Eight of the best spots for a BBQ in Canberra
Posted on
When the weather’s perfect and the fridge needs clearing out, there’s really only one solution: pack up the esky and head to a park with a BBQ.
Lucky for Canberrans, our city is absolutely loaded with parks that come equipped with free BBQ facilities, meaning the hardest decision you’ll face is which spot to claim.
Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner with a view or planning a full-day family adventure complete with playgrounds and walking trails, here are eight spots that offer more than just a hotplate.
John Knight Memorial Park (Belconnen)
For those located in the north of Canberra, John Knight Memorial Park is a fantastic spot for a BBQ. Along with BBQ facilities, you’ll find picnic areas, public toilets, fitness equipment, playgrounds, a disc golf course, basketball courts and a fixed orienteering course.
That’s not enough? The park also has a tree house, flying fox and play sculpture to help the kids burn off energy.
Google Map link here.
Yerrabi Pond District Park (Gungahlin)
Live in Gungahlin? You’ll want to head to Yerrabi Pond District Park. With three double BBQs, picnic tables and an adventure playground, flying fox, skateboard area and basketball court, it offers plenty of amenities.
Sit back and watch as the swans drift by on the pond and make sure to take your dog to the dedicated dog swimming area on the northeastern shore.
Google Map link here.
Fadden Pines District Park (Tuggeranong)
With four BBQ areas, Fadden Pines District Park is a favourite for families. Spanning an impressive 41 hectares, it also has an adventure playground, skateboard area and walking tracks, as well as plenty of spots for shade.
You can even take your furry friend along! Just make sure that they don’t get within 10 metres of a public play space or barbecue in use.
Google Map link here.
Telopea District Park (Barton)
Popular with pedestrians and cyclists from Kingston and Manuka, Telopea District Park offers four BBQs ready for you to use. With the Kingston Foreshore within walking distance and Nature Play options ideal for kids, the shade from the mix of exotic and native trees is perfect for escaping the heat on a summer’s day.
Google Map link here.
Lennox Gardens District Park (Barton)
Nestled between the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin, Lennox Gardens District Park is home to the Canberra Beijing Garden and Nara Peace Park. Home to sculptures, Japanese plants and a small English-style formal garden, it has both electric and gas BBQs along with easy access to parking and restrooms.
Just a note: thanks to the stunning and serene atmosphere, this park can get very busy with both locals and tourists.
Google Map link here.
Black Mountain Peninsula (Acton)
This 22-hectare foreshore parkland is not only stunning, but it has plenty of amenities that will keep the whole family entertained – including picnic areas, walking trails, a playground and spots for water activities.
Featuring both electric and gas BBQs, they’re first-come, first-served, so make sure to have everything you might need!
Google Map link here.
Henry Rolland Park (Parkes)
Looking for a spot where you can picnic on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin? Henry Rolland Park is the place to go. With barbecues and picnic tables, as well as plenty of grassed areas where you can spread out, make the most of the shade sails in summer as you watch the sunset over the lake.
Google Map link here.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (Out of town)
Wandering wallabies and emus, koalas, kangaroos, birds, reptiles and more…this is what you’ll see during your BBQ at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Just a 45-minute drive from the CBD, you do have to pay for entry to use the facilities here, but it’s well worth it.
Open from 7.30 am until 8 pm during summer, not only are there free gas and electric BBQs but also designated fire pits for wood BBQs (BYO firewood or purchase at Visitor Centre). Add in picnic tables, covered shelters and the Nature Discovery Playground, and you have a fun family day out.
Google Map link here.
