Grab a Blanket & Head to The 7 Best Picnic Spots in Hobart

Hobart is one of the most picturesque capital cities in Australia, with its beautiful waterfront location on the Derwent River and lush green surroundings. In the warmer months, both locals and tourists make the most of this by grabbing a packed lunch and a blanket and heading to one of the many picnic spots in Hobart to enjoy the fresh air.

Whether you want a calm inner-city oasis, a foreshore setup, a view from a high vantage point or a beachside lunch, there’s plenty of perfect places to pick from in the historic city. We’ve made it a bit easier by rounding up the seven best picnic spots in Hobart so you can do less thinking, more eating.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The undisputed king of beautiful picnic spots in Hobart, the Royal Botanical Gardens is the perfect setting for an alfresco catch-up with friends or romantic picnic lunch for two. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, native birds chirping, the resident ducks waddling around and there’s plenty of gorgeous trees to provide shade on sunny days. Entry to the gardens is by donation and you’re welcome to bring your own food and picnic supplies along, though there is a café onsite if you forget anything.

Lower Domain Road, Hobart

Princes Park

Just a stone’s throw from Salamanca Place is this beautiful, quiet park, set high up in Battery Point. In the 1800s it was the site of a semaphore station for communication with boats coming into the harbour, but now those sweeping views of the Derwent are just for visitors to enjoy. While it is a hilly park, there are level spots under trees to set up a picnic, a fun play area for kids and as a bonus it’s right near the iconic Jackman & McRoss bakery – so pick up some sweet, carb-laden treats beforehand and set up your rug to enjoy baked goods with a view.

Castray Esplanade & Salamanca Place, Battery Point

Long Beach Reserve

One of the best beachside picnic spots in Hobart is located in the stunning enclave of Sandy Bay at the Long Beach Reserve. With a great kids’ play area, plenty of picnic tables and BBQs as well as a million-dollar water view, it’s little wonder locals and tourists flock here on sunny days. Once you’re done with eating and taking in that beautiful Derwent River vista, you can go for a stroll along the lovely stretch of sand or bring your swimmers along for a post-picnic dip.

Long Point Road, Sandy Bay

Waterworks Reserve

Waterworks Reserve is one of those picnic spots in Hobart that gives off the feeling of an oasis – surrounded by bushland, you’ll forget that you’re even in a city. Located in the foothills of Mount Wellington / kunanyi, it’s the site of Hobart’s main water supply, which is more picturesque than it sounds! There’s something oddly calming about the water reservoirs here and the surrounding greenery, making it a super popular picnic spot with locals. There’s plenty of picnic tables and BBQs here, or you can find a nice shady spot to put your blanket down. After you eat, enjoy one of the walking trails that begin in Waterworks Reserve and explore this lovely, historic spot.

Ridgeway Road, Ridgeway

Cornelian Bay Foreshore

Cornelian Bay, a calm little inlet on the shores of the Derwent River, is a lovely spot for a low-key picnic with its cute row of boat sheds and peaceful waterfront location. A relatively small picnic area with three BBQs, you’ll find lots of locals here enjoying the kids playground and the Boathouse cafe on a weekend. Flat and well-paved, this is an accessible park to enjoy a picnic and an idyllic stroll along the Cornelian Bay Foreshore to Cornelian Bay Point – giving you great views of the Derwent Estuary and the Tasman Bridge – to finish.

Queens Walk, New Town

Mount Nelson Signal Station

Not to be outdone by Mount Wellington / kunanyi, nearby neighbour Mount Nelson also offers some of the best panoramic views in Hobart, if you’re looking for a picnic spot with a magnificent city and harbour view. If you head to the signal station, you’ll also get a bonus dose of history with the Signalmaker’s Cottage (built in 1897) still standing today for you to go in and have a peek at. There’s picnic tables and BBQs on site, and after lunch you can explore the area with a scenic walk through Bicentennial Park or the Truganini Conservation Area.​​

700 Nelson Road, Mount Nelson

Opossum Bay Beach

While there’s plenty of beaches with picnic facilities closer to the city, you’re often up against the wind – which is why the protected area of Opossum Bay is one of the prime picnic spots in Hobart. An extremely calm bay that isn’t as exposed to the elements as Kingston Beach, Bellerive Beach or Clifton Beach, you’ll always find a spot on the sand here to sit and enjoy a packed lunch. With gorgeous views across the water over to Kingston and Blackmans Bay, even if its not swimming weather it’s worth the 35-minute drive for a peaceful day spent admiring Hobart from the east side.

Spitfarm Road, Opossum Bay

Now that you've sussed out the best picnic spots in Hobart, it's time to venture out for a bite to eat. Check out our favourite bakeries and restaurants around the city. Or venture further afield to uncover Launceston's best restaurants.