The Best Gold Coast Picnic Spots To Throw A Rug Down At

From the calming coastline to the lush hinterland, we really do have the best of everything on the Gold Coast. And in my opinion, there are few better ways to appreciate the Gold Coast's natural beauty than by setting up a picnic and soaking up stunning views. 

On occasion I become obsessed with a road trip (accompanied by a custom playlist, of course), other time, I want to stay on home turf and ogle the waves. All I know is, that if I have a fine haul of produce from the markets and local delis, there are a select few places I'm headed to gorge. 

Whether you like blissful silence, kid-friendly facilities or a spot to people-watch, the Gold Coast is full of amazing picnic spots (all with beautiful views, of course). So, pack the car, load up the hamper with way too much cheese and whatever you do, don't forget the rug. Scroll on for twelve of the best picnic spots on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country.

Best Picnic Spots At A Glance

• Best Hinterland Picnic Spots
• Best Picnic Spots By The Beach
• Best Picnic Spots With Kids

Best Hinterland Picnic Spots

Syd Duncan Park

19 Outlook Avenue, Lower Beechmont QLD 4211  

If you're after drop-dead gorgeous picnic views over the Hinze Dam, look no further. Syd Duncan Park is located at the top of Lower Beechmont and boasts panoramic views over the Gold Coast, a well-maintained grassy hilltop, toilets and picnic tables.

Due to the more rural nature of Syd Duncan, this picnic spot is less frequented than others, but you can bet you'll be joined by several loved-up couples on any given weekend. It's also dog-friendly so your pupper can join your date.

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: 19 Outlook Ave, Lower Beachmont
• Facilities: Picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, toilets
• What's nearby: Lower Beechmont General Store for those forgotten picnic supplies
• What to do: Pre-picnic paragliding? Don't mind if I do

Currumbin Rock Pools

Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223

Rock pools, fresh mountain air and limited Wi-Fi, the Currumbin Rock Pools have been putting smiles on summer faces for ages. For the less organised picnic-goer, detour past a local cafe, like the beautiful Pasture & Co, and pick up an assortment of wholesome slices, bakes, salads, and treats.

You can set up on the rockpools or on the surrounding grassy area with toilets and barbeque facilities. If you're feeling adventurous, make your way further down the road to Cougal Cascades for a more private picnic spot—albeit certainly rockier. 

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: Just before Currumbin Valley Primary School
• Facilities: Picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets, picnic tables
• What's nearby: Some of the spiciest Chai on the coast at Currumbin Valley Harvest (with dedicated kids area)
• What to do: Sprawl out and catch rays, swim in the pools or rock hop through the shallows

Hang Gliders Lookout

294-298 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Image Credit: TEQ | Supplied

I might be a little biased, but Tamborine Mountain's Hang Gliders Lookout is my personal favourite Gold Coast picnic spot. Not only is it slightly off the beaten track, but it overlooks the beautiful Canungra Valley, has clean mountain air and is located close to many of Tamborine's restaurants and cafes.

This picnic spot is used for hang gliders to take off from, so if you arrive early in the morning, you might be lucky enough to see a crew of colourful gliders taking flight. If you visit at sunset, you'll see a myriad of colours as the sun sets—it's seriously stunning.

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: 298 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain (pull well off the road)
• Facilities: Nil, BYO supplies
• What's nearby: Witches Falls Winery and cellar door perfect for picking up your picnic drop
• What to do: Watch the handgliders or take in the view, bring a jacket as it can get windy

The Panorama

517 The Panorama, Tallai QLD 4213

The Panorama in Tallai should be a monthly drive for any Gold Coast local. Just 25 minutes drive west from Broadbeach, this millionaire’s row gives an unmatchable outlook over our incredible coastlands and at nighttime you'll be able to see thousands of twinkling city lights. 

As a picnic spot, this may not have a nearby coffee shop or a BBQ and shade area, but pack the car with blankets and snacks and you're good to go for a twilight picnic. This is an unofficial viewing area, so be mindful of the residents and make sure to park off the road.

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: Off the road on The Panorama, Tallai
• Facilities: Nil, BYO supplies
• What's nearby: Tallai Country Golf Club if you crave more green
• What to do: Take in the cityscape with a simple picnic 

Hinze Dam

Advancetown Rd, Advancetown QLD 4217

The Hinze Dam is an easy option for an out-of-town escape next weekend. Despite the secluded location, here you'll find BBQ facilities, a cafe, four picnic areas, a playground, an interpretive centre and plenty of parking.

If you’re not shy of working up a sweat before smashing those dips and deli cheeses beckoning from the esky, stride out on the dam wall and appreciate where your seemingly bottomless supply of safe tap water is sourced. It's a 3.6-kilometre round trip but well worth it.

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: 100-200 Advancetown Road
• Facilities: Picnic areas, BBQs, Playgrounds, Cafe
• What's nearby: View Cafe for recaffeination and shade
• What to do: Ride bikes along tracks, throw a line in fishing coves or walk around the grounds

Best Picnic Spots By The Beach

Burleigh Hill

 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220  

Image Credit: Urban List | Isabel Croker

Let’s not play maverick just for the sake of it—Burleigh Hill is the best picnic spot on the Gold Coast. Unless you hate crowds and looking for a place to park, in which case it could be the worst.

The sweeping views from Burleigh Beach up to the big smoke, the laidback vibes, the plethora of dogs and the 'always Sunday' mood make it well worth it. Order a pizza from Justin Lane, spread a picnic blanket down and soak up the sunset views—but make sure you arrive early on a Sunday afternoon for a prime spot.

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: if you can't get one on the hill, head to Alex Black Car Park.
• Facilities: Toilets at the base of the hill, drinking water, picnic shelters, BBQs
• What's nearby: Beach access, a playground, a full rainforest walk
• What to do: Fish and chips from Burleigh icon Red Hot Cod

Wave Break Island

Broadwater 

Nestled in the Broadwater behind the Gold Coast Seaway, Wave Break Island is an absolute picnic must do. It might appear as a shrubby wasteland to some, but it is home to many a great weekend adventure and boating holiday for countless others. Sit back, enjoy your picnic and soak up the oceanfront views.

The tranquil spot is much-loved by divers and snorkellers for the multitude of sea life just below the surface. Wave Break Island is only accessible by boat, kayak or SUP, so plan your picnic adventure in advance. 

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: Park up at Labrador foreshore and back in the boat or whip out the kayak
• Facilities: Nil, BYO supplies
• What's nearby: Pelican feeding at nearby Charis Seafood (on the mainland) 1.30pm daily
• What to do: Post-adventure oysters and margaritas at Three Sixty

North Burleigh Hill

End of Hythe Street, Miami QLD 4220

To reach this dreamy picnic spot, park at the end of Hythe Street (along the water, or in the carpark tucked beside Miami Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, beside Don Mcsween Park). Wander up the path until you reach the rainbow stairs, then climb up for breathtaking views of Gold Coast's ocean and cityscape from North Burleigh Hill.

There are a few benches and tables here, though a mandatory picnic rug never goes astray either. If you have older kids, take them here and up through the scrub for ultimate whale-watching, or do as the locals do and roll down the incredibly steep grassy hill this spot is perched upon. For the very game at heart. 

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: End of Hythe Street, Miami (small carpark, but quiet outside peak hours)
• Facilities: Benches, toilets next to SLSC and across the hill
• What's nearby: Beach access, whale watching, a playground
• What to do: if your game, walk the path all the way to Broadbeach or Burleigh

Best Picnic Spots With Kids

Evandale Parklands

135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Image Credit: Evandale Parklands | HOTA

Unbeknown to many, HOTA Gallery in Bundall has a little sand-fringed lake and parklands area resting between the main building and the Broadwater, dedicated to all things multicultural and peaceful. Evandale Parklands is a hallmark picnic area for many reasons, but mainly its ducks. There are many and they are adorable. This is my top pick for the best picnic spot with kiddos, because between the lake, playground and children's gallery, it becomes a whole day out affair. 

It also homes outdoor yoga classes, a running track, exercise equipment, and resting areas. Pack your swimmers and take a dip in the lake, before firing up the BBQ facilities. Visit on a Sunday morning and you can pick up delicious goodies from the weekly HOTA Farmers Markets. 

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: HOTA, 135 Bundal Rd, Surfers Paradise
• Facilities: Picnic benches, playground, BBQs, lake, drinking water, toilets
• What's nearby: Walk the bridge that leads from the lake over to Chevron Island
• What to do: Check out the gallery, go for a dip, grab a cuppa or catch the ferry - endless opportunities.

You Might Also Like:

• The Gold Coast's Best Waterfalls
• The Best Free Things To Do On The Gold Coast
• The Gold Coast's Best Bush Walks

Gold Coast Regional Botantic Gardens

230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa QLD 4217

Set on 31 hectares, you would never know the Regional Botanic Gardens are just ten minutes drive from Surfers Paradise. Wander through the floral Sensory Garden, explore the Butterfly Garden or taste your way around the Bushtucker Garden

Once you've explored, throw down a rug by the lake or in one of the many picnic areas and chow down on charcuterie at this top Gold Coast picnic spot. This place is dog-friendly and has a newly refurbished undercover playground surrounded by giant trees and snaking walkways. 

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: Botanic Gardens, 230 Ashmore Rd
• Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, playground
• What's nearby: Cabana offleash dog area with swimming for pooches
• What to do: A few laps to find your perfect pozzie and settle in to snack 

Cascade Gardens

2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Cascade Gardens in Broadbeach might the Gold Coast's most family-friendly picnic spot. Here you'll find barbecues, picnic tables, sensory gardens, playgrounds and a waterfront parkway. There is also a Rotary Kokoda Memorial Walk and a rainforest walk which features Indigenous cultural elements.

If you visit on a weekend, it will be bustling and you'll most likely see a wedding taking place at the gorgeous wedding rotunda or lush parklands.

THE DETAILS

• Where to park: Cascade Gardens, 2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
• Facilities: Drinking water, picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, toilets, BBQs
• What's nearby: A short meander to the beach and set on the shores of canals
• What to do: Take a short drive or tram trip to Broadbeach's main drag 

Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Check out:

• The Gold Coast's Best Camping Spots
• The Gold Coast's Best Kayaking 
• The Gold Coat's Best Snorkelling

Main image credit: The Burleigh Hill | Instagram

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