The 11 Best Picnic Spots in Canberra That Are Perfect for Creating Unforgettable Memories
It’s common knowledge that Canberra is home to tons of tourist attractions and beautiful landscapes, both natural and man-made. Well, what better way to enjoy them than with a picnic?
Whether you feel like bringing a blanket and snacks or having a full-on barbecue sesh, there are plenty of recreational places all over the city that can help you elevate your experience with their views and amenities.
In this handy guide, we’ve compiled all the top spots worth having a pleasant picnic here in Canberra.
1. Commonwealth Park
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Address: Parkes, Canberra ACT 2600
Contact details: 02 6272 2902
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Although one of the most popular in Canberra, Commonwealth Park is still peaceful for the majority of the year. Many locals love its accessibility from the city center and its serene views of Lake Burley Griffin and the parliamentary triangle.
Its spacious grounds have plenty of artwork, water features, and play areas to engage with. Throughout the year, events are held in its amphitheater or Stage 88, which is its sizable outdoor stage.
On normal days though, people choose to go here for its plush lawns, clean lavatories, and relaxing walking trails. Its open-grass areas are well-maintained and shaded with trees as well, so big groups can have an enjoyable time having a picnic here.
There are also a bunch of cute cafes situated a stone’s throw away, so you can pick up some pastries and coffee before heading to the park.
Pro tip:
The best time to go here is in September, during the Floriade festival. This annual event showcases over a million colorful flowers and fun performances to celebrate the season of spring.
2. National Arboretum Canberra
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Address: Forest Drive, ACT 2611
Contact details: 02 6207 8484
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
National Arboretum Canberra is one of the most unique places to have a picnic in the capital. It houses over 44,000 rare and endangered trees and you can find out more about them during your time there.
And that’s not all, visitors can also choose between two picnic spots that come with their own perks.
Heading to Dairy Farmers Hill will lead you to a picnic table that has a unique bird’s eye view of the city. On the other hand, the wheelchair-accessible Himalayan Cedar Forest picnic area has barbecue facilities that you can enjoy amongst hundred-year-old trees.
When you’re done, you can choose to participate in some of the activities they have all year round, such as guided forest walks, botanical gel printmaking, kite-making sessions, and more.
The place is also pet-friendly so you can bring your dogs with you to the walking tracks on-leash. They even have a designated area for horses where equestrians can ride recreationally.
Pro tip:
Families are sure to enjoy the award-winning POD Playground. Inspired by its surroundings, it has fun nature-inspired equipment, such as nest swings and giant acorn cubbies, designed for kids of all ages.
3. Yarralumla Bay District Park
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Address: Alexandrina Drive, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Located on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, Yarralumla Bay District Park is perfect for those who want to cool off on a warm day. Many locals go here to fish, paddle, swim, or even tan on its sandy beach.
The nearby picnic area is shaded with trees so you and your companions can be comfortable. The park also provides plenty of drinking water and barbecue equipment that are free to use.
When you get too full, you can choose among one of the park’s many trails to walk it off. They have paths for all fitness levels so you don’t have to worry if you’re not an experienced hiker.
Dog owners would be happy to know that the park has designated off-leash areas where your pets can run around. The park is also a short walking distance away from Orana Bay’s dog swimming beach and Yarralumla dog park.
Pro tip:
The western part of the park has piers and launching ramps, so bring a kayak or hire one on-site to make the most out of the water.
4. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
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Address: Paddys River Road, ACT 2620
Contact details: 02 6207 7921
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a 45-minute drive away from Canberra’s CBD and a great place to be one with nature. Here, you’ll get a chance to see most of Australia’s most famous animals: kangaroos, koalas, emus, wallabies, and maybe even, platypuses.
The rangers offer short educational activities to get to know your surroundings. You can learn more about native plants, wetlands, and the various bird species around the area.
From their visitor center, get a map that points out all the different sites you can go to for a picnic. You can choose somewhere more quiet and calm such as the riverside sites or go for spots that have more striking views like Rock Valley.
They provide both gas and wood barbecues for free. However, you’ll have to buy wood from the visitor center or pack some before heading there because collecting wood from inside the park is strictly forbidden.
Pro tip:
Since Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a protected area, visitors must purchase a day pass to see all of its trails and sites. However, going with an annual pass can save you money if you live nearby since the place is huge and worth coming back to.
5. Mount Ainslie Lookout
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Address: 20 Mount Ainslie Drive, ACT 2609
Contact details: +61 132 281
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Mount Ainslie Lookout is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. It’s near a couple of famous tourist attractions, including the Australian World Memorial and the Anzac Parade, so it can be easily included in your trip itinerary.
It offers a magnificent 360-view of Canberra. From the summit, you can gaze at Walter Burley Griffin’s carefully designed geometric plan for the city.
There are some seats and tables at the top for a picnic, but it’s better to bring a blanket since the place does get a lot of visitors. That way, you can comfortably enjoy your food with the best view of the capital as your backdrop.
For those who plan on hiking their way up, take note that it’s quite steep and usually takes around an hour and a half. The trails aren’t super friendly for inexperienced hikers but just take your time and pack appropriately to make your climb easier.
You can also just drive to the lookout since there’s free parking at the top.
Pro tip:
The best time to go here is right before the sunset. This will give all the photos you take at the lookout that lovely golden hour hue.
6. Weston Park
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Address: Weston Park Road, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Contact details: +61 132 281
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Weston Park serves as an oasis right in the heart of Canberra. This urban park is where many families go to relax, unwind, and exercise during the weekends or holidays.
There’s an abundance of activities available that make it ideal for a pleasant family outing. Both kids and adults can easily find something to busy themselves with.
You can do the usual walking, jogging, and cycling, or you can play petanque or bocce in the courts. Meanwhile, those who’d rather be more laid back can meet some animals at the park’s petting zoo.
All areas are well-maintained with landscaping and there are water features that you can admire or wade in. There are also picnic tables, electric barbecues, clean lavatories, and drinking water for when it’s time for afternoon refreshments.
The overall atmosphere is pleasant and makes you feel like you’re on a nature retreat even though you’re still in the city.
Pro tip:
The park is famous for its miniature railway, so be sure to check that out. It’ll bring you and your family around the park and let you marvel at wildlife safely.
7. Black Mountain Peninsula District Park
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Address: Garryowen Drive, Acton ACT 2601
Contact details: +61 132 281
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Those who are fond of water-based activities would have so much fun here at Black Mountain Peninsula District Park.
Most of the time, you’ll see people canoeing, sailing, or fishing in the water. It’s also common to see full rowing teams practicing in the mornings.
Close proximity to the water gives the picnic areas a cool breeze. So even if you’re using the gas or electric barbecues, you’ll hardly break a sweat at all.
Just make sure to put some sunscreen on because there’s not a lot of shade available here. It’s mostly an open area where the water is the main feature.
As for the kids, they’ll be excited to see that the playground has modern and challenging equipment. There’s even a wheelchair-accessible swing available.
Pro tip:
The most beautiful time to visit this park is during autumn. The swamp cypresses, along with the diverse plant life, change color and turn into a vibrant display.
8. Lennox Gardens
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Address: Flynn Drive, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Contact details: +6 132 281
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Visiting Lennox Gardens is like traveling to 2 different countries at once, without even having to leave the city. This unique formal urban park has three different areas that have their own distinct charms.
First off, a red gravel path will lead you to an English-style formal garden. Strolling and looking at the sculptures here makes you feel like you’re in another era.
Second is the Canberra Beijing Garden, modeled after a Qing dynasty imperial garden. It has a traditional gate and was given to Canberra by the Beijing government as a celebration of their sister city relationship.
The last area is the Canberra Nara Peace Park, which was also gifted by another sister city in Japan. This section houses a gazebo and has been planted with a number of Japan’s signature cherry blossom trees.
There are a handful of picnic tables and barbecues across the park, and it’s up to you to choose where you want to eat based on what kind of architecture you want to admire.
Pro tip:
Head to the Chinese Pavilion for a great vantage point of the park. It’s much quieter than the rest of the areas and you’ll be surrounded by impressive and colorful Chinese architecture.
9. Australian National Botanic Gardens
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Address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT 2601
Contact details: +61 2 6250 9540
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Just a short drive away from Canberra’s city center is the world-famous Australian National Botanic Gardens. It has the biggest collection of living native greenery, with over 77,000 plants inside.
Visitors can join one of their Flora Explorer Bus Tours to see most of the areas. This 45-minute guided tour will take you through highlights and teach you more about the plants.
You’ll also be shown the Eucalypt Lawn, which is the most popular site for picnics. Although the Pollen Cafe is close by, it’s better to bring a blanket and pack your own lunch because the food here can be quite pricey.
And although visitors are encouraged to smell the flowers and talk to the animals inside, it’s highly discouraged to feed them or leave rubbish anywhere.
Pro tip:
Admission to the Australian National Botanic Gardens is free unless you have a car because of on-site parking fees. We recommend taking the bus instead since the closest stop is only a 10-minute walk away.
10. National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden
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Address: Parkes Place, Parkes ACT 2600
Contact details: +61 2 6240 6711
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Many tourists are surprised to learn that their experience doesn’t have to end after they’ve gone through all the exhibits inside the National Gallery of Australia.
But between the gallery and Lake Burley Griffin sits the must-see Sculpture Garden. It displays installations from renowned artists, both local and international.
The sculptures, along with the waterfront view, create a serene atmosphere that’s especially perfect for picnics on sunny days. Just bring a blanket and choose which sculpture you’d like to be situated next to.
It’s a nice way to soak up some art and some sun. What’s even better is that entry to the gallery is free so you can come back here as much as you’d like.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the sculpture called ‘Foggy wake in a desert: An ecosphere’ by Fujiko Nakaya. Every day from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, a mist wafts over the entire scene making it look magical and more impactful.
11. Ruth Park
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Address: Edgeworth Parade, Coombs ACT 2611
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
The Ruth Park Playspace is one of the most recent destination attractions for families with kids. This multi-million project was modeled to have a nature theme that resembles animal habitats.
The park’s unique design is fun and so visually interesting that at first glance, it looks like an art installation.
Beside it is where the barbecue and picnic area is. From here, parents can prepare snacks and keep a watchful eye on their children.
One of the few downsides to this park is that it doesn’t have a lot of trees and shade, so remember to wear a cap or put on some sunscreen. The cool breeze from the lake will help you feel refreshed though.
Still, kids of all ages will have fun using the modern equipment and interacting with the unique structures. Some of these include the bird’s nest tower, the giant pods, the tall slide, and a variety of swings.
Pro tip:
As of now, there are no public toilets available on the park premises. If you or your kid needs to go, you can head to one of the shops in the neighborhood instead.