When the weather is fine, go outside to one of Melbourne’s best picnic sites with a picnic rug and something tasty to eat.
1. Royal Park, Parkville
Royal Park, Gatehouse Street Parkville
Royal Park is one of the city’s most popular picnic sites, thanks to its wetlands, native garden, sports grounds, and open areas.
Gatehouse Street is the ideal parking for this Melbourne picnic area, however since several of the parks have time restrictions, it is recommended that you check the signs.
2. Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North
Edinburgh Gardens, Alfred Crescent Fitzroy North
Edinburgh Gardens is a fantastic place to picnic since two playgrounds might be referred to as “Edinburgh gardens playground”: a huge fenced playlot on the southern end and a little fenced playlot on the north side of the park.
Edinburgh Gardens also has a large lawn, an off-leash dog park, sports facilities and restrooms.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra
Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Crescent South Yarra
Royal Botanic Gardens are only a short walk from the city, yet they offer an incredibly restful vibe thanks to their natural environment. It’s a lovely place to sit down with your own food or pick up a takeaway from one of the onsite kiosks at the Jardin Tan or Terrace.
The Royal Botanic Gardens has well-kept garden beds, a lake, and several paths to walk on. And the Children’s Garden is completely fenced and full of activities for children to enjoy.
4. Treasury Gardens, East Melbourne
Treasury Gardens, 2-18 Spring St, East Melbourne
From Parliament Station, it’s a short walk to Treasury Gardens, which offer beautiful city views and are within easy reach of the capital.
In the city, there are several locations to obtain your picnic supplies, such as Spring Street Grocer (don’t miss the gelati!).
5. Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade East Melbourne
It’s not hard to find a good spot for a picnic in Melbourne! Fitzroy Gardens is after Treasury Gardens, and it has lovely old trees, a playground, and plenty of grassy space to establish a picnic area. There are no other people in sight.
The intricately carved fairy tree and adjacent Tudor Village are two of the attractions of Melbourne’s lovely picnic grounds (and the origin of many a childhood memory).
The onsite café or the adjacent Square and Compass are ideal for grabbing coffees or taking away meals.
6. Ardrie Park, Malvern East
Ardrie Park, Ardrie Road Malvern East
Airdrie Park, situated in the Melbourne suburb of Airdrie, is a landscaped English garden with a Japanese garden tucked away within. It’s one of Melbourne’s stunning picnic grounds.
The picnic grounds are shaded by natural elm trees. There are water fountains and toilets, as well as a fully enclosed playground.
If you’d rather pick up some takeout on the way, Servery and Spoon in Malvern East provide great family-friendly meals, as well as an adjacent food store and deli.
