There’s nothing better than the great Australian outdoors, so why not make the most of it! Take a freshly packed lunch and head to one of the many parks and reserves on the Gold Coast.
Here are just a few of our favourite picnic spots:
Paradise Point Parklands
Situated along The Esplanade at Paradise Point, Paradise Point Parklands are the perfect location for a stroll, picnic, fun in the playground or to simply relax overlooking the water. Amazing views make this one of the most beautiful parks on the Gold Coast. The park benches overlooking the beautiful Broadwater provide a majestic view, and a romantic spot to enjoy with your loved one. Beware, however, this park also allows off-leash dogs so hold on to your picnic!
Gold Coast Botanical Gardens
Formerly known as Rosser Park, the Gold Coast Botanical Gardens in Benowa are a must see for tourists and locals alike. The Gardens are set on an impressive 31 hectares, just 10 minutes drive from central Surfers Paradise. Choose to sit on the picnic bench, or lay your rug down onto the manicured green lawn surrounded by flowers in bloom. These picturesque Gardens provide the perfect place for a picnic among the wonders of nature. The central lake and boardwalk along with the beautiful plants and bright flowers create an amazing backdrop.
Tallebudgera Creek Park
This is a great spot for the whole family with smooth tranquil waters and fantastic park facilities. Chill out with a picnic on the great grassed area, or use the shelters, barbecues and tables. Tallebudgera Creek Park a local hideaway is an amazing clean swimming spot, for some fun before or after lunch. The views are stunning, but it does get quite crowded on busy days! Besides the beautiful location, there are lots of different things close by to explore for the wanderlust lovers. Definitely take your bathing gear for some swimming while you are here!
John Laws Park
The number one recommended place to have a picnic! John Laws Park offers one of the most magical views anywhere in the world! A stunning park right atop Burleigh Headland, there are views all the way to Surfers Paradise. Each weekend, picnic and barbecues are a plenty, with the grassy hill area a popular destination for get togethers. Bring your own picnic, or grab a takeaway meal or coffee from the coffee shops nearby. Burleigh Heads Surf Club offers meals all day, or enjoy the popular picnic fare of fish and chips! This place is always a winner.
Macintosh Island Park
This is a great park in the middle of Surfers Paradise. An oasis in the midst of high rises, this park is a sanctuary for many! The park has been established for many years, and most Gold Coasters can remember visiting during their childhood! Macintosh Island Park is a very popular spot for a picnic or get together with family and friends. There’s many options for your party or gathering, with large trees providing excellent shade options. A cascading stream running through the park is home to several birds, and gives a tranquil atmosphere. Picnic among the peacocks in paradise!
Broadwater Parklands
Broadwater Parklands is a world class community and cultural parkland, loved by Gold Coast residents and tourists alike. At the heart of the three kilometres of parklands is this vast expanse of green that is ideal for family picnics and fun. Picnic looking out beyond the Broadwater, with Marina Mirage and Sea World on the horizon. Chances are, if you picnic on the weekend, you’ll catch one of the various free community events happening around the park like a concert. Come one evening for one of their popular movie nights and you can picnic under the stars!
Evandale Park
Located in the centre of the city, these parklands are a beautiful location for a stroll, picnic, swim or fitness circuit activities. Situated behind the Council Chambers and the Gold Coast Arts Centre, Evandale Park offers amazing views over the Nerang River. Surfers Paradise skyline is your backdrop, making a beautiful photographic opportunity. The kids playground is a great one – two separate slides and climbing spaces, and shade sails for those hot days. This is the ideal picnic spot to get away from the hustle and bustle in the centre of it all.
Harley Park
Why not spend a lazy Sunday on the Broadwater and visit Harley Park? Harley Park is truly one of the greatest parks on the Coast. Magical Broadwater views, a fantastic ship-themed kids playground and heaps of shaded picnic tables make this a popular location for local residents. With heaps of picnic tables in the area, many of them undercover, you can easily find a spot to sit and enjoy your meal, or bring along a picnic rug and relax under the shady trees. Afterwards why not swim in the broadwater, throw in a fishing line, or watch the pelican feeding at 1pm daily at the nearby Charis Seafoods.
Apple Tree Park
This spectacular location is just 29 kilometres from Mudgeeraba, at the top of the Springbrook range and is the access point for many of the amazing walks in the Springbook area. The park itself is lovely with a brand new amenities building, barbecues and picnic tables. Most days, birds such as kookaburras can be found within metres of the visitors, resting on the arms of the trees. Just stop and listen to the wildlife and the leaves flapping in the breeze! Apple Tree Park is the perfect picnic pitstop before treking through the beautiful Springwood rainforest. Explorers and adventures will love this place!
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens is an 11 hectare site encompassing a wide variety of gardens from roses, magnolias, bromeliads, orchids, camellias, rhododendrons, and natives, to name but a few. Picnic tables and shelters are available, plus, throughout the Gardens, contemplative sites, with a seat, enable the visitor to rest and take in the beauty of nature. The air in Tamborine Mountains is slightly cooler than the Gold Coast city, so it’s an ideal getaway from the Australian heat- especially in Summer!
Tell us your favourite picnic spot on the Gold Coast! Is it from our list or have you discovered a new one we should know about?
