5 Top Picnic Spots on the Gold Coast
Here are the five top picnic spots on the Gold Coast as voted by Holiday Holiday team. #3 and #4 are hidden gems that locals frequent, located within walking distance from Surfers Paradise.
#1: Harley Park at Ian Dipple Lagoon, Labrador
Magical Broadwater views, a fantastic ship-themed kids playground and heaps of shaded picnic tables make Harley Park a popular location for local residents. You can also swim in the adjacent Ian Dipple Lagoon at the Labrador Broadwater. Grab fresh seafood or order fish and chips from Charis Seafood in Harley Park and share it with your household on the picnic grounds but make sure you keep your social distance from other families. If you are a keen fisherman, the area also provides access to a boat ramp and fishing spots.
Address: Opp. 376 Marine Pde, Labrador
#2: Surfers Paradise beach
A trip to the Gold Coast is incomplete without visiting Surfers Paradise beach. Voted as the #2 beach in Australia and #23 in the world, Surfers Paradise beach welcomes swimmers, joggers, surfers and strollers from around both locally and from afar. There are plenty of picnic spots, be them on grass or on the sand at Surfers Paradise beach. Pack your own picnic basket and bring the picnic rug, then head in for a swim at the world-famous Surfers Paradise beach. Surfers Paradise beach is one of the best spots to swim in with the lifesavers keeping an eye on the swimmers.
Address: Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
#3: Budds Beach
If you are looking for that quiet little family beach, then this is the place for you. Being situated on the river, you can certainly try your luck at catching a whiting or flathead – there is a modern jetty with plenty of room to throw a line in the river. At the northern end of River Drive, there is a boat ramp conveniently located for you to launch the family boat or jet ski so you can explore the canals or head out towards the Southport Seaway for deep sea fishing action. Picnic is best enjoyed on the grounds of Budds Beach or get takeaway from the local delight, Bumbles Cafe just next door.
Address: Budds Beach QLD 4217
#4: MacIntosh Island Park, Surfers Paradise
Tucked away amongst the glitz and glamour of Surfers Paradise, this charming park is a hidden gem that many visitors and locals don’t know about. A popular spot to get together with family and friends, the park boasts wild peacocks roaming free, cascading streams and large shady trees to laze under. Located mere minutes from Narrowneck beach, you can cross the bridge after you finish your picnic and pop in for a quick dip. MacIntosh Island Park is a mere 10 – 15 minutes walk from Holiday Holiday’s Gold Coast accommodation options.
Address: Main Beach Pde, Main Beach
#5: John Laws Park, Burleigh Hill
Burleigh Hill is without a doubt one of the most popular picnic spot on the Gold Coast. You can’t beat the views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday, be sure to get there early as many locals (and travellers alike) regularly unite here to see and be seen. Grab a coffee from the takeaway coffee kiosk and pick up some fish and chips to share with the family.
Address: John Laws Park, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Getting to the Gold Coast is easy. Whilst parking at most of the above top picnic spots on the Gold Coast are free with the exception of Surfers Paradise, Holiday Holiday team is here to share some local tips on free car parking in Surfers Paradise.
