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20 Best BBQ & Picnic Spots in South East Queensland

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Posted 2023-04-27 by Roy Chambers ⇒ follow

[SECTION]Eating in the outdoors in South East Queensland[/SECTION]

There is nothing like getting out into nature to enjoy food you have brought yourself and even cook it on the spot. But not all picnic and barbecue areas are on the same level, so here are some great places I know of in South East Queensland.

Below is a list of both barbecue and picnic areas. Each have been selected because of the facilities and environment that they have as well as the attractions at the site, such as a view, or nearby, such as hikes, swimming holes and so on. Of course, it is not a complete list but I have tried to broadly cover the South East Queensland area. If you know of any others, let me know.

[SECTION]The Gantry, Mt Mee: History & a hike[/SECTION]

Mt Mee has a wide open day-use area at the end of the sealed road. Its name, The Gantry, comes from the old logging mill that used to be there, with the shed still standing in the field.

The day-use area has plenty of flat open space for games and activities, making it great for a bit of tennis ball cricket, soccer or other games for family and friends. It is also the start of a short walk and a longer walking circuit. Even if you don't want to walk the 13 km circuit to the Somerset Lookout, it is worth walking a little way down the tracks in search of the myriad of native wildflowers in the area.

For fitter will enjoy a walk to Somerset Lookout with its views down on Lake Wivenhoe. If you have a four wheel drive, you can also drive here and to other locations, like swimming holes, on the mountain.

[SECTION]Queen Mary Falls: Best stop on the Falls Drive[/SECTION]

The Falls Drive is named because it visits 4 waterfalls. The best is Queen Mary Falls . The 2 km circuit is a nice short walk, and the falls can be viewed without having to walk the whole circuit but by just taking a short stroll to one of the lookouts.

It is also a great place to stop for a picnic or barbecue. The shady area has covered and open air tables and you can always send the rest of the family off to walk the hiking circuit while you prepare lunch. While the base of the falls doesn't really have a swimming hole, local kids are known to have a dip there.

You may also be tempted to just cross the road for lunch at the Queen Mary Falls Cafe at the Caravan Park . If you are not eating there, visiting to feed the birds can be fun as well.

Queen Mary Falls is not the only place to stop for lunch on Falls Drive, but is my favourite. The trick is to time it so that you are arriving at the falls at lunchtime.

[SECTION]Jollys Lookout, Mt Nebo: BBQ spot with the best views & a hike[/SECTION]

If you are looking to escape the summer heat, then Mt Nebo, just on the edge of Brisbane, is one of the best destinations. You can hike a number of easy tracks, visit cafes and of course, have a barbecue or picnic. There are several spots up there, including Camp Mountain , Bellbird Grove, and the most popular and largest, being Jollys Lookout.

There are great views at the lookout, and there are picnic tables just below the lookout where you can enjoy a meal or just sit with great views. Further up the hill, there are also picnic tables, shelters and barbecues, some with a bit of a view, and others down below the ridge, which can get you out of the wind.

There is both short hikes, suitable for kids, and the longer Thylogale Walking Track, which is a pleasant walk through the rainforest with some views through the trees. You might choose other walks in the area instead, like the Morelia Track to Mt Nebo Lookout .

[SECTION]Simpsons Falls Picnic Area, Mt Coot-tha: Hopefully the Falls has water[/SECTION]

Mt Coot-tha has multiple places for a barbecue, but my favourite place has to be the Simpsons Falls Picnic Area. The large and spread out area has enough room for activities, enough trees for shade, and plenty of picnic tables and barbecues. Even on busy days, there is plenty of places to barbecue.

Nearby is Simpsons Falls. It is actually a lovely walk to the falls, which may have only a trickle of water going over it. If you want a longer walk you can do the 3 km Eugenia Circuit above the falls. Kids will often want to rock hop up the creek above and below the falls.

[SECTION]Kondalilla Falls: Not a far walk from a great swimming hole[/SECTION]

Kondalilla Falls has a popular swimming hole above the main falls and a great walk down to the base of he falls. On any warm day, this place will be filled with families.

Despite its popularity, the picnic and barbecue area near the car park is usually not that busy. Though of course, I can't guarantee that, so try and get there early to secure your picnic table.

With swimming and hiking, you can easily spend half a day here. There are also lots of other places to visit in the area before or after a swim and barbecue.

[SECTION]Wellington Point: Walk to an island before lunch or swim at high tide[/SECTION]

Wellington Point has many interesting features. There is a lovely mangrove walk, a small beach for swimming at high tide, a jetty for fishing for your lunch from, and, to top it all off, an island you can walk to.

That is right, at low tide, a sand bar is exposed, and you can walk to this lovely island. If you want a quiet picnic, you can walk to the island and find a shady spot to eat. But don't stay to long as high tide might stop you getting back.

At the point itself there are numerous picnic and barbecue areas. The main picnic area near the carpark gets busy quickly, but you can find barbecue areas spread out across the area, so you are always guaranteed to find somewhere to picnic.

[SECTION]Wivenhoe Dam: The lake has so many great BBQ areas by the water [/SECTION]

Lake Wivenhoe has a large number of picnic and recreation areas on its shores. I can't say definitively which is the best as I haven't visited them all. However, the one place that I would recommend for a barbecue or picnic is the Cormorant Bay Recreational Reserve.

This spot is huge with numerous picnic and barbecue areas as well as a cafe if you don't want to picnic or cook. The joy of the area is that is a place you or your kids can walk around and explore. If you don't like this spot, it is easy to head to one of the other nearby recreational reserves on the lake.

[SECTION] Burleigh Heads National Park: Nicest spot on the Gold Coast to picnic[/SECTION]

I listed this as Burleigh Heads National Park even though the best places to picnic are not in the little national park itself. Okay, so there are some seating in the national park at the lookouts where you could picnic, and you can even go to the little Echo Beach area on the creek side of the park to spread a beach towel, swim and picnic, but there are better places.

In John Laws Park in an area known as Burleigh Hill, you regularly see people sitting, lying or picnicking on the green grassy slope that looks down across Burleigh Beach towards Surfers Paradise. There are of picnic tables in the park and one with a nice view, but most people understandably enjoy the grass.

If you want to barbecue you have to go to the Burleigh Beach foreshore where you will find barbecues in Justins Park. I get the impression that barbecuing here is less popular than picnicking up on Burleigh Hill.

[SECTION]The Wrecks, Moreton Island: Have a day trip to Moreton Island, great for kayaking & snorkelling[/SECTION]

With a large number of beaches and islands across the region, it is easy enough to find a nice bit of sand by the sea to put up a beach umbrella, spread a beach towel and have a picnic between dips in the ocean. For something a little bit different there is the popular day trip to Mulgumpin/Moreton Island on the MICAT ferry .

The ferry takes you to The Wrecks which are a set of ships that were sunk off the coast of the island to create an artificial harbour. They have since become home to myriad of sealife, as well as as providing a good place to swim, snorkel, kayak or even SCUBA dive. Yes, it costs a fair amount to get across on the ferry and you are mostly just in that one spot, but for many people, that is a perfect day out.

While there are vendors renting out gear to play in the water, there are no vendors providing food or drinks. The national park facilities are pretty basic too, with one shelter with benches but no tables, and a toilet block at the campsite. There is water, but you should treat or filter it before drinking. So instead, you need to bring your picnic with you and probably your own beach shelter as well. But there are plenty of trees to rest up under by the beach.

[SECTION]Roma Street Parklands: Amazing park near the heart of Brisbane[/SECTION]

No list of barbecue locations is complete without mentioning the Roma Street Parklands. It is easy to get to as it is situated right near the rail and bus transportation hub that is Roma Street Station, and it also has plenty of parking around the park in both dedicated parking spots and on the street. You can also visit via a short stroll from the city centre.

There are many barbecue spots across the park, including the largest one next to the artificial lake. Then as you walk around the park you will find more picnic tables and barbecues in various locations. You can, of course, just spread a picnic blanket nearly anywhere.

The park itself is a beautiful location and it is a lovely fun and romantic place to walk around. There is a sports field in front of the waterfall where they often host events. You can walk around the lake. Behind the lake is a rainforest area with a walkway leading up to the top of the cliffs. In the upper section of the park there is also an amphitheatre which hosts plays, performances and movies. There is also the Spectacle Garden that is only open during the day time. If you haven't visited before it is worth wandering around all the little corners to see what you can find.

At night, there is both security and mood lighting that makes the gardens a lovely place to visit or have a barbecue in after dark. There are regular security patrols and plenty of people there in the early evening.

[SECTION]Lake Moogerah Picnic Area: A great day trip or a stop to other adventures[/SECTION]

With a combination of both old fashioned and modern picnic tables, the Lake Moogerah Picnic Area is an interesting place to stop for a barbecue or picnic. The area features views over the lake towards Mt Greville and the other Moogerah Peaks. The Moogerah Cafe is nearby if you want to grab some drinks, ice cream or even food. The only downside being the noise from water-skiers on the lake.

Nearby is the Mt Edwards Walk . This steep walk takes you over the dam wall and up to the peak for views out over Fassifern Valley and is well worth doing. It is not long, so even someone of moderate fitness can do it if they are not in a rush.

Other activities in the area include swimming at the lake or fishing for your lunch on the lake. Nearby is the town of Aratula which is interesting enough for its antique shops.

[SECTION]HOTA: Barbecues, Swimming & Art[/SECTION]

HOTA, the Home Of The Arts, in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast is not the first place you think of for a picnic or a barbecue, but behind the art gallery and the movie theatre is Evandale Park and Evandale Lake where you can relax on the lake shore or swim in the lake, and picnic or barbecue under the trees.

The park is also filled with sculptors to explore. Many are designed with kids in mind, and they crawl through them or climb on them.

Of course, you can always also visit the art gallery, see a movie in the theatre, and on Sundays, shop at the markets. The gallery is fairly small though and often the best thing about the art galley is going up to the viewing deck for views of Gold Coast.

There is plenty of parking at the venue for people who want to drive. But there are buses and even better, a ferry to HOTA. So it becomes a day out that can include art, swimming, picnicking and cruising the waters of the Gold Coast.

[SECTION]Karawatha Forest: Short & longer bushland walks & a discovery centre[/SECTION]

Karawatha Forest is a lovely bit of bushland that was been popular with walkers and hikers for some time. At 900 hectares the circuit is a nice bit of casual exercise around the forest and up some hills. Once the discovery centre was added, it has become a place for everyone, and a great place for a barbecue or picnic.

The Karawatha Discovery Centre includes a bush themed playground with logs, rocks and other natural features. There is an element of risk play here, but not too risky though.

Also the Discovery Centre itself is a good place to escape the weather for yourself and for your kids to learn about the wildlife in the area. There are plenty of hands on items in the centre.

You don't have to picnic at the Discovery Centre. The classic place to stop for some food is Poet's Rock in the southern end of the forest. There are also some shelters and seating added in other places in the park.

So whether you are going to exercise, enjoy nature or are looking for somewhere to take your kids to play, consider Karawatha Forest for more than just the forest. There are lots of spots to barbecue and picnic there as well.

[SECTION]Tea Tree Bay, Noosa[/SECTION]

If you are in Noosa and looking for a little beach to enjoy a picnic, then Tea Tree Bay in Noosa Heads National Park is the perfect spot. It is a 1 km walk from the tail head to the beach, and 6 kms if you want to walk from Sunshine Beach. You can also walk the circuit through the bushland of Noosa Heads National Park , keeping a lookout on the way for Koalas, and then back up along the Coastal Track to end up at the beach.

This is lovely little swimming and surfing beach with the break creating waves for surfers while also limiting the waves at the beach. The beach attracts a lot of visitors but never enough to feel crowded.

Facilities are pretty much limited to the toilets. Of course you don't need picnic blanket, as you should have your beach towel to relax on. It can be worth bringing a beach umbrella or other beach shelter, but there are enough trees to provide shade that you don't really need it.

[SECTION]Redcliffe: Beaches, artificial lagoon & more[/SECTION]

Redcliffe is the key destination of everyone on the peninsular and surrounds from Friday through to Sunday. Like any beachside area, there are lots of barbecue spots along the coast, so if you search around, you are bound to find a nice place. The centre of activity is the Settler's Cove Lagoon, which is a great place for kids to swim while parents prepare a picnic or barbecue. But on the weekend or in the summer, it will be very busy.

I would lean towards Suttons Beach for a barbecue, which is still a good place for swimming at high tide and not as crowded. Redcliffe easily becomes a whole day out for a family trip, with Sunday Markets, museum, art gallery and beach side walking.

[SECTION]Girraween: This place rocks...get it...sorry, I needed one bad pun on this list[/SECTION]

When it comes to a unique and popular destination in South East Queensland, Girraween, with its amazing rock formations, is worth a trip. If you are going there for a day trip, then the Bald Rock Creek Day Use Area is the perfect place to have lunch. By the way, don't confuse this with Bald Rock National Park over the border in NSW. Girraween and Bald Rock are next to each other and so the creek that flows between them has the same name.

The area has picnic tables, barbecues and shelters across a large area with plenty of parking. Plus it is only a short walk to the Balk Rock Creek swimming hole, which the kids, well everyone really, will love in summer.

The area has a lot of walks suitable for everyone, from walks around the base of various rock formations through to climbs up to the top of others. So you are likely to find something that suits your level.

[SECTION]Mt Tamborine: Views & short walks[/SECTION]

Mt Tamborine has become less popular over the years as businesses there chase more upmarket customers. But it is still a great place for a cheap escape with waterfalls, swimming holes, lookouts, short hikes and a nice botanic gardens.

There are several places for picnics and barbecues. The botanic gardens is ideal for a picnic, and there are a couple of lookouts with great views down the mountain. For a proper barbecue, I would recommend heading the national park areas, in particular the Knoll Section Lookout and Barbecue Area. There is also a nice barbecue area at Cedar Creek Falls, but on a warm day, this area attracts a lot of visitors.

[SECTION]Picnic Point, Toowoomba: the park with a view down the range[/SECTION]

Its in the name. Picnic Point in Toowoomba is a lovely park with a view and a popular place for picnics and barbecues. It is also a popular place for entertainment and events.

Toowoomba is on a plateau and the park is on the edge of this. The view looks down to Table Top Mountain and there is a short walk to a waterfall which, if you are lucky, will have water flowing over it.

Toowoomba of course is a great day trip with plenty to do. The Cobb & Co Museum is a great family attraction, and the town centre features both murals and heritage walking trails that are worth doing.

[SECTION]Governors Chair: A picnic spot in use since the 1850s with hikes & history nearby[/SECTION]

I have avoided include any sort of hike to a picnic spot on this list, but I thought I would sneak in a short 150 metre walk to Governors Chair. When it comes to places for lunch, this place has been used as a stop since the 19th century, when the Governor of Queensland used to stop here on the way west over the ranges.

The unsealed road up to Governors Chair is suitable for all cars, though most people wouldn't try it without at least the clearance of a SUV. If you don't want to drive, you can walk up the road from the Spicers Gap Day Use Area or take the Mt Mathieson Heritage Trail which is about 6 kms one way. You can do the it as a loop , walking the heritage trail up and the road back which in total is a little over 8 kms.

[SECTION]Baroon Pocket Dam: Between Maleny & Montville[/SECTION]

The Baroon Pocket Dam lies between Maleny in the south and Montville in the north in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. There are barbecue and picnic areas on both sides of the dam lake. I have a preference for the southern side because it has a nice sized picnic area, there is a small walk here, and you are also allowed to swim.

On the northern side you can access the dam and view the spillway, walk to the creek near the base of the spillway, and it is also the start of the Sunshine Coast HInterland Great Walk. On the Great Walk you can walk the 22 kms return Kondalilla Falls , 10 kms to Flat Rock and back, or walk to the creek where there is a waterfall and to a lookout on a shorter walk .

You can also kayak, canoe and sail on the waters of the dam. You can also go fishing, but you need to permit as like most dams it is stocked. Overall, it is a great spot to picnic or barbecue when visiting the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

[SECTION]But there is a lot more out there[/SECTION]

There are huge numbers of barbecue spots in parks and on beaches around South East Queensland, and even more picnic spots. A list of 20 or even 40 couldn't list all the most amazing places to eat outdoors. There are barbecues in little parks across the suburbs, there great places in country towns, and of course spots in forests and on mountains. Maybe you can't make it to one of the top places in the area but you can still find a place to enjoy food in nature.