Gold Coast Picnic Spots: Five Places for an Easy Day Out |
Compare garden and beachfront parks with shade, toilets and barbecue facilities |
A good picnic spot needs more than a view.
Shade, a nearby toilet and a manageable walk from the car can make the difference between a relaxed lunch and an outing that feels like hard work.
The Gold Coast has options for a picnic beside the water, a family lunch near a playground or a slower visit among gardens.
This guide covers five Gold Coast picnic spots with practical facilities to help you choose.
Details were checked on 1 October 2026; confirm current access, parking arrangements and any maintenance notices before your visit.
1. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
The Botanic Gardens at 230 Ashmore Road offers an inland alternative when you want a picnic without making the beach the centre of your day.
Entry is free, and the listed opening hours are 5 am to 7 pm throughout the year.
The gardens include walking paths, boardwalks around the feature lake, garden displays and a children’s playground.
On-site parking is available from Ashmore Road, with public toilets and accessible pathways through the gardens.
Choose a permitted picnic area and leave time for a short stroll before or after lunch.
A walk through the Sensory Garden or Butterfly Garden can give the outing a focus without needing to cover the whole site.
If you bring children, choose a stopping place that lets you supervise them comfortably, especially near water.
Dogs are prohibited around the central feature lake and in children’s playgrounds, so check the designated dog areas if your pet is joining you.
Do not feed wildlife, and pack food away when you are finished.
2. Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Broadwater Parklands on Marine Parade has open lawns, shaded shelters and electric barbecues.
It can suit a group that wants picnic facilities and a choice of nearby activities.
The park has several play areas, so decide which section you will use before choosing where to arrive.
Accessible amenities are available in the toilet blocks, and wheelchair access is provided to the barbecue areas.
Check the park map for the distance between parking, your picnic spot and the activities your group wants to use.
Metered parking operates in the Broadwater car parks, so include parking in the day’s budget.
Events can change how busy different sections feel and how easily you can find space.
Pick a backup stopping place before unpacking, particularly if your first choice is occupied.
Keep children supervised near the waterfront and make any swimming or water-play activity a separate, considered part of your plan.
3. Palm Beach Parklands
Palm Beach Parklands at 945 Gold Coast Highway combines picnic shelters and seating with a waterfront setting.
Barbecues, drinking facilities, showers and toilets are listed among its amenities.
There are two toilet blocks, one adjoining the café and the other on the southern side of the playground.
The park includes an accessible toilet and on-site parking.
The pirate-themed playground can make this a useful family option, but it is only partially fenced.
Choose a picnic spot with a clear view of the area your children will use.
A picnic shelter provides somewhere to eat, but does not guarantee that all nearby play equipment will be shaded.
Check the conditions before deciding whether a beach or creek visit should follow lunch.
If your main goal is a relaxed meal outdoors, there is no need to add a swim.
Keep your plans within the time and energy available to your group.
4. Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Park at 155 Old Burleigh Road offers beachfront lawns, sheltered picnic areas and barbecues.
Toilets are located at both ends of the parklands, and the facilities include an accessible toilet, drinking fountains and outdoor showers.
Parking options include the area near Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club and spaces along Old Burleigh Road.
Check the signs and charges for the specific space you choose.
The connected Pratten Park offers playgrounds if you want to combine lunch with a play stop.
Think about the walking distance between your picnic base and the playground before carrying everything to a table.
A picnic blanket gives you more flexibility when sheltered seating is occupied.
Choose a spot with comfortable shade rather than assuming the nearest lawn will suit you throughout the afternoon.
On a windy day, packed sandwiches or individually portioned food can be easier to manage than a large spread.
5. Justins Park, Burleigh Heads
Justins Park on The Esplanade has picnic shelters, tables, benches and barbecues overlooking Burleigh Beach.
A shade sail covers its sand-based playground, and toilets with accessible facilities are at the southern end.
Parking is available in the Justins Park car park and in street bays along The Esplanade.
Check time limits before deciding how long to stay.
This is an option when you want a picnic and a short foreshore walk rather than a full itinerary.
The park hosts the Coastal Markets on the last Sunday of the month, so consider whether you want market browsing to be part of your visit.
Bring your food with you or check nearby takeaway options, depending on your budget.
Choose your table or patch of grass after assessing shade and the space around you.
Choosing your picnic spot
For gardens and an inland walk, start with Benowa.
For a larger park with several activity options, consider Broadwater Parklands.
For a picnic near the coast, compare Palm Beach Parklands, Kurrawa and Justins Park according to travel distance and the needs of your group.
If someone needs accessible facilities, check the route from parking to the picnic area as well as the toilet itself.
Pack for an easy lunch
Bring drinking water, sun protection, reusable containers and something to collect your rubbish.
Keep chilled food cool during travel and until it is ready to serve.
Pack food that is easy to share without needing lots of preparation at the park.
If you plan to use a barbecue, check its condition and availability on arrival and have a ready-to-eat backup.
Leave shared cooking and seating areas clean for the next visitors.
Keep the day flexible
A table or shelter may already be occupied when you arrive, so bring a blanket or choose another suitable area.
Check weather and event updates before a longer drive.
For a large celebration or organised setup, confirm the park’s booking requirements rather than assuming an ordinary picnic visit covers it.
You do not need a complicated menu or several activities to make lunch outdoors worthwhile.
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82 Comments
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Pack plenty of wet wipes for sticky ice cream hands. You will definitely need them.
That is an excellent packing tip! A pack of wipes makes cleanup so much easier before heading back to the car.
Burleigh hill right behind Justins Park has the best sunset view on the coast.
Always check if there is an event on at Broadwater first. We got stuck in festival traffic once just trying to have lunch!
Spot-on advice! Major events can completely change how busy the parklands feel and how quickly spaces fill up, so checking the schedule beforehand is always wise.
Took my parents to the Benowa gardens in a wheelchair and the paths were super easy to navigate.
Broadwater has heaps of room to kick a footy around. Perfect spot for large family gatherings.
The expansive open lawns at Broadwater are fantastic for group gatherings and lawn games. Just remember to account for the metered parking when planning your day there!
Bring your own BBQ wipes just in case. People leave the hotplates pretty messy on busy days.
The partially fenced playground at Palm Beach stresses me out with my runner of a toddler.
Wish people would clean up their rubbish properly at Burleigh. The bins overflow way too fast on sunny days.
Craig S.It gets so bad on Sunday nights. If the bin is full, just take your rubbish home with you.
We completely agree, leaving shared spaces spotless makes a world of difference. Bringing along a bag to pack out your own rubbish helps keep the park beautiful for everyone, especially when bins fill up.
Benowa is so underrated. It feels like you left the city completely without actually driving far.
Love having showers right there at Kurrawa so you can have a dip before lunch.
Chris O'ConnorMakes such a big difference not having to track sand all over the car on the way home.
The Sunday markets at Burleigh make parking impossible. Catch the bus instead if you can.
Amanda_BThe 700 bus runs straight down the highway and drops you right across the street. So much less stress.
Broadbeach gets crazy windy in the afternoon. Early lunch is the way to go at Kurrawa.
Palm Beach cafe sells great ice cream too. Perfect treat after sitting out in the sun.
Justins Park is top tier for people watching. Can easily sit on the grass there all afternoon.
Pete AdamsSunday afternoon is the best for that. Always plenty happening, especially when the weather is good.
It really is a wonderful spot to sit back and watch the world go by. Just be sure to check the parking time limits along The Esplanade so you can unwind without watching the clock!
Free parking at the Benowa gardens makes it my go to spot every time. So easy.
Kurrawa can get super breezy off the ocean. Hold on to your paper plates or they end up in the surf.
That coastal breeze can certainly pick up quickly! That is why we recommend choosing individually portioned foods and sturdy containers that won't take flight across the lawn.
The shade at Palm Beach Parklands can be tricky in the middle of the day. Bring a beach umbrella or pop up tent.
Grab takeaway fish and chips from Burleigh and sit on the grass at Justins. Best cheap lunch ever.
You cannot beat that classic combination! Taking advantage of the local takeaway options makes for an effortless lunch overlooking Burleigh Beach.
Botanic gardens has the cleanest public toilets by far out of all of these. Huge plus for family trips.
The parking meters at Southport caught me out last time. Make sure you set a timer on your phone.
Palm Beach is stunning but that pirate ship playground gets hot in the middle of the day.
Council does a great job maintaining the toilets at Broadwater. Always clean and stocked.
The butterfly garden at Benowa is magical in spring. Definitely check it out if you visit.
Nat G.Is that the section near the sensory trail? I missed it last time we were there.
Nothing beats a sausage sizzle at Kurrawa watching the waves roll in.
Timmy D.Are the barbecues usually clean down there? Thinking of doing breakfast there this weekend.
Pratten Park playground next to Kurrawa is huge. My kids never want to leave.
Matt CollinsThat pedal train track they have is a lifesaver. Keeps them entertained for ages while you actually sit down.
It really is a wonderful play space! We always suggest factoring in the walking distance between your picnic base and the playground before unpacking all your gear.
Always pack a big picnic rug. The undercover tables at Burleigh are always taken by 10 am.
Kylie_88100 percent. The grass under the big pines is nicer than sitting at the tables anyway.
Broadwater Parklands has the best water play area for the little ones in summer.
Dogs not being allowed near the lake at Benowa is a pain. Still a lovely walk though.
The BBQs at Kurrawa are always super clean whenever we go. Great spot for a Sunday sausage sizzle.
The coffee at Dune Cafe right next to the Palm Beach park is top notch too.
Having a café right beside the parklands is definitely a welcome bonus for a quick coffee run. Thanks for sharing the tip!
Jess_GCThe line gets crazy long on weekends though. Worth the wait if you order early.
Palm Beach Parklands is great but keep an eye on toddlers near the water. That creek drops off quick.
Justins Park gets crazy windy in the afternoon. Definitely pack wraps instead of regular bread.
Wraps are a brilliant idea when the coastal wind picks up! Selecting a sheltered table or a spot backed by trees can also help keep your lunch secure.
Paid parking at Broadwater catches so many people out. Bring some coins or download the app first.
Love the Benowa botanic gardens so much. The sensory garden is super peaceful for a quick walk.
It really is a tranquil spot! A gentle stroll through the Sensory or Butterfly Garden is a wonderful, focused way to enjoy the grounds without having to walk the entire property.
We always pack a big picnic rug. Those park tables get snapped up super early everywhere on the coast.
The Sunday markets at Burleigh make Justins Park totally packed. Better to go on a Saturday if you want quiet.
Broadwater is awesome when the water play area is on. Just make sure to bring extra towels!
Great tip, extra towels are always a lifesaver! Planning ahead for water play definitely helps keep a Broadwater day out relaxed and manageable.
The pirate park at Palm Beach is the best. The kids can spend hours on that wooden ship.
Sarah JenkinsIt is fantastic, just keep a close eye on them since it opens right onto the creek water.
Kurrawa has the best playgrounds nearby. Pratten park keeps our kids busy for hours.
Pratten Park really is fantastic for keeping little ones entertained! It is always a good idea to scout the walking distance between your picnic spot and the play equipment before setting down your gear.
Palm Beach parklands is our absolute favourite spot. The water is calm enough for the little ones to paddle.
It truly is a gem of a location. The calm waters are wonderful for a gentle dip, provided you keep a watchful eye since the nearby playground is only partially fenced.
Good luck getting a park at Burleigh on a Sunday morning. You need to get there before 8 am.
Liam_PEven 8 am feels ambitious on a sunny day. We usually park a few blocks back into the suburban streets and just walk down.
Just a heads up that dogs are not allowed around the lake at the botanic gardens. The rangers do check.
Jason C.Good reminder. The off leash section out the back towards the highway is still pretty good for them though.
The sensory garden at Benowa is so lovely. My toddler loved smelling all the herbs there last weekend.
Thank you for sharing that, it sounds like a lovely visit! The Sensory Garden is such a gentle, engaging way to add a bit of focus to a picnic at Benowa.
Always bring your own wipes for the public bbqs. Half the time someone left a mess on them.
Love Burleigh hill near Justins Park. Grabbing fish and chips from across the road is our weekend ritual.
Chloe T.Just watch out for the seagulls. They have zero fear around there if you sit on the grass.
The wind at Kurrawa can be brutal! Definitely pack wraps or rolls instead of anything that blows away.
Dave_OLearned that the hard way with paper plates last month. Everything went flying within two minutes.
Broadwater parklands is great but paying for parking every time really adds up.
Bec JenkinsYou can jump on the tram from further down and hop off right across the road. Saves dealing with the meters.
Botanic gardens is definitely the best for a quiet Sunday. So much space to spread out under the trees.
Good luck finding a park at Justins Park on a weekend. You have to get there before 8 am!
Parking in Burleigh can definitely be a test of patience on weekends! An early arrival is wise, particularly if you are visiting on the last Sunday of the month when the Coastal Markets are running.
Sarah_KEven 8 am is pushing it lately. We usually park a few streets back near the library and just walk over.
Palm beach pirate park is amazing for the kids! The cafe right next to it makes great coffee too.