Tassie’s most remarkable picnic spots

Savouring Tassie’s harvest surrounded by the island’s dramatic natural beauty is definitely a must do. You might already be planning holiday picnics at popular spots like City Park or Cataract Gorge in Launceston, and Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Now, add these other lovely locations to your itinerary!

1. Postcard-perfect riverside picnic

One of Australia’s oldest and most photographed bridges makes an idyllic backdrop for picnics in the heritage town of Richmond. Built by convicts in the 1820s, this golden sandstone bridge is the highlight of Richmond Riverbank Park.

Spread your blanket on the lawn and daydream about times past while watching ducks glide along the Coal River.

2. Fall for this waterfall over lunch

Work up an appetite with one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks: 45 minutes return through green rainforest to multiple waterfall views, including Liffey Falls. It’s among the most beautiful in the state, gently cascading across several sandstone tiers. There’s also a natural rock platform opposite the falls that’s easily accessed from the path.

This is a great spot for simple backpack picnics with the reserve’s ultimate waterfall vista and soundtrack. Or return to the walk’s starting point where facilities include picnic tables and barbecues.

3. Turn a picnic into an adventure

Take the passenger ferry to Maria Island for a lunch loaded with nature and history. The whole island is a national park where wildlife roam free; expect close encounters with lots of fat wombats grazing on the grass while you enjoy a picnic or barbecue.

There are also many historic buildings here, most notably the UNESCO World Heritage convict settlement. Explore the past, and natural wonders like the Painted Cliffs, before catching the ferry back to reality.

4. Take it to the beach

Boat Harbour’s beach is loved by locals, and rated the state’s best by many Tasmanians. Think clear blue water with family-friendly swimming conditions, white sand, rock pools, a boat ramp, barbecues, picnic tables and even a playground in the sand. This place ticks all the boxes of the perfect picnic spot!

If you are in luck, you might even spot dolphins, seals and whales, and if the kids want to swim you can rest easy thanks to the surf club’s patrols during summer.

5. Head up high

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington isn’t Hobart’s only destination for panoramic views of the city, the River Derwent and surrounding wilderness. Mount Nelson is less famous, but it was actually the location of Tasmania’s first signal station, established in 1811. The 1897 signalman’s house is now a café, and there are also picnic tables available for those who want to BYO.

Even a humble sandwich becomes special with these views, which stretch as far as Bruny Island on fine days.

6. Make for the lake

A popular spot for fishing and water sports, Lake Barrington has everything you need to enjoy life in the outdoors. Choose from Lake Barrington Park or Kentish Park on opposite sides of the lake. Both have facilities including picnic tables and barbecues, while the Devils Gate Dam lookout just has tables.

Wherever you park yourself for a picnic – perhaps even on your own boat in the middle of this big blue lake – a healthy serving of scenery is guaranteed.

Want to experience some gourmet food adventures? Embark on our five-day gourmet adventurer road trip and get your cravings covered.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.