Picnic Spots Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Photo by Jarred Reinke
Looking to up your picnic game and impress that special somebody? Well, with Valentine Day just around the corner and all the top date night spots likely now already booked, we’ve rounded up some of the best picnic spots in Brisbane, along with nearby catering options, so all you need to remember is your picnic blanket… oh, and your date!
River Quay Green | South Bank
Right on the river, offering uninterrupted views of Brisbane’s skyline, River Quay Green in South Bank is a busy spot come the weekend. Many of the restaurants which border River Quay Green offer some kind of option for picnickers, some even taking care of the drinks too, as this prime riverfront patch of lawn is licensed (from 10am-8pm daily).
The Jetty sells gourmet picnic hampers filled with hummus, dukkha, toasted pita, spiced sweetcorn fritters, chimichurri and an assortment of more classic picnic eats, and which come with the option of adding a bottle of wine or a couple of beers or ciders.
With a comprehensive takeaway menu, featuring many of the riverfront restaurant’s much-loved dishes – Moreton Bay Bug Bao Buns anyone? – as well as a seafood-filled picnic hamper for two, River Quay Fish is also a great option.
In the mood for Italian? Head to Popolo Italian Kitchen & Bar and pick-up one of their pre-prepared picnic baskets. Enjoy an antipasto platter and your choice of two pizzas, as well as a salad and fries and you’ve got yourself a real Italian-style picnic. Plus, bring your own favourite bottle of wine and it will be a Valentine’s Day to remember.
New Farm Park | New Farm
New Farm Park may very well be Brisbane’s favourite green space, and with panoramic views looking back at Brisbane City, 37-acres of lawn and manicured gardens, its convenient central location (only three ferry stops from the city) and river frontage, it’s not difficult to see why.
With over 100 varieties of cheese as well as an extensive range of meats and small goods, stocking up at New Farm Deli & Cafe pre-picnic is a no brainer - they even now sell a range of already prepared grazing boxes, picnic boxes and hampers!
Otherwise, another great option is picking up a weekend picnic hamper from Joedy’s Café, which comes brimming with cheese, crackers, meats, antipasto and more.
No picnic is complete without a selection of sweet treats to finish, and New Farm’s Chouquette, an authentic French bakery and patisserie specialising in pastries, cakes, artisan breads, sweet breads and savoury items has you well and truly covered.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs or Captain Burke Park | Kangaroo Point
Kangaroo Point offers a few different options for picnickers, as there is atop the Kangaroo Cliffs, the base of the Kangaroo Cliffs along the Brisbane River, or underneath the Story Bridge at Captain Burke Park (directly opposite Howard Smith Wharves). Whichever patch of grass you decide to lay out your picnic rug, you can expect spectacular panoramic river and city views.
For a thoughtfully packed picnic hamper, check out Medley Fresh Market and Garden, metres from Captain Burke Park. Each of their unique baskets are assembled with love with a wide selection of fresh produce and house-made delights, which can be customised to suit your preferences.
If you’re looking for something more substantial or closer to Kangaroo Cliffs, you can’t go wrong with takeaway from One Fish Two Fish, which offers a pack for two, inclusive of battered cod, crumbed calamari rings, shoestring fries and a fresh garden salad.
City Botanic Gardens | CBD
Located right in the centre of Brisbane, the 45-acre City Botanic Gardens is a beautiful, heritage-listed space to enjoy some time outdoors and with plenty of picnic tables dotted throughout as well as shady areas to throw down a blanket, is also an ideal spot for a picnic.
The perfect treat for a special day, The Gardens Club’s couples picnic basket was made for Valentine’s Day. The hamper includes everything you’d possibly want, with fresh deli meats and cheeses to cold drinks and a selection of sweets – the hamper even comes with plates, cutlery, napkins and wooden boards.
Newstead Park | Newstead
Home to Brisbane’s oldest home, Newstead House built in 1846, Newstead Park is a significant historic park located at the mouth of Breakfast Creek and is a beautiful spot for a riverside picnic.
For something sweet to add to your picnic, drop by nearby MICA Brasserie pre-picnic and take your pick from melt-in-the-mouth pastries baked fresh daily, artisan breads and sweet treats, including a selection of vegan and gluten-free cakes.
Roma Street Parkland | CBD
A 16-hectare oasis of designer gardens, Roma Street Parklands was designed with picnickers firmly in mind. Divided into sections, each showcasing a different kind of subtropical flora, there are plenty of places to choose from, though the Lake Precinct offers water views and plenty of shade.
A Mini Graze Box from Sassafras of Paddington, which comes with artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, crackers, hummus, cakes and more is perfect for a picnic for two, plus any dietary requirements can be accommodated.
If you’re looking for something on the healthier and lighter side, head to Botanica Real Food’s flagship store at nearby Red Hill. Here you can take your pick from a variety of vibrant, fresh salads as well as pick up a few gluten-free cakes to enjoy afterwards.
Orleigh Park or Highgate Hill Park | West End
Situated in Brisbane’s West End, Orleigh Park is a long stretch of greenery which frames the Brisbane River, making it a prime spot to enjoy a riverside picnic. Highgate Hill is another great option for a picnic and despite its impressive views remains relatively unknown, so is brilliant if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter and less crowded.
Whichever part of West End you decide to head, The Stores Grocer is a must visit, as it truly is a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly want when putting together the dream picnic. From its deli, cheese room, bakery, pantry, butcher and seafood cabinet, you’ll find only the finest quality food from Australian producers here.
Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens | Mt Coot-tha
Although it may not offer the same city views found atop Mt Coot-tha, the perfectly manicured Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens provides a much larger space for picnickers, well away from the crowds which frequent the peak’s lookout.
For the ‘perfect picnic basket’, inclusive of a grazing box of savoury delights, a sandwich box and a selection of freshly baked sweet treats, drop by Method to the Madness on your way.
Another option is to call-in to Rosalie Gourmet Market, a family-run boutique food hall, renowned for fine food and its extensive range of international and Australian cheese, freshly made artisan breads, patisserie items and cured meats and charcuterie – pretty much everything you need for a great picnic! Rosalie Gourmet Market also sells a range of hampers too.
Want to really go all out and leave everything to the professionals? Check out The Picnic Co, Milk and Honey Styling or Vintage Picnic Company for picnic hampers and spectacular spreads with gorgeous styling.
Written by Jarred Reinke