Your bumper guide to perfect picnic spots in Canberra
Posted on
Planning a picnic? We’ve found some of the best spots in Canberra.
Divided by region, whether you’re looking for a location with stunning views or a playground for the kids, you’ll be sure to find some inspiration for your next outing on this list.
Central Canberra – Inner North
Commonwealth Park
When it comes to picnic locations in Canberra, you can’t ignore Commonwealth Park.
With plenty of scenic spots to choose from, you can kick back in the wide-open grassed areas, or hide away among intimate sculptured gardens, ponds, and artworks. And if you’re looking for a location with things to do, the addition of the playground makes it ideal for some quailty time with the family.
Google map: Commonwealth Park
Mount Ainslie
A perennial favourite for those looking for that classic shot of Canberra, Mount Ainslie yields spectacular views of the pleasingly symmetrical Parliamentary Triangle.
There’s plenty of space to park and enjoy the view with your picnic, but you can also tackle the challenging 4.5km summit track that starts near the War Memorial car park.
It’s suitable for most fitness levels, but make sure to time your walk accordingly as the path is not lit and is quite steep in some areas.
Google map: Mount Ainslie Lookout
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Beautiful natural surroundings? Tick. Ambiance? Tick. Plenty of places to kick back and relax? Tick. If you’re looking for a location that suits the whole family, the Australian National Botanic Gardens has a variety of picnic options.
Pack a rug and relax on the lawns, spread your feast on a picnic table, or visit the onsite café for an iced coffee and healthy meal. Need to cool off? Wander down to the Rainforest Gully to make the most of its daily misting.
Google map: Australian National Botanic Gardens
Black Mountain Peninsula
Black Mountain Peninsula is the perfect place to enjoy Lake Burley Griffin in every way: paddling, boating or just strolling along the beach or the water’s edge.
This 22.2 hectares of foreshore parkland includes picnic areas and all-ability-access playgrounds.
Google map: Black Mountain Peninsula
Molonglo Reach
This leafy stretch of river corridor is dense with mature trees and the twisting nature of the river means you’re sheltered from many sides.
While the tree coverage means you’re almost never in the full sun, it’s lovely to be by the river in such an inner-city location.
There are toilet facilities too.
Google map: Molonglo Reach
Central Canberra – Inner South
Red Hill
A wonderfully winding drive (or hike!) to the top of Red Hill will reward you with stellar views from every angle.
There are a few picnic tables you can utilise, but if you’re keen for a walk and a picnic, why not hike to the Davidson Hill Trig Station, a 1km walk across the saddle of the mountain that crosses challenging slopes that’ll have you working up a sweat in no time.
Google map: Red Hill Drive
Lennox Gardens
Lennox Gardens, set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offers beautiful views of Black Mountain, the Brindabella Ranges, and the city centre.
Kids can roam the expanse of lush green grass and there’s plenty of space to picnic or just relax under the shade of towering trees.
Google map: Lennox Gardens
Kingston Island
It isn’t the most ‘bush’ picnic spot, but the stretch of grass along the lake side of Kingston Island (accessible via the footbridge from Jack Ross Park) is a lovely sunny spot and while it isn’t particularly sheltered, the angle means unless the wind is coming off the lake, you’re okay.
There are some picnic tables around the northern end of the island and there are plenty of takeaway food and drink options along the Foreshore.
Google map: Kingston Island
Bowen Park
Just a stones-throw from Kingston and Manuka shops, this is an ideal destination for southside locals looking for a quiet place to read and relax.
Make yourself comfortable next to Lake Burley Griffin, feed the swans (if you dare), and make the most of the public barbecue amenities
Google map: Bowen Park
House of Representatives Gardens + The Senate Gardens
Naturally, these lush inner south public gardens come top of the list due to their perimeter hedges providing the perfect windbreak.
There’s plenty of grass you can stretch out on, and shade to avoid the midday sun.
Google map: Senate Gardens
National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Gardens
Want to immerse yourself in history while kicking back? Learn about national and internationally renowned artists at the National Gallery of Australia’s sculpture garden, where you’ll find an extensive collection of sculptures nestled among the landscape.
Pack some food and a picnic rug and choose where you’ll make camp for the day – perhaps next to Tracey Emin’s When I sleep or Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North?
Google map: Sculpture Garden
Weston Park
As well as having plenty of gorgeous green space for picnics, the enormous 40-hectare Weston Park has a wading pool, beach, and cycle track.
Kids will love the playground with climbing net and swings, adventure playground, and wide spaces across which to roam.
Google map: Weston Park
Grevillea Park
Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin’s East Basin, Grevillea Park has beautiful views across the lake to Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Kingston and Parliament House.
The perfect place to enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Google map: Grevillea Park
Weston Creek/Molonglo
Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout
The views from the National Arboretum are nothing short of spectacular, and with Dairy Farmers Hill’s reputation as a top balloon watching spot, it’s no surprise it makes a cracker of a picnic spot too.
Take a picnic and spread out on the gentle slope or throw on your sneakers and cruise the surrounding hills. There are plenty of beautiful views to be experienced.
Google map: Dairy Farmers Hill
Molonglo Reach District Park
This is a narrow strip of riverside parkland between the Molonglo River and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Overlooking the bank of the river, it’s ideal for a picnic in the warmer months – especially if you love fishing or canoeing. Dogs are also welcome on leash in most areas throughout the park, so you can make it a whole family affair!
Google map: Molonglo Reach District Park
Ruth Park
Located in the suburb of Coombs in the Molonglo Valley, if you’re looking for a location to take the kids, this is it.
Featuring a massive modern playground complete with a bird’s nest tower, pod structures, swings, slides, and shade structures, here you’ll also find a BBQ and picnic area. Thank us later.
Google map: Ruth Park
Tuggeranong
Point Hut Picnic Area
Surrounded by rolling hills and views out onto the Brindabellas (as well as a stellar playground), Point Hut is the perfect place for families, with plenty of grass to stretch out on.
Google map: Point Hut Picnic Area
Greenway Park
Located next to Mimi’s Pit Stop and with a playground within walking distance of a playground, Greenway Park is one to add to the list.
Grab yourself a coffee and enjoy watching the day pass you by from the lakeside.
Google map: Greenway Park
Fadden Pines District Park
Ideal for sourthsiders looking for a location that is not only picturesque but also has plenty of amenities, Fadden Pines District Park is the place to go.
The 41-hectare park has everything from an adventure playground to a skateboard area, a significant urban pine plantation, and plenty of picnic areas – including communal BBQs. Pack some snacks and make a day of it!
Google map: Fadden Pines District Park
Pine Island Reserve
Located on the south on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, here you’ll find plenty of amenities that everyone will enjoy.
From a playground for the kids to free electric barbecues, picnic tables, and a picnic shelter, you can ride your bike or walk to Point Hut for something to do. And with gates closing at 9 pm during daylight savings, you can literally spend hours at Pine Island.
Google map: Pine Island Reserve
Belconnen
Lake Ginninderra
There are so many picturesque spots around Canberra’s second-largest lake, it’s hard to choose just one!
Take the family for an adventure at John Knight Park with its multiple playgrounds, get keen bikers learning road rules at the Learn To Ride station on the lake’s northeastern side, or stretch out in the shade at the Western Foreshore Park.
Google map: John Knight Memorial Park
Paddy’s Park
With basketball courts, cricket nets, an open-air amphitheatre, and a dedicated picnic area, this park is ideal for soaking up the outdoors.
With a massive 2.7 hectares of space, sit back and relax or make the most of the area by burning off some energy.
Google map: Paddy’s Park
Hilltop Park
Located near Paddy’s Park, for those looking for a view to go along with their picnic, you can’t go past Hilltop Park.
Overlooking the Brindabellas, let the kids run free and play on the playground (which has swings, rope walls, slides, and more).
Google map: Hilltop Park
Gungahlin
Yerrabi District Park
With an innovative play space and adventure playground, a wheelchair-accessible liberty swing, a double/tandem flying fox, and a burmese bridge for agility and coordination, this park has it all.
Pack your picnic and enjoy relaxing by the lake, make the most of the skateboard area, barbecues, basketball court, and walking trails, and keep an eye out for the dog swimming area on the northeastern side of the pond!
Google map: Yerrabi District Park
Crace Recreation Park
This location will impress all ages. Crace Community Recreation Park is a 4.5-hectare area complete with a playground, sport, and recreation facilities, barbecues, and fitness equipment.
Other highlights? The solar-powered mobile phone charging bench, and the off-leash areas for your four-legged friends!
Google map: Crace Recreation Park
Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve
Explore Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve on the edge of Gungahlin. Park at the South Car Park off Horse Park Drive and head into the woodlands for a bushwalk. Take a picnic and lean up again old gum trees—if you have binoculars, it’s a great place to sit quietly to spot birds.
Google map: Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve
