There’s no better way to enjoy a warm spring day in Canberra than with a relaxing picnic. VisitCanberra has pulled together the ultimate guide of top 21 best picnic locations to soak up the sun.
Commonwealth Park, Lake Burley Griffin
When it comes to prime picnic locations, it’s hard to go past Commonwealth Park at Lake Burley Griffin. From 17 September to 16 October, the park is the heart of Floriade celebrations, bursting with beautiful blooms. The park is a perfect place to kick back with its wide-open grassed areas, or hide away among intimate sculptured gardens, ponds and artworks. The park also features a large outdoor stage, an amphitheatre, a playground for kids and is home to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point.
Margot Espresso
Take a trip to Europe in the heart of the capital with a visit to Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage (Margot), opening in November. The new, “European-style” relaxed dining experience is set to take over the West Kiosk at Lake Burley Griffin and specialise in local wines, curated cheeses and great coffee.
Capital Brewing Co, Fyshwick
Roll out the picnic rug and enjoy chilled-out vibes on the lawn at Capital Brewing Co, Fyshwick. Sip locally brewed ales and grab a bite to eat from the Brodburger van, situated inside the venue. Furry friends are welcome, too!
Bowen Park, Lake Burley Griffin
It’s no surprise Lake Burley Griffin is a popular picnic spot in spring; and Bowen Park is a prime location to enjoy the afternoon sun. Just a stones-throw from Kingston and Manuka shops, it’s a popular destination for southside locals looking for a quiet place to read and relax. Feed the swans and enjoy the abundant birdlife, or cook lunch on the public barbecue amenities.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Enjoy the ambience in a cool rainforest or soak up the heat in the Red Centre Garden. The Australian National Botanic Gardens has a massive variety of picnic options for the whole family. The Garden also offers themed walks and tours for visitors to marvel at the diversity of Australian plants. If you don’t feel like packing your own food, the Gardens have an onsite café offering delicious food and coffee.
Haig Park, Braddon
Get lost among the pine trees in Haig Park. Originally planted in 1921, the park boasts beautiful rows of trees including Argyle apple, Snow gums, Desert ash, pine and cedar; offering a cool space to relax and unwind. If you’re there on a Sunday be sure to wander through the Haig Park Village Markets, offering a variety of local produce, flowers and pastries. It’s also within a short stroll to Canberra’s famous Lonsdale Street boasting boutique giftshops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Gardens at Australian Parliament House and Old Parliament House
Nestled beside Australia’s home of democracy, the Senate Garden is a relaxing, perfectly manicured oasis, wonderful for a relaxing picnic. The scenic gardens also feature a tennis court. While you’re there, walk the trail around Parliament House to discover 9 hectares of native gardens. There are 4,500 trees and 135,000 shrubs and groundcovers growing in the landscape, many of which are Indigenous to the ACT. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for politicians who frequent the gardens for a walk or run during sitting weeks. From there, take a trip through history at the Old Parliament House Gardens, located in the heart of the National Triangle. Take a self-guided walking tour through the pergolas and rose arbours and marvel at the tennis courts and bowling green.
Lennox Gardens
The colours of spring are in full bloom, as the cherry blossoms turn Lennox Gardens a picture-perfect pink. Set on the shores of Canberra’s aqua centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin, Lennox Gardens offers beautiful views of Black Mountain, the Brindabella Ranges and the city centre. Roll out the picnic rug on the grass or beside the beautiful landscaped gifts from Japan and China; each celebrating the sister city links between Canberra, Beijing and Japan’s ancient capital, Nara.
Weston Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of the CBD with a visit to Weston Park. Head to the beach and swimming area on the eastern shore or ride your bike on the cycle track that runs through the park. There’s plenty of room and facilities for picnicking with tables, electric barbecues and public toilets. Kids will love the large-scale adventure area featuring a water playground and wading pool.
Red Hill
Enjoy the spectacular views from one of Canberra’s original lookouts at the Red Hill Summit. Hike or drive to the summit and enjoy access to public picnic tables, perfect to spread out on a spring afternoon. There’s also a café at the summit.
Black Mountain Peninsula District Park
Black Mountain Peninsula District Park is one of the best parts of Lake Burley Griffin for water-based recreation including canoeing, rowing and sailing. The 22-hectare foreshore parkland has picnic areas, barbecues, walking trails and water activities for the whole family. The playground is suitable for toddlers and young children. The modern play equipment includes a wheelchair accessible swing.
Molonglo Reach District Park
Molonglo Reach District Park is a narrow strip of riverside parkland between the Molonglo River and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. The park offers good access to the bank of the river, making it great for a picnic, fishing and canoeing. Dogs are also welcome on-leash in most areas throughout the park.
Canberra outdoor cinema
Bring a fold-out chair or lay back on a beanbag with some popcorn and enjoy a movie at Canberra’s popular outdoor cinema, Sunset Cinema. The cinema is nestled among the trees within the Australian National Botanic Gardens and features a variety of movies from dramas, comedies and cult-classics.
Sculpture Gardens at National Gallery of Australia
Immerse yourself in history and enjoy learning about national and internationally renowned artists at the National Gallery of Australia’s sculpture garden. The grounds that lie between the National Gallery and the shores of Lake Burley Griffin were configured to display the Gallery’s extensive collection of sculptures. Most of the sculptures were bought and placed in the garden during the early 1980s and reflect the abstract, industrial aesthetic of that time. Antony Gormley’s life-sized maquette for Angel of the North which faces the lake, was a significant addition in 2010. The plants within the garden are native to Australia and were selected for their tolerance of Canberra’s distinct seasons.
GoBoat
Hit the water in an electric boat with GoBoat Canberra. Take your own picnic onboard and enjoy the views as you cruise up and down Lake Burley Griffin. Be your own captain, with no boat licence or previous boating experience required. Operation is simple, and the boats are powered by quiet, smooth electric motors with no exhaust or noise to worry about.
National Arboretum Canberra
Take a trip to the National Arboretum Canberra and be spoilt for choice at prime picnic options. Surround yourself with tall, 100-year-old trees and enjoy a barbeque at the Himalayan cedar forest, featuring free electric cooking facilities. Walk or drive to the Dairy Farmers Hill for spectacular views and take in the sunset in style.
Mount Ainslie
For picture-perfect views of Canberra, you can’t go past a visit to Mount Ainslie. Walk, cycle or drive to the lookout and enjoy the impressive scenery, particularly popular at sunrise and sunset. Pull out the picnic rug at the summit and take in Lake Burley Griffin and many of Canberra’s national attractions, framed by picturesque mountain ranges.
Cotter Dam
A short drive from Canberra’s CBD, Cotter Dam is ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation. Facilities include short walking tracks and camping facilities at the adjacent Cotter Campground. Take the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, lined with stories of Canberra’s water history. It features a 16-metre wide, amphitheatre style viewing platform with majestic views of the dam wall. Around the corner from the dam is Casuarina Sands with BBQ facilities, picnic tables, shaded areas, playground equipment, access to swimming, ample parking and disabled access.
Canberra Yacht Club
Laze by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and observe the action as boaties test the waters beside the Canberra Yacht Club. Enjoy the outdoors or head inside the club to dine al fresco on the balcony or in the bar lounge. Eat fresh fish and chips on the lawns or enjoy relaxed fine dining at the Yacht Club restaurant. The Yacht Club is also home to the MV Southern Cross that departs for chartered tours of the lake, dinner cruises and special events.
Gibraltar Falls
Enjoy nature and walk-through beautiful wilderness tracks at Gibraltar Falls. A picnic shelter, tables, gas barbecue and small amenities block are available at the Gibraltar Falls car park. Take the short walking track to the lookout to enjoy views over the falls and the valley beneath.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
If you like your picnics with a side of native animal spotting and stunning natural landscapes, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is the perfect location. Situated on the outskirts of the Namadgi National Park, the Reserve is home to many native Australian animals including kangaroos, koalas, platypus and echidnas. The Nature Discovery Playground provides the perfect post-snack location to burn off excess energy.
Image credit: Gibraltar Falls by Travelswithmichelle.
