The 10 Best Picnic Spots in Adelaide That You'll Love

What to Bring to A Picnic in Adelaide?

Nothing beats packing a picnic basket with food and heading outside when the weather is nice. Eating in a park or on a beach towel can create a relaxed and joyful ambience.

Picnic is an excellent idea because it allows people to reconnect with loved ones and experience nature. It is the pinnacle of spending time with one another. Going on a picnic requires nearly nothing except a resting spot and food.

Little is needed to enjoy a lunch outside; sitting on the ground is entirely appropriate. On the other hand, some goods can help achieve the best possible comfort and improve the whole experience.

Knowing what to pack for a picnic is essential before discovering Adelaide's most excellent picnic locations. Here is a detailed inventory of everything you will need to ensure the success of your picnic.

A blanket is a must-have item for any picnic. It keeps your clothes from getting ruined while lying on the ground, making the space a tad cozier. It should be large enough to fit everyone, and something that can withstand water will make sitting on wet grass more comfortable.

Power and comfort are necessities when going outside, especially to far-off national parks. Jackery Portable Power Stations are highly regarded for improved functionality, portability, and capacity. 

On a trip, people can use a Jackery Portable Power Station to generate enough electricity to run a portable fan, cooler, or barbecue appliances and charge small electronics like flashlights, cameras, and cellphones. To find out more about it and where in Adelaide is the finest place for a picnic, please continue reading.

How to Prepare A Picnic in Adelaide?

A well-prepared picnic could be the best outdoor time for you and your family and friends. The following are some tips for preparing a picnic in Adelaide:

Step 1: Choose The Style 

You need to decide what kind of event you want to host. It is possible to hold a formal or informal picnic. Selecting a theme or style for your picnic will help with food choices, activities, and decorations, making your picnic visually appealing. It's fun and easy for guests to find their picnic in a public park thanks to bunting, balloons, paper lights strung through the trees, and massive picnic hampers. A few picnic baskets and flower-filled jars add to the atmosphere.

Step 2: Pack The Food Carefully 

A cooler is also essential for maintaining cold food and beverages. Perfect picnic "tableware" is crucial. Bring plates, napkins, mugs, wine glasses, and tools for serving and eating. Bring a chopping board so there's a level area for the drinks. In case you need it, keep a sharp knife nearby.

If you are offering bottled beverages, you might need a bottle opener. Consider your menu and bring the right condiments to finish the meal, including fruit preserves, salt, pepper, mustard, mayo, ketchup, etc. To protect against hazardous microorganisms, it's crucial to pack condiments like mayo or other foods made with eggs at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Maintaining ideal indoor and outdoor food temperatures is critical to protect food from dangerous microorganisms.

Food should not be stored in the temperature range known as the "Danger Zone," which spans from 40°F to 140°F, for over two hours. If the outside temperature rises over 90°F, it can stay for one hour. This is the time when foodborne illness can result from the increase in the number of germs in food.

Step 3: Clean Up Preparation 

Wet wipes and paper towels are things to pack. When transporting dishes, dishtowels work well as a buffer and security measure. Pack up used cutlery in roomy zipper-top bags or extra plastic containers. Trash bags are necessary to maintain a clean and litter-free environment.

Step 4: Activities & Games 

You can keep your guests occupied throughout the day with a few outdoor activities and games. Games like Quoits, Boules, Croquet, and Giant Jenga are always a hit. Children will be enthralled with activities involving balls, kites, water cannons, or basic games like sacks or three-legged races. Depending on your budget, arrange a friendly round of Bubble Soccer or cricket in the extra open space.

Best Picnic Spots in Adelaide: Top 10 Picnic Spots 

 Adelaide's picnic spots range from beautiful gardens and wineries to the seaside. Below is some information about these places, including their locations, websites, and amenities. Keep reading to find a suitable one.

1. Mount Lofty Botanic Garden

Location: 16 Lampert Rd, Crafers SA 5152, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: +61 8 8370 8370

Website: Mount Lofty Botanic Garden   

Facilities: Gardens, foods and drinks, diggers garden shop, Santos Museum of Economy Botany

This is a gorgeous location for a picnic, provided you can brave the (often packed) parking lot. After lunch, meander through the Fern Gully (one of Australia's largest fern collections) or the Rhododendron Gully (a fantastic sea of colour in the spring) after setting up your blanket by the Main Lake or the Dwarf Conifer Lawn. However, ensure you have enough food and beverages for the day because there are few amenities outside public restrooms.  

2. Himeji Garden

Location: Cnr South Terrace & Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide SA 5000 (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: 8203 7203

Website: Himeji Garden  

Facilities: Garden, lake, picnic areas, public toilet

Adelaide's sister city, Himeji, gave this lovely location in the southern portion of the Park Lands as a gift in 1982. It's interesting to note that residents disliked the park's original form, and it was when landscape architect Yoshitaka Kumada gave it a makeover a few years later that the Garden took on its current appearance. This is a peaceful location for a small picnic party. It savours the serenity of the kare senzui (dry garden) and the senzui (lake and mountain garden). 

3. Cleland Conservation Park

Location: Cleland SA 5152, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: 8339 2444 

Website: Cleland National Park  

Facilities: Cycling trails, wildlife, social clay session, Hardy's Verandah restaurant

At Cleland Conservation Park, you'll be surrounded by gorgeous, enormous gum trees while having a picnic. There's no need to enter the wildlife park because free gas barbecues are scattered outside the property. This is an excellent place to go if you want to watch animals. Look for wildlife such as bandicoots, kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas sleeping high in the trees.

4. Carrick Hill

Location: 46 Carrick Hill Dr, Springfield, SA 5062, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: 08 7424 7900

Website: Carrick Hill 

Facilities: Gardens, exhibitions, gift shops, cafe, public toilet

Carrick Hill is one of the few period residences still in Australia, and it has nearly all of its original items. The property resulted from a 1930s marriage between members of two affluent families. It was built in the form of a 16th-century English manor house. As such, the grounds are ideal for your cottagecore moment.

The stable lawns, the storybook trail, and the portions of the remaining ground - aside from the areas used for wedding ceremonies - are designated picnic spots on the historic property. Alcohol can be bought from the on-site cafe and enjoyed in the licensed location. You can reserve a plate in a box in advance or bring your picnic basket.

5. Garden Island

Location: South Australia 5015, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: 888 0286

Website: Garden Island

Facilities: White wall dives, gardens, zoo, park, BBQ, public toilet 

Going to Garden Island may seem strange because you'll pass by an industrial port, but there's a very adorable picnic location by the ocean. Follow Garden Island Road until you reach a parking lot next to a jetty.

Many mangroves, a barbecue area, and some open space are offered to relax in the sun. You may even be fortunate enough to see a dolphin. Although normally peaceful, you might see people fishing or kayaking on warmer days.   

6. Port Willunga Caves

Location: Port Willunga SA 5173, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: 8323 9944 

Website: Port Willunga Caves 

Facilities: Snorkeling, walk trail, BBQ shelter, car park, Star of Greece Restaurant

These coastal caverns are a seaside option that may be found close to the ancient jetty ruins at Port Willunga. They are not a natural phenomenon; they result from fishermen carving fishing rods, boats, and other gear into the rock. These days, they're perfect for a picnic on the beach and some sun protection. With breathtaking cliffs, sandy beaches, and endless stretches of crystal-clear blue sea, this location offers some of the best views on the list.

7. Belair National Park

Location: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: (08) 8278 5477

Website: Belair National Park  

Facilities: Government farms, Gum ovals, Karka pavilion, Pines areas, willows picnic area

The oldest national park in South Australia is only 25 minutes from the city centre, but it seems much farther away. If you want to spend a peaceful day in the middle of the jungle, go here.

There are many places to have picnics in the trees, free barbecues, and paths for walking and mountain biking. Wander over to State Flora, the oldest plant nursery in South Australia, or the historic Old Government House. Additionally, your chances of seeing a kangaroo or koala are high. 

8. Adelaide Botanic Garden

Location: Adelaide Botanic Garden, Hackney Road Adelaide, SA 5000 (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: 08 8222 9311

Website: Adelaide Botanic Garden  

Facilities: Microscopes, car park, wheelchair, pram-friendly paths, nature playspace

See a variety of plants from all over Australia and the world at the city's botanical gardens, including 150-year-old giant figs. There are three breathtaking glasshouses to see: the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, designed to mimic the leaf structure of the Amazon Waterlily.

The Palm House is a Victorian glasshouse that was prefabricated in Germany and constructed between 1875 and 1877. It is one of the last of its kind worldwide, and the Bicentennial Conservatory is the largest single-span glasshouse in the Southern Hemisphere. 

In addition, there are roses, a wetland, a succulent and cactus garden, and a garden full of native Australian plants. Due to its proximity to Adelaide's eastern edge, excellent coffee is widely available. 

9. Red Gum Park

Location: Sir Edwin Smith Ave & War Memorial Drive, SA 5006, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: (08) 8203 7203

Website: Red Gum Park 

Facilities: Playground, seating, basketball & tennis facilities, public toilet

You feel farther away from the CBD than you are because this is right on the riverbanks. Between King William Road and Frome Road, which technically includes the University of Adelaide zone up to North Terrace, is a free barbecue area with many gardens and walkways to explore. For your caffeine fix, there's the neighbouring Lounders Boatshed Cafe. 

10. Market Square Reserve

Location: Market Crescent, Old Noarlunga 5168, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Phone: +61 8 8384 0666

Website: Market Square Reserve  

Facilities: BBQ, parking, picnic area, playground, toilets

This park is lovely and situated on the broad curve of the Onkaparinga River. There's plenty of room for kids to run around, tables, shade, an electric barbecue, and a playground.

Remember to pack a picnic or use one of the electric barbecues for a delicious meal, keeping in mind the local ducks who enjoy munching on bread.

The park allows dogs as long as they are leashed. See the rose garden and Princess Diana Memorial fountain while you're there. It's a pleasant spot to relax and take in the silence.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Picnics in Adelaide

After discussing the best spots to picnic in Adelaide, we suggest you bring a portable power station. This "magic box" can charge your phones, cameras, PS5, and more.  

Lithium batteries in Jackery Portable Power Stations provide a steady and dependable power source for picnic gear. By combining Jackery Solar Panels into a movable power station, the Jackery Solar Generator makes the best use of solar energy.

A power station can be recharged in several different ways. Connecting solar panels and power plants is one way to use solar energy. The power station can also be charged with an AC adapter or a garage. Bring the Jackery Explorer 500 and 300 Plus with you on your picnics. 

Jackery Explorer 500

This Jackery Explorer 500 power station is made to withstand harsh weather thanks to its advanced temperature monitors and robust construction that can work in hot and cold conditions. Because it lasts long, it's an excellent choice for picnics and other outdoor activities.

The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518Wh capacity and a 500W inverter that can handle surges up to 1000W. It can charge multiple appliances simultaneously, making it a flexible power option for many situations. It can charge a portable cooler for 1.3 hours and a portable fan for 11 hours, which is excellent for having a picnic.

It is also designed for convenience, featuring a portable and light design that makes it easy to carry and use wherever power is needed. It works quietly at 37.9dB, giving you a power option that won't bother you while you're away. With three charging options, the power station gives you choices about how to charge it: from solar panels, a carport, or a wall outlet.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus can be used for charging outside because it has a 288Wh capacity, a 300W power output, two PD ports that can each output up to 100W, multiple charging choices, and rapid charging for multiple devices simultaneously.

A 150W camera can be used for 1.6 hours, and a 60W compact speaker can be used for 4 hours. Since it only weighs 3.75 kilogrammes, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is easy to pack in a picnic box. 

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus protects all your electrical equipment by providing a steady voltage and pure sine wave. It embeds a Lithium Iron Phosphate ( LiFePO4) battery that lasts ten years. The innovative ChargeShield technology and continuous power source keep equipment from getting damaged.

Tips for Picnicking in Adelaide

You can enjoy the great outdoors and tasty food on a picnic. Remember a few things to make sure your lunch is safe and fun.

Follow The Rules: Find the rules for going out in your area. Getting to know and following these rules will help you have the best picnic ever. Once you've picked a place, go to the main website and read the rules.

Make A Backup Plan: Have a plan B for where you are going and the weather. Have an alternative plan ready in case the weather changes. This means that from the start of your plan, you should think about an indoor or isolated spot as a backup.

Picnic Food: To keep food safe, it's best to throw away all picnic leftovers when you get home. Use Saran wrap, old tablecloths, or sheets used before to keep bugs, wind, and sand away from food. Plan and cut up food as much as possible ahead of time to make it easier to serve and clean up.

Remember to put an ice bag on top of the food that has been packed and sealed to keep it fresh. Keep the salad cool by placing the vegetables in a separate bowl from the sauce. Just stir them well before you serve.

If the picnic area has a grill, you can prepare the food to cook beforehand. Be sure to carefully put raw meat or frozen foods at the bottom of the covered basket, away from other foods.

Putting cold drinks in the insulated basket will keep them cool and refreshed. Prepare hot beverages like coffee ahead of time in a thermos.

Leave No Trace: Ensure the outdoor area is as clean as when you found it. It would be best if you also got rid of trash whenever you can to keep wild animals from showing up at the picnic.

Picnic Spots in Adelaide FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the picnic in Adelaide:

1. Where is the best place to picnic in the Botanic Gardens?

The Palm Valley, the lawns by Eco Lake, the Frangipani Garden, and the Tembusu Heritage Tree are just a few picnic-worthy locations in the Botanic Gardens! P.S. This location is the most advantageous Because it's close to the restroom, the Orchid Garden, and Eco Lake.

2. Where can I picnic in Adelaide Beach?

You don't need to look further than Henley Beach for a beach lunch. This picnic area is a must-see for eating outside because it has beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue water, a lively boardwalk, and the 440-meter-long Henley Beach Jetty.

3. Where would you have the picnic?

A park or forest is a great place to have lunch because it is green. This spot will give you plenty of room to ask many people, and fun games will keep you busy after you eat your picnic food.

4. What is a good time for a picnic?

For the day, and based on what I've seen, the best time to start lunch is at 2:00 PM. You might want to plan a start and end time for your lunch. People will be more likely to show up on time if you give them time to leave. It should be two or three hours long.

Final Thoughts

With greener spaces interspersed throughout the central business district (CBD) and surrounding suburbs, there are plenty of broad regions to explore on your trusty rug while toting a basket full of goodies and cold beverages. 

We've found some of Adelaide's best picnic spots, whether you want to take the whole family on an adventurous outing or stroll with friends while enjoying a few beverages. Furthermore, getting a Jackery Portable Power Station with a large capacity for charging your picnic-related equipment and a small, lightweight design for portability is highly recommended.