New Parks For Summer Picnics
We’re lucky in Australia to have no shortage of beautiful spots to enjoy our meals and drinks al fresco. This summer, we’re dreaming of picnics with friends and families at some of the new incredible parks that have opened or re-opened around the country recently. Head to your local, or plan a destination picnic at the end of a hike or a road trip. Wherever you are this summer, pack some of our canned cocktails and be sure to make the most of our beautiful parks this summer.
Nielsen Park, Vaucluse, NSW
After a three-year wait, Nielsen Park and Shark Beach are finally open again, just in time for the summer. Bring your own picnic basket to enjoy under the shade of the huge fig trees that dot the reserve after a salty swim, or grab lunch at the Kiosk, where Chef Jordan Middleton is cooking up everything you’d expect to enjoy beachside, such as fish and chips and calamari. Wherever you find a spot to laze, on grass or sand, you’re guaranteed a glistening outlook.
Nandi Reserve, Frenchs Forest, NSW
Situated on the land of the Garigal people, Nandi Reserve is a 12-hectare bushland park in the suburbs of Northern Sydney that has recently undergone a significant transformation. A nature playground, featuring stepping logs, totem poles and a climbing net, is a much-loved addition for the local families and visitors. Natural shading and meandering pathways lead to many picnic spaces, making this the perfect spot for an alfresco picnic escape just out of the city.
The Lakes National Park, North of Hughenden, Queensland
Newly established, The Lakes National Park, on top of the Great Dividing Range and part of the Einasleigh Uplands and Gulf Plains Bioregions, is a beautiful and remote spot for a destination picnic.
The Lakes, a former cattle property, was acquired by the government in 2022 through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and covers over 43,000 hectares. This park is newly opened to the public and is packed with unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. You can explore its remarkable wetlands, home to many birds and rare native species. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with the rich culture of the local Gudjala First Nations people.
Riverside Green, South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland
Opened in 2021 and designed by Hassell, Riverside Green is an expansive, inviting, public space designed for Brisbane’s subtropical climate. A leisure and recreation space for a burgeoning inner-city population, the park’s redesign sees a new park replacing restaurants damaged during the city’s 2011 floods, with a lush and shaded rainforest deck and pavilion stocked with moveable furniture to allow for an adaptable and beautiful riverfront space accessible to all. A truly delightful spot for an inner city picnic! Who wouldn’t want to be lounging by the river this summer?
Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda opened in mid-2023, and is a beautifully landscaped public garden park located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden on Wurundjeri Country in Victoria.
With over 15,000 native Australian plants, the garden has a truly beautiful and peaceful outlook at every time of year. Serene picnic areas surrounded by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil billabongs, create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Everyone can enjoy the spacious grounds while children explore the unique plant life and natural play areas. There is generous space for families and friends to gather, making it easy to set up a cosy picnic spot, listening to trickling water and the symphony of frog calls.
