Where to Get Your Picnic on at the Sunny Coast
We will not be bound by the social construct of sitting on furniture whilst eating a meal, furniture giants will not dictate how we live our lives! Köttbullar och potatismos are best enjoyed overlooking a nice view anyway. If you’re someone who loves a drive filled with snacky finger food to scenic spots, we’re here for you. We see you. With the weather warming up, it’s totally picnic weather.
Noosa Botanic Gardens
Go for a gentle paced walk through Noosa’s Botanic Gardens and take into the beautiful flowery scenery. I mean, who doesn’t like the sound of a picnic in a spot like that? Only a short drive from the hinterland town of Cooroy, the gardens are quiet and tucked away. They even have picnic tables for public use if you so desire.
Where to Grab the Food
Coffee, pastries, toasties - Fika Cafe offers up a bunch of cafe goodies for you to grab before you head to your picnic. Only about a six minute drive from the gardens, they have a range of treats to choose from. If you’ve got dietary requirements, no stress, there is plenty of gluten free, dairy free and vego/vegan options for you.
Open everyday from 7am to 4pm.
Smoking Billy’s offers you some hearty dishes for you to grab and go. From sandwiches to burgers, you could even grab some BBQ ribs. They’ve even got family share packs for you to graze on.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 8pm, Sunday 12pm to 6.30pm.
Make sure you stay caffeinated up by grabbing a coffee as you pass The Shed Cafe. Grab a scone, or any sweet treat of your liking.
Open Monday to Friday, 7am to 1.30pm, Saturday 8am to 12.30pm.
2. POINT CARTWRIGHT
With a cool ocean breeze and plenty of grassy slopes, this place is just asking you to have a picnic on it. Much quieter than most Sunny Coast beaches, you can relax and unwind in peace and quiet. If its whale season, you might even be able to spot migratory Humpback whales.
Where to Grab the Food
From açaí bowls to smashed avo, superfood smoothies to sweet toasts, no matter if you’re feeling savoury or sweet cravings, Lil Canteen has got it covered. Super close to Point Cartwright, you can grab some takeaway food and enjoy at the lookout.
Open everyday from 6am to 1pm.
Who doesn’t love a fish and chips right by the water? Perfect finger food, The Cool Spot will serve you up some Aussie style fish and chips, snack on some Calamari and watch the sunset.
Open everyday from 7am to 7pm.
Grab a bagel and coffee before you head out to your picnic spot. You can even grab a sweet little treat, why not? Twinfins also has a range of unique drinks, like a Mermaid Latte.
Open everyday from 6am to 12.45pm.
3. Serenity Falls Buderim Forest Park
Only a 15 minute drive from Buderim, Serenity Falls doubles as a swimming hole and nature-packed picnic spot. You’ll even find a BBQ and a picnic area.
Where to Grab the Food
If you’re feeling a little boujee, why not grab some delicious Southeast Asian for a picnic? Dee Den offers their menu takeaway, so you can grab a hearty curry and enjoy with a bush view.
Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch, 11.30am to 2.30pm and dinner 5pm to 8.30/9pm.
Grab all your cafe favourites and delights in town at Little Fig Cafe. Grab a wrap, and treat yourself to a cupcake.
Open Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 2.30 and Saturdays 6.30am to 1pm.
Fancy a plant-based picnic? Whether you’re craving sweet or savoury for your snacks, Cafe Vie will offer you a Vegan variety.
Open everyday from 7am to 3.30pm.
4. McCarthy’s Lookout Maleny
With breathtaking views of the entire Sunny Coast, Glasshouse Mountains and on clear days you can even see Brisbane’s skyline, McCarthys Lookout Spot is a quiet place for a picnic. Plus, there’s a few tables available.
Where to Grab the Food
Look, we think pies, sausage rolls and really any pastry concoction is picnic food. Maleny Pie Guy changes the game offering up innovative flavours of all your favs, and all his pies are homemade.
Open everyday from 8am to 3.30pm.
If we’re being honest, you could scrap the ‘picnic’ idea and enjoy outdoor dining at Mountain View Cafe. With plenty of brunch options, a whole cabinet of cakes and treats, and breathtaking views, we don’t really blame you if you choose to dine in.
Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, Saturday & Sundays 8am to 5pm.
Full of character, Maleny Marketplace is full of wholesome goodies, from toasties to coffee and cake. You can grab a variety of picnic nibbles.
Open everyday 7am to 2pm.
5. Alexandra Headlands
Fondly nicknamed the ‘Alex’ by locals and vistors alike, you’ll find kilometres of coastal frontage of beaches, parks and headlands. Full of small-town charm, there’s plenty of quaint spots for you to get your picnic on, with BBQ facilities provided.
Where to Grab the Food
Grab a brekkie or brunch and take in the amazing scenery at Elliots Bistro. The locals adore it, and you can grab a hearty meal for you and your chosen company to enjoy.
Open Tuesday to Friday & Sunday, 7am to 2.30pm.
Hot chips and chicken salt, one of life’s simple pleasures and best enjoyed near the beach. With all your classic fish and chippery goodies, you’re guaranteed to feel full and happy after a picnic feast.
Mexican-inspired snacks, tacos, and burrito bowls sound like your ideal picnic spread? We thought so. Juan Fifty Kitchen & Bar offers you plenty of finger-licking goodies to enjoy.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm.
Written by Megan Turner
