Friday 22 January 2021

Top 10 Picnic Spots on the Gold Coast

Picnic season is officially upon us. So it’s time to grab your friends, family, lover (or all of the above); pack your picnic bags and enjoy your cheese and crackers lakeside, in a picturesque park or by the beach.

From North to South, here are the 10 most idyllic picnic spots on the Gold Coast.

1) HINZE DAM | ADVANCETOWN

It may seem so far away but it’s only a 20-minute drive from Broadbeach. This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot this spring. Variety is definitely the word that comes to mind. Take in the beautiful scenery, have a swim, sip on that cold bubbly and enjoy your day out with family and friends. They have a BBQ area, kid’s playground and even a small café in case you need fresh supplies.
Photo right: Take in the afternoon at Hinze Dam. Image Credit: @hel_bucknell

2) CEDAR CREEK FALLS | MT TAMBORINE

Mt Tamborine is picnic paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days; Cedar Creek Falls is by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment. But that’s not all; Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.
Photo left: Take lunch and a dip at Cedar Creek Falls. Image Credit @acrookgardner

3) MACINTOSH ISLAND | SURFERS PARADISE

This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC600 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds, so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007. When you’ve had enough, head into town for a drink at one of the many trendy bars.

4) GOLD COAST REGIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS | BENOWA

It’s hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of earth is a mere 10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise. In case you haven’t been to the Botanical Gardens, we urge you to go! Whether you want to take the whole family or go on a romantic date, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. They even have a butterfly garden! You’ll have to make it an early arvo picnic though; they close daily at 7pm.
Photo right: Relax lakeside at Benowa’s Botanical Gardens. Image Credit: @majast3_onlyonelife_livinit

5) CASCADE GARDENS | BROADBEACH

Cascade Gardens are centrally located in between Surfers and Broadbeach and offer you more than a few barbecue and (undercover) picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date hot spot but with a huge playground, it’s also popular with families wishing to keep the kids entertained for hours.

6) BURLEIGH HILL | BURLEIGH

This one is a no-brainer, Burleigh Hill is without a doubt the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. Although if you want to get a good spot on a Sunday, be sure to get there early as many locals (and travellers alike) regularly unite here to see and be seen. Even for a solo trip, the sunset is picturesque.
Photo Left: Be seen by the sea at Burleigh Hill. Image Credit: @burleighgelatoco

7) ED HARDY PARK | MIAMI

Adjacent to North Burleigh Surf Club is Ed Hardy Park, offering a huge kids playground and a number of BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the family. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views towards Surfers Paradise or have a delightful dip in the ocean. Even if you run out of supplies, Coles and Aldi are just across the road, or like most people, you might just end up at Miami Shark Bar.

8) TALLEBUDGERA CREEK | TALLEBUDGERA

The battle between what side to choose at Tally Creek continues. But no matter which one you go to, Tallebudgera Creek won’t disappoint as a family favourite. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware of the hungry bush turkeys.
Photo right: A little piece of paradise at Tallebudgera Creek. Image Credit: @spied_on_the_run

9) LONG TAN PARK | CURRUMBIN

Not many people know about this lovely yet hidden little picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s a great destination to get away, relax by the creek and maybe even go for a dip. But note well in advance, there are no toilets or BBQ stations, pure nature is the theme here, so come prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.

10) KIRRA LOOKOUT | COOLANGATTA

Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta; just not as busy with more parking opportunities (tick!). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep – you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special.
Photo left: Take in the stunning Southern Gold Coast sea view from Kirra Point Lookout. Image Credit: @bearbythebeach

Looking for the ultimate picnic experience? Have your picnic set up in one of these beautiful locations for you with the help of our friends at Alfresco Pop Up Picnics. Perfect for all special occasions or just an afternoon in the sunshine for a trip to remember.
So what are you waiting for? Book your next trip to the Gold Coast and hit these 10 unreal picnic spots (perfect for the gram).

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