After weeks spent cooped up indoors, it’s time to get out and enjoy the springtime. And what better way to do just that than putting together a picnic of the finest delicacies the region has to offer and heading out to one of its many parks and nature reserves for a day out in the sun.
We’ve rounded up a few options for both picnic supplies and spots, so you can hit the ground running without the hassle of planning. Take a look below, pick your favourite and don’t forget to pack your picnic rug!
SWEET OR SAVOURY
The star of the show at any picnic is of course none other than the food. Will you be choosing a savoury selection of breads, cheeses and cured meat, or pamper yourself with an array of sweet treats?
Whether you’re planning a picnic in Queanbeyan, Bungendore or Braidwood, there are plenty of places to stock up at. Check out a few of the region’s go-to takeaway cafes and bakeries below and start planning your spring picnic in Queanbeyan-Palerang.
QUEANBEYAN
Cartel Taqueria
Head out to Cartel Taqueria in Queanbeyan East for a relaxed vibe and loaded tacos packed with flavour. The menu offers side dishes for sharing, such as queso, nachos and guacamole, and a varied range of tacos from melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder and birria beef to battered flathead, chili and garlic butter king prawns as well as fried chicken – with vegetarian and gluten free options also available. Take your Mexican inspired feast to go, or sprawl out on the lawn overlooking the Queanbeyan River.
PRONTO by Trecento
For fresh, high quality artisanal goods, head to PRONTO by Trecento. Take your pick from a menu filled with a variety of true Neapolitan pizzas, street sandwiches and pastas, and don’t forget to indulge in a house made tiramisu or cheesecake to finish.
BUNGENDORE
Gunna Doo Bakery
Looking for a quick takeaway option for your picnic? Pick up burgers, toasties, croissants, and other bakery staples from Gunna Doo Bakery. You’ll also find a selection of cakes and slices to finish off with something sweet.
Sapling Yard Cellar Door
You’ll also find Sapling Yard Cellar Door right in Bungendore Village. Pick up a bottle of your favourite variety to add a bit of extra flare to your picnic.
BRAIDWOOD
Dojo Bread
For beautiful, traditional German style breads ranging from dense Rye Sourdough to the classic Crusty White Vienna, you can’t go past Dojo Bread. For a traditional Australian treat, try some of their freshly made pies, sausage rolls and cakes.
Braidwood Bakery
Braidwood Bakery boasts a massive range of baked delicacies to enjoy, from cakes and slices to readymade sandwiches and pies, alongside freshly brewed coffee, conveniently located on the main street of town.
Braidwood Food Co.
If you’re looking for lighter options, pick up handmade oven baked flatbread of various different local flavours from Braidwood Food Co. on Braidwood’s Duncan Street, just off the main road.
Provision’s Deli & Creperie
For a gourmet picnic, head out to Provision’s Deli & Creperie, where you’ll find artisan produce and specialty coffee, French galettes and crepes, and a selection of local and international cheese, charcuterie and pantry staples.
SOAK UP THE SUN
Once you have your picnic staples selected, it’s time to find the picnic spot of your dreams. Whether you want to just soak up the sun in a park within a walking distance from the shops, or make a day of it with a trip somewhere further afield, Queanbeyan-Palerang has you covered.
QUEANBEYAN
Queen Elizabeth II Park
One of the most popular spots in town for some fun in the sun, Queen Elizabeth II Park is situated along the Queanbeyan River, in the heart of the city. The park includes playground equipment, a large oval space for picnics, a wet-play area, barbecues and shelter, walking and cycling paths along the riverside and a terraced amphitheatre with a stage area directly adjacent to the river.
Ray Morton Park
Directly on the opposite side of the river from Queen Elizabeth II Park, lies Ray Morton Park. The park contains a sensory garden with raised garden beds and plants and activities engaging all senses from sight and touch to scent and taste. You’ll also find some beautiful public art in and around the park, including two of Queanbeyan’s most well-known sculpture works, Morty the Snail and Queanie the Platypus.
Queanbeyan Park
On the other side of the CBD, you’ll find Queanbeyan Park. The park is fully equipped for the perfect picnic set up with picnic tables, shelter, water refill stations, barbeques, and accessible change room and toilet facilities, as well as a modern and accessible playground for the kids.
For those looking to incorporate some sports into their spring day in Queanbeyan, the park boasts an Australian Football field, turf cricket pitch, 120m sprint track and a 350m endurance track, all enclosed with lighting.
Moore Park
Moore Park is another great spot for a picnic in Queanbeyan, featuring the Queanbeyan Memorial Rose Garden, barbecue facilities and seating along with a skate park. You’ll also find the Queanbeyan Aquatic Centre located within the park.
Googong Foreshores
Within just a quick, 10km drive from Queanbeyan, lie the spectacular Googong Foreshores. Gas barbecues can be found at the Downstream Picnic Area and the London Bridge Woolshed and Tin Hut, located in the southern end of the reserve. Both are great spots for setting up a picnic before continuing to explore the Foreshores’ many activities on offer – from birdwatching and bushwalking to mountain biking, kayaking and fishing.
Molonglo Gorge
Set within a stone’s throw from Queanbeyan is the hidden gem of Molonglo Gorge. Located in the Kowen Forest, and made up of unspoiled bush, cascades and pools, the Gorge is the perfect day trip destination for those looking to take some time off in serene natural surroundings.
Set up your picnic at the Molonglo Gorge Recreation Area, which features electric barbecues, bench table and chairs, or pack a light picnic and take on the Blue Tiles Walk which will lead you to the small grassed picnic area of Blue Tiles with a charming view of the Molonglo River.
BUNGENDORE & SURROUNDS
Warren Little Oval
For a picturesque picnic spot in Bungendore, head up to McMahon Drive, just north of the village. It’s here you’ll find Warren Little Oval along Turallo Creek. The oval is a great spot for some ball games and the adjoining picnic area provides all the essentials for a nice picnic in the sun. Nearby along McMahon Drive, you’ll also find the Bungendore Skatepark, as well as the off-leash area for your pooch to zoom around in.
BRAIDWOOD & SURROUNDS
Ryrie Park
Ryrie Park is a beautiful spot located right in the heart of Braidwood. It’s hard to miss as you drive into town, with its lovely shade trees and picnic area, as well as the impressive playground with its signature windmill combination climber reaching high up to the sky. The family-friendly park is a popular pit stop for families travelling in the region, decked out with lots of equipment, such as a basket swing, accessible carousel, double flying fox with an inclusive seat and water play equipment.
Araluen Creek Camping Area
If you’re out exploring more of the countryside around Braidwood, make sure to stop by Araluen. You can set up your picnic at the Araluen Creek Camping Area, nestled at the foot of a mountain. The shaded camping area provides ample space for ball games following your picnic and is also pet-friendly. To immerse yourself in the history of the area, you can also try gold panning in the creek.
Always make sure to check the NSW National Parks website for the latest information on campground and track closures before setting out on an adventure in the state’s national parks.
