7 best parks for a picnic

Posted 4 March, 2021 Ellen Morgan

Pull out the picnic rug, dust off the basket and rustle together your signature sangers. We’ve listed our favourite spots in SA to stop for a bite to eat with stellar company and spectacular surrounds.   From the city to the suburbs, to regional areas further afield, South Australia is home to a collection of pristine parks perfect for a picnic. Here’s a few of our favourites, from the samotor team.  

1. Port Elliot Soldiers Memorial Gardens

Port Elliot

Many Adelaideans might’ve spent a holiday or 20 on the sands of Horseshoe Bay, but for those in the know, the gardens up the hill are hot picnic property. Whether you lug your fish and chippies up the steep path, or park at the hilltop and bring a picnic spread, it’s an autumnal delight. There are even barbecue facilities and picnic tables and chairs.  

2. Morialta Conservation Park

Woodforde

Morialta is not only home to a network of trails, it also boasts an epic nature playground and picnic space with impressive facilities. The Stradbroke Rd picnic area is easily accessible and comes complete with public barbecue, seating and toilets, not to mention the Mukanthi play space which has been praised by children and parents alike.  

3. Umpherston Sinkhole Gardens

Mount Gambier

While the Umpherston Sinkhole itself is a visual marvel, the parklands and gardens that surround it could almost steal the show. Set conveniently off Princes Hwy in Mount Gambier, the grounds have plenty of lawn space to lay out a picnic rug. There are also picnic tables, a gift shop to explore (let’s face it, everyone loves a souvenir) and a pretty collection of trees, perfect for relaxing under.  

4. Mount Lofty Botanic Garden

Adelaide Hills

The crème-de-la-crème of autumnal beauty, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden really delivers on all the glorious ochre, gold and crisp chestnut-coloured leaves we’ve been waiting for. The gardens have 97 hectares for autumn enthusiasts to explore.  

5. Clonlea Park

Gawler

Clonlea Park boasts a skate park, playground, electric barbecue, tennis court and tidy lush green lawns to enjoy. There’s something for every member of the family here (in addition to mum’s homemade sausage rolls). The towering gums provide plenty of spots for a shady picnic in the sun.  

6. Botanic Park

Adelaide

Botanic Park is the lush green picnic-ready sister to the spectacular Adelaide Botanic Garden. With 34 hectares of space, there are plenty of spots to plonk your picnic gear and settle in for the afternoon. Soak up the autumn sunlight surrounded by iconic Moreton Bay fig trees.