues for leisurely picnics with the family. The park features plenty of activities, with a sprawling playground, an old steam locomotive, tennis court, sports field and fitness station to help ensure hours of fun.
Location: 8 Love St, Spring Hill, QLD, 4000
Captain Burke Park
Captain Burke Park is another Kangaroo Point gem offering a prime picnic spot at the base of historic Story Bridge. The park features picnic tables and barbecues, a maritime-themed playground to entertain the kids and a spacious grassy area to throw out your picnic blanket and watch the sunset over the city. Captain Burke Park is easily accessed via the riverfront walk, which winds its way to exciting South Bank.
Location: 117 Holman St, Kangaroo Point, QLD, 4169
South Bank Parklands
One of Brisbane’s favourite picnic spots, South Bank Parklands has no shortage of options, from Picnic Island Green and Rainforest Green to River Quay Green and Riverside Green. With stunning views, state-of-the-art playgrounds, swimming facilities, walking tracks, cafes and restaurants selling gourmet picnic hampers,
South Bank Parklands has all the ingredients for a perfect Brisbane day out.
Location: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101
Credit to: Tourism and Events Queensland
Where to stay in Brisbane?
Crystalbrook Vincent offers a slice of 5-star luxury, with an artistic twist, in the heart of Brisbane. Conveniently located in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, Crystalbrook Vincent is the perfect base to explore Brisbane, with features including luxury 5-star accommodation, sustainable amenities, a glamorous rooftop bar and over 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo.