From beaches to National Parks find the best Gold Coast picnic spots to bask in the glorious weather and enjoy a family day out.
The best part about the Gold Coast is you don’t have to wait for a particular month to enjoy a picnic. The supreme climate means you can stock the esky, roll out a rug and enjoy a day outside nearly all year round.
There is something about getting outside with family or friends, sharing snacks and sipping on drinks that brings everyone closer, which is why picnickers flock to famous Gold Coast destinations.
Continue reading, if you are searching for a Gold Coast picnic spot where you can enjoy a leisurely day in the outdoors.
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Post was updated in March 2020
Table of Contents
PICNIC SPOTS GOLD COAST
1. John Laws Park (Burleigh Hill)
Leave invigorated from a day in the salt air as you enjoy views overlooking beautiful Burleigh Beach and towards Surfers Paradise. Rated one of the best picnic spots on the Gold Coast holidaymakers and locals love this park atop of Burleigh Headland as it has all the facilities and features needed to make a day in the outdoors perfect.
Anyone can make use of the barbeques and have immediate access to many local cafes and restaurants in the area, which is another reason you will often find picnic rugs sprawled everywhere on the grassy lawns. With the entrance to Burleigh Hills National Park walks closeby and an esplanade that follows the beach, this area is also popular for those wanting a little exercise.
The kids are certainly not left out, with two playgrounds in the area to enjoy, and a pristine sandy beach on the doorstep.
2. Paradise Point Parklands
Closer to the northern end of the Gold Coast, across the channel from the affluent Sovereign Island, Paradise Point Parklands is the jewel in the crown of the picnic areas on the Gold Coast. Large open grassed areas perfect for any size group. Free BBQ facilities are available for those wanting to cook some lunch, with sheltered picnic tables nearby.
If you have come unprepared, don’t worry as there are many cafes and restaurants across the road to grab a take-away. A few playgrounds are dotted along the esplanade to keep the children entertained, along with an enclosed swimming area and sandy beach for those warmer days. Needing to stretch your legs take a stroll along the path that runs parallel with the sparkling Broadwater.
3. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens (Benowa)
The Gold Coast’s Botanical Gardens is a popular spot for locals and visitors. A place to relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. The garden is separated into three areas: an off-leash dog area, kids playground with lots of green space and a lake section that is home to ducks, swans and birdlife. Centrally located in the heart of the Gold Coast, wooden boardwalks, paved paths and garden beds border the lake; a centrepiece for the Botanical Gardens.
Not far from the large wooden bridge and situated on the highest point in the Botanical Gardens is a café to grab a coffee, light snack or ice cream. Take a picnic, pack a ball, frisbee or cricket set, find your perfect spot under a beautiful shady tree and let time slip away.
4. Broadwater Parklands (Southport)
Broadwater Parklands stretches for three kilometres along the Broadwater in Southport and offers some of the best free entertainment for families on the Gold Coast. The vast lawns in the middle of the parklands host some of the Gold Coast’s major events and are the hub of many activities, such as movie nights and concerts.
The first of its kind on the Gold Coast, the Rock Pools are a major attraction for children and cater well for the younger age group due to the shallow wading areas and lifeguards on duty. The Rock Pools are a man-made creek with water fountains, pop jets, wading pools, and a giant water bucket.
The adjacent café is perfect for a light snack, drinks or ice-cream on a hot Gold Coast day. At the southern end of the parklands is the opportunity to swim in a Broadwater enclosure and enjoy one of the largest playgrounds on the Gold Coast.
5. Evandale Park (Surfers Paradise)
Located at Home of the Arts cultural complex (HOTA) and bordering the Nerang River is Evandale Park. A classic park set up: ample picnic areas, free barbeques, a fully fenced children’s playground and lots of green space.
Take a stroll and use the free exercise equipment that is stationed around the 677-metre loop of the park. Two points of difference that Evandale Park offers is a stunning backdrop of the Surfers Paradise skyline and a lagoon that is situated in the centre of the park. Take a break in the shade and use the sheltered lagoon for swimming and non-motorised water activities. Evandale Park is a place to enjoy a relaxing Sunday picnic in the sun.
6. Gold Coast Farms
Gold Coast and Surrounding Areas
Unwind from the pace of the day to day grind as you relax at one of the working farms around the Gold Coast that you can visit. Fresh produce is often plentiful, and wide-open spaces are guaranteed. Some of the farms have livestock and animals to greet and even playgrounds for the kids. On-site cafes exist, allowing visitors to taste premium produce and buy a haul to take home. Many of the farms have a unique signature attraction that sends locals flocking their way each weekend.
Read More: About the Farms around the Gold Coast
7. Hinze Dam (Advancetown)
While it’s not located in one of the popular suburbs of the Gold Coast, Hinze Dam should still be counted on your picnicking list. Located in the Gold Coast hinterland, 20 minutes from the city, Hinze Dam is the primary drinking water supply that is also an excellent destination for day-trippers.
The track on top of the dam wall is popular for taking a walk or bike riding. Learn interesting facts at the information centre, and be sure to explore the circuit pathway below the View Café. At the bottom of the wall is where you’ll find shady picnic tables, free barbeque, lots of grassy areas to roll out a picnic rug and a shaded children’s playground that is well suited to all aged groups.
8. Macintosh Island (Surfers Paradise)
A green oasis nestled between high rise buildings and busy streets is Macintosh Island in Surfers Paradise. With free bbq areas, picnic tables, wide-open spaces, and two children’s playgrounds, this park is a popular venue for special occasions and birthday parties.
Walk, run or scooter on the paved paths and watch for the local birds, ducks and peacocks that call this park home. Large trees provide ample shade, and the little stream that runs through the park gives a sense of serenity. Picnic areas can be located anywhere in the park, and when it’s time to burn off some energy, the two shade covered playgrounds come in handy.
9. Harley Park (Labrador)
There are fantastic areas along the Broadwater that are not only an excellent place for a picnic, but also water activities, and fun. Harley Park boasts a sandy beach and lagoon swimming area with a Broadwater backdrop. The smell of fish and chips from the nearby café lingers in the air, as you share the lawns with the resident seagulls and pelicans.
The two enclosed playgrounds are ideally located close to shady Gold Coast picnic areas with a variety of equipment to entertain kids of all ages. The long stretch of footpath that follows the Broadwater from Runaway Bay to Southport is an excellent path for a walk or scooter while you admire the splendid views towards Surfers Paradise.
10. Emerald Lakes (Carrara)
Only 15 minutes from Broadbeach and just up the road from Metricon Stadium is the Emerald Lakes community based around a large lake with over 13kms of cycling and walking tracks, manicured lawns and water features. Easily recognisable by its colourful European style architecture, start your day near the small beach area where you may see boating (miniature) enthusiasts or people casting a fishing line.
There are a couple of cafes under the residential buildings on the opposite side of the lake or bring a stocked picnic hamper and enjoy lakeside views.
11. Currumbin Rock Pools (Currumbin Valley)
Not only is the Currumbin Rock Pools a refreshing change of scenery from the central suburbs of the Gold Coast, but one of the best places to visit on a warm day thanks to the Currumbin Creek. Somewhat camouflaged by dense vegetation and trees take a scenic 25-minute drive into the Currumbin Valley watching for a small general store and adjacent car park.
The bubbling brook areas with rocks and tree roots are a natural playground for kids with lots of places to explore. Barbeque facilities, toilet amenities, large grassy spaces in addition to a natural swimming area are all ingredients that make a perfect picnic location.
Have I missed any hot picnic spots? Tell me your favourite picnic location in the comments.
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