Picnic in the parks – SA’s best spots
If you’re looking for a nice, shady spot to relax and unwind with a packed esky and picnic basket in hand, we’ve gathered up 10 local picnic spots for all to enjoy.
Adelaide CBD
Playgrounds, picnic and parklands – Golden Wattle Park/Mirnu Wirra
Amongst the hustle and bustle of Adelaide’s CBD you’ll find plenty of picnic and barbecue hotspots, with the City of Adelaide offering 12 parklands and green spaces for locals to enjoy.
One of our favourites, Mirnu Wirra Park (also commonly known as Golden Wattle Park) is a perfect location for families and adults, with so much to see and do!
Set your sights on the park’s natural beauty, with the south-western Adelaide Park Lands a prime location for Grey Box, Woodland, Mallee Box Woodland and SA Blue Gum Eucalyptus tree conservation, as well as several native grasses, flora and fauna, including native butterflies.
Kids can hop, skip, bounce and climb within the historic Princess Elizabeth play space, where an array of playground equipment can be put to good use within meters of barbecue facilities, the stunning Lundie Gardens and the Adelaide Parklands Trail.
Discover Golden Wattle Park/Mirnu Wirra in the City of Adelaide.
Northern suburbs
A picturesque picnickers delight – Fremont Park, Elizabeth East
Lose yourself within the beauty and calm of Fremont Park – the City of Playford’s multipurpose facility!
As well as soaking in the serenity of the native flora and fauna and the stunning lake with fountains and waterfalls, you can work up a sweat on the basketball court or the well-equipped exercise gym, ride your bike along the nearby trails, or by taking your playful pooch to the nearby dog park.
Kids are treated to two playgrounds, with all-ability play equipment, making this facility a perfect place to have a day out.
Discover Fremont Park in the City of Playford.
Southern suburbs
Where nature meets play space – Oaklands Estate Reserve, Oaklands Park
Image credit: City of Marion
Six hectares of natural beauty form part of a natural open space, featuring an abundance of facilities for all ages.
With an impressive playground for kids to explore, a user-friendly barbecue facility and plenty of grass, it’s perfect for outdoor fun. Public art, accessible public toilets and the beauty of the Oaklands Reserve Wetlands makes it the ideal spot to relax.
Discover Oaklands Estate Reserve in the City of Marion.
Adelaide Hills
The hills are alive with a picnicker’s delight – Lenswood Centennial Park
Frolic amongst the lush grass and embrace the serenity of the creek running through the valley of Lenswood Centennial Park. If you meander through the green slopes, you'll find a peaceful place to rest.
Glimpse into Lenswood’s past while on a leisurely but insightful 20-minute stroll, with life sized silhouette installations and markers detailing the rich diversity within the area.
Those that want to soak up the surroundings and stay put can enjoy the convenience of a picnic bench, toilets, and a general store just moments away.
Discover Lenswood Centennial Park in the Adelaide Hills Council.
Western suburbs
A hidden eco gem within the west – Garden Island
Image credit: City of Port Adelaide Enfield
Discover Garden Island – not only an area of cultural significance to First Nations communities and European settlers, but a biodiversity hotspot.
Hidden in the back streets of Port Adelaide, this 10,000-year-old mangrove forest, rich in unique coastal plants and home to an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin sanctuary, is a must-see.
This spot offers a covered picnic table, barbecue facilities, public toilets, and a boardwalk for line fishing, plus more!
Being only 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump away.
Discover Garden Island in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
Eyre Peninsula
A stunning biodiversity hub within the Eyre – Arno Bay Estuary Boardwalk
Image credit: District Council of Cleve
Brought to you by the District Council of Cleve and the Arno Bay Progress Association, the pristine and biodiverse beauty the Arno Bay Estuary Boardwalk offers uniquely stunning sights to behold.
Visitors on the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk can explore thriving mangroves, mudflats, and coastal grass, leading to a creekside shelter with a safe swimming spot for all ages.
Recreational fishers can cast a line out from the jetty nearby, or those wanting to feel the sand between their toes, can cruise along the white sandy beach at the end of the boardwalk.
Discover Arno Bay Estuary Boardwalk in the District Council of Cleve.
Limestone Coast
Nature’s masterpiece – a must-see wonder! – Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul
Image credit: City of Mount Gambier
Discover the enchantment within the sunken garden of Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul!
The original site held a typical limestone cave – an iconic feature of the region, with seawater considered to have corroded the limestone causing the sinkhole, with a mesmerising garden established within the space in 1886 by James Umpherston.
The garden is best witnessed from the viewing platform to see the other-worldly beauty in all its grandeur. Alternatively, you can sink your way through the green-laden terraces amongst the hanging vines, to the undercover shelter, picnic and barbecue area.
Discover the top 10 attractions including Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul in the City of Mount Gambier.
Murraylands
Unwind by the riverside – Avoca Dell
Image credit: Rural City of Murray Bridge
Sit along the lazy River Muray and watch life flow beside you as you embrace the beauty at Avoca Dell – a reserve perfect for tourists, boating enthusiasts and families alike!
With a public boat ramp, houseboat mooring sites, barbecue, and toilet facilities, play equipment, plenty of shady trees to spread out a picnic blanket, as well as a picnic area and shelter – it’s no wonder this well-known spot is a treasure of the Murraylands region.
Discover Avoca Dell in the Rural City of Murray Bridge.
Fleurieu Peninsula
The place to chase waterfalls – Ingalalla Falls
Venture through the fairy-tale-like Second Valley Forest and embrace the cooling tranquility of the pine trees, with their shady canopies amongst gentle flowing creeks, rock pools and finally, a breathtaking waterfall.
Among the magic of Ingalalla Falls, there are dedicated picnic tables and added convenience of accessible toilets, making the experience a truly magical day out for families wanting accessibility amongst an overwhelmingly beautiful backdrop.
With the waterfall being a comfortable 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide and only a 250 metre walk once arriving, it’s no wonder this attraction draws in an average of 70,000 people per year.
Discover Ingalalla Falls in the District Council of Yankalilla.
Yorke Peninsula
A seaside floral oasis – Secret Garden, Moonta Bay
Just when you thought that beach sand couldn’t meet lush green grass and an elegant garden off the beaten track, well, think again!
Nestled near the foreshore of Moonta Bay, this hidden treasure is loved by locals for its shady picnic spots, as well as views of Moonta Bay jetty. Visitors can enjoy the white, sandy beach amongst a grandiose garden.
Discover parks and playgrounds including the Secret Garden in the Copper Coast Council.
