The Best 30 Picnic Spots in Melbourne
Melbourne has some great spots for families to picnic. Despite our fickle weather, there are plenty of opportunities to pack up the blanket, utensils and provisions and head off for a picnic. Locations range from bushland, beaches and parks and there is a beautiful and fun place for everyone to enjoy.
We've sought out all the best picnic locations around Melbourne and have listed 30 of the best.
Central Melbourne:
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (Central Melbourne)
The Gardens, which displays almost 50,000 individual plants representing 8,500 different species, extend across 36 hectares with trees, garden beds, lakes and lawns. There are plenty of places where you can settle down on the grassy green lawns or under a shady tree for a picnic.
Some special places to visit are Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden (where children can play, explore, climb, splash in the water play area, hide and dig), Oak Lawn (fun in autumn when the colourful leaves blanket the ground), Princes Lawn (has a nice hill for kids to roll down) and Picnic Point (where you can watch punt boats glide across the Ornamental Lake).
Barbecues are not permitted within the Gardens but there are free public barbecues beside the Yarra River along Alexander Avenue.
Activities include a gondola ride on the ornamental lake, walks through the different zones of the Gardens ranging from cacti gardens to tropical glasshouses, grabbing a bite or a drink at one of the cafes (Jardin Tan with French-Indochina influence or The Terrace which serves lunch, Devonshire tea, high tea, coffee and cake with spectacular views) or just taking in the breathtaking scenery from many parts of the gardens.
Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Facilities: Shaded and unshaded lawn areas set in beautiful gardens, toilets, cafes, visitor centre
Opening Times: 7.30am to sunset every day of the year.
Access for Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. Dogs are not permitted in the following areas: The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, licensed cafes, visitor centre and gift shop.
Fitzroy Gardens (East Melbourne)
The beautifully landscaped Fitzroy Gardens have a history covering 150 years. As well as lush lawns to lay out a picnic rug, there are attractions such as fountains, sculptures, historic buildings, ornamental follies such as the old bandstand and Temple of the Winds Rotunda, dragon playground, miniature Tudor Village, Fairies Tree (lovely carvings on the stump of one of the original Red Gum trees in the Gardens), Conservatory (with spectacular floral displays), Cooks' Cottage (transported from the village of Great Ayton in Yorkshire), Sinclair's cottage (Italian Romanesque style gardener's cottage), Visitor Centre, Scarred Tree (tree which has had bark removed by indigenous Australians for the creation of canoes, shelters, shields and containers).
There are no picnic tables or BBQs in the Gardens.
Address: Bounded by Clarendon Street, Albert Street, Lansdowne Street and Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, water taps, visitor centre, many attractions, metered parking, within walking distance of Melbourne CBD
Opening Times: Gardens are open 24/7. The Visitor Centre and Cooks' Cottage are open daily from 9am to 5pm, Closed Christmas Day. The Conservatory is open daily 9am to 5pm (5.30pm during daylight savings), except when closed for the changeover of displays.
Albert Park Lake (Albert Park)
Albert Park, 226 hectares in size, covers a huge area of parkland with a 4.7 kilometre walking track around the lake.
There are three main picnic areas - Swan, Cormorant and Coot Picnic Areas which each have shelters, tables and barbeques.
There is an excellent community playground on the western side of Aughtie Drive which has a shelter with tables and BBQs, shaded tables and toilets.
Other activities include fishing for rainbow trout and golden perch, rowing (The Y Rowing Club conduct Come and Try / Learn to Row sessions for all ages on Sunday mornings), model yachts (Albert Park Model Yacht Club race every Sunday afternoon adjacent to McAdam House - Powerhouse), sailing (watch the regular races on the lake every Saturday or learn to sail at The Boatshed), golf (18 hole Albert Park Public Golf Course), aquatic play at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and bird watching (Albert Park is home to a wide diversity of bird life making it a good spot for birdwatching).
Address: Lakeside Drive, Albert Park
Facilities: Shelters, BBQs, picnic tables, water taps, toilets, sports clubs
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Access for Dogs: Albert Park is mainly an on-lead park but there are some designated off-lead areas where you can give your dog a good run.
Carlton Gardens (Carlton)
Lovely picnic lawn areas scattered with sculptures, ornamental lakes and fountains with the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building as a backdrop. There is an unusual playground in the north west area which has picnic tables, big basketball court and grassy areas under the trees.
Extra activities include possum spotting (there are plenty here day or night), Melbourne Museum which has the Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery, IMAX and exploring the collection of Moreton Bay fig trees where local Aboriginal people have traditionally met and socialised.
Address: 1-111 Carlton Street, Carlton
Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets, Melbourne Museum, IMAX
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Access for Dogs: Dogs must be on leash
St Kilda Botanical Gardens (St Kilda)
There is plenty to like here for picnics with lovely lawns, shady trees, gardens, shelters and picnic tables. There are no barbeques but shops with food supplies are close by. Other attractions include a giant chess board, playground, rose garden, lovely glasshouses, chess tables, sub-tropical rainforest conservatory, row of palm trees, ornamental pond with a solar-powered Rain Man fountain, Eco Centre and take-away coffee spot on Blessington Street.
Address: 52 Blessington Street, St Kilda. Access also via Tennyson, Dickens and Herbert Streets
Facilities: Picnic tables, playground, toilets, free parking, conservatory, glasshouse, rotunda, giant chessboard and chess tables, ornamental pond, Eco Centre
Opening Times: The Garden is open between sunrise and sunset seven days a week and the conservatory is open between 10.30am and 3.30pm all week days and from dawn to dusk Saturday to Sunday and on public holidays. If locked in after closing there is a turnstile exit into Herbert Street.
Access for Dogs: Dogs must be on leash.
Yarra Bend Park (Kew)
Yarra Bend Park has a number of sites for picnics which include facilities such as rotundas, barbecues, shelters, tables and toilets. The main areas are the Loop Picnic Area (barbeques, shelter and tables, carpark, toilets and playground), Studley Park Boathouse and Picnic Area (barbeques, picnic shelter, carpark, toilets, canoe access and cafe), Bellbird Picnic Area (barbeques, picnic shelter, carpark and toilets) and Westfield Reserve (barbeques, picnic shelter, carpark and toilets).
There are plenty of activities in the park including walks (the popular Main Yarra Trail passes through the Park and varying length circuit tracks from 850m to 6.6km take you to popular sites including Dights Falls and Deep Rock), boats (rowing boats, canoes and kayaks are available for hire from Studley Park Boathouse), bird watching and spotting the thousands of grey-headed flying-foxes nesting in the trees beside the Yarra River.
Address: Yarra Boulevard, Kew
Facilities: BBQs, shelters, tables, toilets, cafe at Studley Park Boathouse, public Yarra Bend Golf Course (18 holes) including a mini golf course and Studley Park Golf Course (9 holes)
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Access for Dogs: Yarra Bend Park is a multi-zone park. Dogs are permitted in most areas of the park, but must be kept on a leash in certain areas, and kept out of dog exclusion areas.
Abbotsford Convent (Abbotsford)
The Abbotsford Convent complex consists of a series of historic buildings, art spaces, a number of eating places such as the Convent Bakery, Cam's, Kappaya Japanese Soul Food and Lentil As Anything and lovely sprawling gardens which just beg for a picnic blanket and basket. It is located next to the Collingwood Children's Farm and the Yarra River. There are no picnic tables or barbeques on site.
There are a range of pop-up activities held every weekend and the Abbotsford Convent Farmers Market is held on the fourth Saturday of the month (8am - 1pm).
Address: 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Facilities: Cafes. No parking on site. There is paid parking in the car park directly across from the Convent.
Opening Times: The Convent is open 7 days, 7.30am - 10pm daily (open all public holidays)
East:
Wattle Park (Burwood)
Wattle Park, which is after Australia's proposed national floral emblem, the Golden Wattle, officially opened in 1917. It is the only known remaining Australian example of a pleasure park initially established, owned and operated by a transport authority with the dual purpose of promoting transport services and providing a recreational facility at the termini of its lines for the public.
As well as picnic facilities including BBQs, the 55 hectare Wattle Park features historical buildings, soaring gum trees, wattles (of course), seasonal wildflowers, ponds, playground with two trams, walking and cycling tracks, tennis courts and public 9-hole golf course.
Address: 1012 Riversdale Road, Burwood
Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, tennis courts, playground, public nine-hole golf course
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Access for Dogs: Dogs must be on-leash
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (Cranbourne)
The main picnic area is the Woodland Picnic Area which is approximately 400 metres from the car park and includes large open grasslands for ball games, a bicycle track, barbecue facilities and a children's playground. If you don't want to overload the kids with picnic supplies, a free trolley is provided to help you carry your picnic basket to the picnic area.
The Gardens also have two pavilions with picnic facilities (picnic tables and BBQs) plus the Copse Picnic Space, which is located past the playground in the far copse of trees, has a picnic table with bench seats.
Highlights and activities include the stunning Australian Gardens in large scale, Trig Point Lookout (360-degree views of the city skyline, the Dandenong Ranges and both Port Philip Bay and Western Port on a clear day), walking tracks ranging in length from 1 to 4.4km in length), 6km bicycle track which winds through all areas of the Gardens, Rockpool Waterway (a designated wading area), 'Desert Discovery Camp' with a big sandpit under a roof with a fossil wall and walking across the pond on giant metal lilly pads.
Address: Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne
Facilities: BBQs, picnic tables, shelters, toilets, water taps, playgrounds
Opening Times: 9am - 5pm daily. Closed on Christmas Day.
Access for Dogs: Pets are not permitted in the Gardens.
Yarra Ranges National Park
Enjoy a picnic with fresh mountain air combined with forest walks with ancient fern gullies, clear mountain streams and mighty Mountain Ash. This is a location best reserved for the warmer part of the year for picnics.
The Yarra Ranges National Park has a number of designated picnic sites including Badger Weir Picnic Area (picnic shelter and tables, BBQs and toilet block plus short walks around the Badger Weir), Fernshaw Picnic Area (picnic tables scattered throughout a European garden area, BBQ, toilet block and information shelter), Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area (tables but no BBQs) and Donnellys Weir Picnic Area (picnic facilities and some difficult walks).
Some of the highlights of the park are Mt Donna Buang Summit which has picnic facilities and features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and gives panoramic views across the park and way beyond and the Donna Buang Rainforest Gallery and Skywalk which features an observation platform which takes you into the rainforest canopy 15 metres above the ground and an elevated walkway through the rainforest gallery.
Address: Badger Weir Road, Badger Creek
Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, toilets at various sites
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Lillydale Lake (Lilydale)
The 28 hectare lake forms a centre for a range of activities and picnic locations.
Facilities and activities include a playground, water splash park, BBQs, picnic facilities, outdoor fitness station, 10 kilometres of shared trail for walking and cycling, fishing jetties, sandy beach areas, sailing and dog off leash areas.
Address: 432 Swansea Road, Lilydale
Facilities: BBQs, picnic tables, shelters, toilets, water taps, lake, beach, playground
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Access for Dogs: There are two designated dog off leash areas. In other areas of the park dogs must be on-leash.
Maroondah Reservoir Park (Healesville)
The park has large picnic areas with facilities, colourful gardens with many exotic trees coupled with native bush, scenic lookout with great views, walks, historic valve houses, the 'Rose Stairway' and the reservoir spillway which is overflowing during spring, depending on seasonal conditions.
Walks include the Lookout Track which crosses dam wall (1 km, 30 minutes), Maroondah Forest Track which connects the Lookout to Henderson's Picnic Area via a pleasant forest walk (800m, 15 minutes), Scenic Views Track which winds through grassed areas with large exotic trees and spectacular views of and eventually reaches the top of the dam wall (1.3 km, 30 minutes) and Henderson's Hill Track which climbs to the top of Henderson's Hill (1.4km, 40 minutes).
Address: 505 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Facilities: Shelters, tables, BBQ, water taps, toilets
Opening Times: During daylight savings 8am to 8pm, during winter season 8am to 5pm and during other times 8am to 6pm
Access for Dogs: Dogs are allowed on lead in the park
Emerald Lake (Emerald)
Emerald Lake has 50 hectares of lovely parklands with two lakes and has many gorgeous picnic spots. There are plenty of picnic facilities throughout the park and many activities to keep the whole family entertained. There is a station for Puffing Billy, 15km of walking tracks, trout fishing in the lakes, paddleboat rides on the lake (fees apply), model railway (fees apply), free wading pool during the summer season, outdoor exercise equipment, historic murals, Emerald Museum, Nobelius Heritage Park and a playground.
Address: Emerald Lake Road, Emerald
Facilities: Facilities: Picnic tables, shelters, BBQs, cafe, toilets, paddleboat rides, model railway, fishing, wading pool, Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald Museum
Opening Times: Vary by season. During summer season 8am to 8pm, during winter season 9am to 4.30pm and 9am to 6pm at other times of the year.
Cost: $6 for all-day parking. There are fees for paddleboat rides and model railway.
Access for Dogs: Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Lysterfield Lake Park (Narre Warren North)
Lysterfield Lake Park provides opportunities for walking (there are a number of walking tracks including three trails that are linked for a two-hour walk around the lake), horse riding, mountain biking (20 kilometres of trails catering for riders of all ages and ability), swimming (two protected swimming bays with sandy beaches), bird watching (bird hide at the northern end of the picnic ground) and non-powered boating as well as attractive picnic locations.
Address: Cnr Horswood Road and Logan Park Road, Narre Warren North
Facilities: There are two picnic areas along the lake shore and both have toilets, picnic tables and free electric barbecues. There are no shelters at Lysterfield Park.
Opening Times: Open from 8am to 7pm during daylight saving time.
Access for Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in Lysterfield Park.
Jells Park (Wheelers Hill)
Jells Park has 127 hectares of wide open spaces and a wildlife lake including over nine kilometres of paths and trails. There are a number of picnic locations across the park with tables and BBQs.
Activities include walking and cycling along the trails, fishing (fish from the jetties for redfin, short-finned eels and yabbies with a valid Recreational Fishing Licence), bird watching (at the bird hide you can view Australian native birds such as swamphens, darters, cormorants and pelicans) or enjoying the playgrounds at Jells Park (South), Oaks Picnic Area and Jells Park (East).
Address: 998 Waverley Road, Wheelers Hill
Facilities: There are 8 barbecues located across the park - 2 at the Pines, 5 at Jells south, 1 at Jells North and 2 at Yabbie Hill. It is permitted to bring your own gas barbecue but solid fuel barbecues are not permitted within Jells Park. Madeline's at Jells is a licensed cafe/restaurant and takeaway kiosk.
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Dandenong Ranges National Park (Sherbrooke)
Combine a picnic with a walk through a forest that contains the tallest flowering plants in the world - the Mountain Ash, ancient tree ferns that have been around for over 150 million years and the songs of the Superb Lyrebird. Dandenong Ranges National Park is an hour's drive east of Melbourne.
There are a number of designated picnic spots within the National Park at:
Grants Picnic Ground
There is a native bird feeding area at this location. Visitors purchase a token from the kiosk to enable them to enter the fenced Bird Feeding area and obtain a measured amount of seed to be offered to the wild birds such as parrots, rosellas and cockatoos (this practice will be discontinued in February 2020).
There are a range of walks from the picnic ground including the Margaret Lester Forest Walk which is ideal for those with limited mobility (300m, 30 min loop. Grade: Easy), Hardy Gully Nature Walk which goes through remnant Cool Temperate rainforest and has interpretive panels (700m, 45 min loop. Grade: Easy to Moderate) and Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk through Mountain Ash and Messmate Stringybark forest with some steep sections (7.1km, 2 hour loop. Grade: Moderate to Difficult)
Address: 70 Monbulk Road, Kallista
Facilities: Covered picnic pavilion with four tables, unshaded tables, BBQs, toilets, kiosk, TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair available
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Sherbrooke Picnic Ground
The Sherbrooke Falls Walk provides an easy walk to the falls through the landscape of tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns (2.4km, 1 hour return. Grade: Easy to Moderate)
Address: 13 Sherbrooke Road, Sassafras
Facilities: Unshaded tables, BBQs, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
O'Donohue Picnic Ground
An alternative starting point for a walk to Sherbrooke Falls through tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns (2.4km, 1 hour return. Grade: Easy to Moderate)
Address: 19 Sherbrooke Lodge Road, Sherbrooke
Facilities: Unshaded tables, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Olinda Falls Picnic Ground
A short walk to two viewing platforms above Olinda Falls.
Address: 83 Falls Road, Olinda
Facilities: Unshaded table, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
The picnic ground is located above the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (Tremont). Don't be mislead by the name 'One Tree Hill'. It refers to when the forest was cleared in the 1860s, leaving one solitary tree as a survey marker. Today there is bushland.
Address: Lord Somers Road, Tremont
Facilities: Several picnic tables, BBQs, toilets, water tap and parking.
Opening Times: Automatic gate in operation. Open 6am to 9pm daily.
Kalorama Park Picnic Ground
Kalorama Park has spectacular views over Silvan Reservoir and the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges. The picnic area near the lower carpark is surrounded by garden beds with elm trees, silver birch, pine trees and pin oaks, along with Australian native plants and ferns while there is an expansive grassy area near the upper carpark with a number of large eucalypt trees and tree ferns providing ample shade. The area also has a number of short walks.
Address: Yosemite Road, Kalorama
Facilities: Unshaded tables, picnic shelter with tables, water tap, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
RJ Hamer Arboretum (Olinda)
An Arboretum is a Latin word meaning a place for trees and you'll find a stunning patchwork layout of over 150 species of native and exotic trees over the hills which is intersected by extensive walking trails. The views across the Yarra Valley are magnificent!
Address: 26 Chalet Road, Olinda
Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
South:
George Pentland Botanic Gardens (Frankston)
A wonderful place to explore with an ornamental lake, dreaming poles, walking tracks, extensive garden beds with many different types of vegetation and plant collections, undulating grassy open spaces and many spots to enjoy a picnic. Picnic facilities include tables, barbeques, shelters, toilets and water taps plus there is a playground at the eastern end for young children.
Address: Cnr Williams Street and Foot Street, Frankston
Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, shelters, toilets
Opening Times: Gate opening/closing times: 7am - 9pm November to March, 7am - 6pm April to October
Access for Dogs: Cats and dogs are prohibited.
West:
Werribee Park (Werribee South)
A 10 hectare park with picnic opportunities on the Great Lawn which is surrounded by stunning formal gardens and has a beautifully restored 1870s Italianate-style mansion as a back drop.
Apart from a tour of the mansion (fees apply) there is the Victoria State Rose Garden with over 5,000 roses in a wonderful display, fun outdoor sculptures, walks and an old historical farm area to explore.
There are picnic tables and seats throughout the formal gardens but no barbeques. However there are barbeques and a shelter alongside the Victoria State Rose Garden.
Address: K Road, Werribee South
Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, Water tap, toilets, cafe
Opening Times: During the low season (mid April - early October) opening times for the gardens are 9am to 5.30pm. During the high season, opening times are 9am to 6.30pm.
Cost: Entry to Werribee Park Gardens and Victoria State Rose Garden is free. General admission to Mansion is adult: $10.40, concession/child (4 to 15 years): $7.60, family (2 adults 2 children): $33.00. Audio guides are available for the mansion and gardens. $6.50.
Brimbank Park (Keilor East)
A large park which has three separate picnic areas each with a playground, unimaginatively labelled Carpark A, Carpark B and Carpark C. The best location is around Carpark A which has a visitors centre, cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and lovely play space which is best suited to younger kids.
Some activities in the park include walking and cycling - there is a network of cycling and walking tracks including the Brimbank Loop Walk which is a 3.5km - 1.5 hour walk which winds around the natural basin of Brimbank Park, then leads you up the escarpment away from the river, to panoramic views of the area, a lookout point with great views of the surrounding suburbs and a permanent orienteering course.
Address: Brimbank Road, Keilor East
Facilities: Shelters, picnic tables, BBQs, water tap, toilets, cafe
Opening Times: The park is open seven days a week from 6am to 5.30pm (6am to 8.00pm during Daylight Savings. The cafe at the visitor centre is open during park hours each day except Monday.
Access for Dogs: Dogs are permitted in the park on-leash. They are not permitted in the Kullin Wetlands.
Williamstown Botanic Gardens (Williamstown)
The Williamstown Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1860, provide a peaceful setting in which to enjoy a picnic. At the centre of the Gardens, which are a secret gem of the west, is a charming Edwardian ornamental pond which is surrounded by green lawns, intricate pathways through the trees and bushes, shady trees and a formal palm avenue.
There are no barbeques here so make sure you bring a picnic basket full of goodies. After lunch head across the road to Williamstown Beach which is patrolled during the summer period and has a cafe. A packing tip - bring your bathers!
Address: 55 Giffard Street, Williamstown
Facilities: Water tap, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Logan Reserve (Altona)
Quite a small reserve but it's all about location. The reserve which has picnic facilities and a decent playground is set among impressive Norfolk pines and Moreton Bay fig trees which provide a level of shade. Across the road is Altona beach which has a huge long expanse of sand flats with shallow water which is ideal for younger kids, a long wooden pier, fun sea creature sculptures and an area of beach which is patrolled during the summer period.
Address: Cnr Esplanade and Pier Street, Altona
Facilities: Shelter, picnic tables, BBQs, water tap, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Footscray Park (Footscray)
15-hectare Footscray Park is one of the largest and most intact examples of an Edwardian park in Australia. The park is located on the south bank of the Maribyrnong River which means care needs to be taken with younger children. There are plenty of lovely landscaped areas with trees which provide plenty of shade plus more open grassy areas. Along the river there are shelters, picnic tables, BBQs, toilets and exercise stations. There are two playgrounds in the park - the best one is the all-abilities playground between the pond area and the Maribyrnong River. The playground is fully fenced and contains a waterplay area, natural play elements, sandpit, musical elements and other playground equipment set amongst trees and garden beds.
The park contains a memorial garden for soldiers who served in World War I and World War II as well as a memorial to the poet Henry Lawson.
Address: 22 Ballarat Road, Footscray
Facilities: Picnic tables, shelters, BBQs, water taps, toilets, playgrounds
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Access for Dogs: There is a mundane dog off leash area on the western side of the park. Dogs must be on-lead within five metres of the trail along the Maribyrnong River.
Newport Lakes Park (Newport)
Newport Lakes Park is a 33-hectare bushland created from a former bluestone quarry. It's a lovely place for a picnic with family and there is a self-guided nature trail to explore the lakes area. A real highlight of the park, especially for kids, is the big stepping stone path which separates the North lake and the South lake. There is a playground next to the picnic facilities.
Address: Lakes Drive, Newport
Facilities: Picnic tables, two large shelters, BBQs, water tap, lake, toilets
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
North:
Edinburgh Gardens (Fitzroy North)
If you can brush away all the hipsters you should be able to find room to place a picnic blanket in this lovely large 24 hectare park with heaps of facilities. The Gardens has lawn areas, places to kick a ball around, shady and sheltered spots, gardens, an extensive network of paths, tennis courts, , lawn bowls, basketball court, heritage rotunda, picnic and barbeque areas, table tennis table (BYO bats and balls), sports fields and two nice playgrounds whjich are both fenced - south playground and north playground.
The park is easily accessible by public transport, being close to Rushall Station and Brunswick Street trams. Its proximity to the Capital City Trail makes it easy to get there on foot or bike.
Address: 65 Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North
Facilities: Toilets, BBQ facilities, toilets, sporting facilities, playgrounds
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Access for Dogs: About half of the park is designated dog off-leash.
Coburg Lake Reserve (Coburg)
There's a lot to like about this area for picnics - take a lake, which was once a bluestone quarry which was worked by prisoners from Pentridge Prison, with water birds to start with, then add shady trees, grassy areas, BBQs, picnic tables, a creek to follow and explore, toilets and three very good playgrounds within close proximity - Coburg Lake Reserve Playground (with a huge tower with slides), Doug Hull Adventure Park Playground (packed full of equipment) and De Chene Parade Playground (Outdoor Lounge room, big flying fox and a game of Twister).
Address: Cnr Champ Street and Murray Road, Coburg
Facilities: BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, water taps, playgrounds
Opening Times: Open 24/7
Queens Park (Moonee Ponds)
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Queens Park was originally used as a water reserve for travelling stock. It was also known to fortune seekers as the first camping ground on the way to the gold diggings and Burke and Wills camped near here on the first night of their journey. Check out the memorial to them in the north west corner of the park.
The highlight of the park is the large lake with a big water fountains in the middle. Around the park are plenty of grassy areas dotted with some lovely flora such as Elms, Pepper Trees, Bunya Bunyas, Moreton Bay Figs, Flame Trees and more. Picnic tables are located around the park but there are no BBQs.
There is plenty of places to explore including two cannons, the old curator's cottage which dates back to 1891, colourful mosaics and artwork, historical statues and memorials, cafe, bocce court and two playgrounds, one playground is on the Pascoe Vale Road side of the park and the other playground is near the cafe on the Mt Alexander Road side of the park.
A feature of the park is the Junior Rangers program which is a fun way for kids to interact with local flora and fauna in Queens Park. You can borrow a full Junior Ranger kit from the Sam Merrifield Library (762 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds) to explore and discover using the guide, map, binoculars and magnifying glass which are included. Afterwards you'll receive a sticker for all your hard work.
Address: 94 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds
Facilities: Picnic tables, water taps, cafe, bocce court
Opening Times: Park is open 24/7. The cafe, Curators Collective, is open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm
Ruffey Lake Park (Doncaster East)
Ruffey Creek runs through the large, 68 hectare park which has many lovely locations including three main picnic areas which each have a playground, shelters, picnic tables, BBQs, water taps, car park and toilets. The park even has a Frisbee golf course!
The best playground is off Victoria Street, while another very good playground, especially for younger kids, is located off The Boulevard. There is a smaller playground off Church Road which is next to the frisbee golf course.
There are a number of walking tracks around the park including the Hill Top Circuit (3.6km), Ruffey Lake Park Heritage Trail (3km) or the Ruffey Creek Circuit. The Ruffey Trail goes all the way through the park from the beginning at The Boulevarde to Finns Reserve where it joins the Main Yarra Trail. Just across Victoria Street is the historical Schramms Cottage.
The park does not have a kiosk or cafe and so bringing your own picnic supplies is essential.
Address: Cnr Victoria St and Muriel Green Drive, Doncaster East
Facilities: Picnic tables, shelters, toilets, BBQs, frisbee golf, car parks.
Opening Times: Gates to the park close at the end of the day 10pm during day light savings otherwise gates close at 8 pm.
Access for Dogs: The park has dog off lead and on lead areas.
Bundoora Park (Bundoora)
Bundoora Park is a huge 180 hectare parkland which is set in natural bushland beside the Darebin Creek and rises to the Mount Cooper Lookout in the north. The scenic drive to the top of Mount Cooper, which is a volcanic vent of a volcano which first erupted 9.2 million years ago, offers an amazing view of Melbourne's skyline from one of the highest points in the Melbourne Metropolitan area - 137 metres above sea level.
There are many picnic areas scattered throughout the park and a range of grassy and shaded areas.
A highlight is a visit to the Bundoora Park Urban farm presents an authentic farm experience with a variety of animals to touch and hold. The farm includes a wildlife reserve and a heritage village.
There are five playgrounds in the park, with the best one being the Bundoora Park Play Space which is located next to the farm.
Address: 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora
Facilities: Children's Animal farm, cafe, multiple playgrounds including an all abilities access playground next to the farm, Visitors Centre, fenced dog park, large grassy areas, picnic tables, BBQs, toilets, water taps, outdoor gym equipment
Opening Times: The park is open from sunrise to sunset. The farm is open daily 10am-4.30pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Cost: Free access to the park. Entry costs apply to the Animal Farm. General admission is adults $10.80, child $7.20, Family $28.80 (2 adults and 2 children). Ride into the Wildlife Reserve on a tractor is $3.60 per person.
Access for Dogs: There is a fully fenced dog off-lead agility park off Curtain Street. Dogs are also permitted off-lead in certain areas of the park.
Outside Melbourne:
Hanging Rock (Woodend)
No article about picnic spots is complete without a mention of a picnic at iconic Hanging Rock. The unexplained disappearance of a group of schoolgirls at Hanging Rock in 1901 casts a mysterious spirit around the Rock. Have a read of Joan Lindsay's book or catch Peter Weir's film 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' before you visit to set the scene for an eerie picnic.
There are many picnic tables and barbeques and dotted around the reserve plus wide expanses of lawn for playing games.
Combine a climb to the summit of the Rock with some information at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre which has hands-on interpretive displays and informative panels about the history, mystery and geology of the Rock. There are also many walking paths and trails which weave through the reserve which allow close access to the flora and fauna. Keep an eye open for animals such as koala, kangaroo, wallaby and echidna which can be occasionally seen and regular visitors such as bright rosellas and cockatoos.
The dam is regularly stocked with fish and try your luck catching lunch (you will need to bring your fishing licence).
If your picnic supplies are limited, drop in to the fully licenced Hanging Rock Cafe which has an indoor dining room and an al fresco terrace.
Address: 139 South Rock Road, Woodend
Facilities: Public toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, picnic shelters can be hired.
Opening Times: Open daily (except Christmas Day) 9am to 5pm (later in summer months weather permitting). The reserve is not open to the public if a Code Red Fire danger day is declared. The Hanging Rock Cafe is closed on Tuesdays during winter.
Entry Price: Car: $10, motorbike: $10, pedestrian/cyclist: $4
Access for Dogs: Pet dogs are welcome at the Reserve (excluding major event days), but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are, however, not permitted to ascend the Rock itself on the Summit Walking Trail as it is home to many native animals.
