Picnic in Paradise

Now that you’ve sniffed out the best fish and chips in town, it’s time for the next big adventure — a spring picnic with the whole crew! The days are getting longer, the sun is getting warmer, and the great outdoors is calling. So grab a picnic rug, pack a basket of yummy snacks (crackers and cheese, anyone?), round up the kids and head out to discover some of the best picnic spots the Northern Rivers has to offer. From sandy shores to shady forests, these family-friendly favourites tick every box — playgrounds, paddling, exploring and plenty of room to run wild.

COASTAL PICNIC SPOTS

FINGAL HEAD

Little beach lovers will go wild for Fingal Head! Spread your rug anywhere along the river mouth or the sea and soak up the sunshine, then lace up for a stroll to the Fingal Head Lighthouse. Along the way you'll spot The Giants Causeway, a wild rock formation the kids will love climbing over (carefully!) and asking a hundred questions about.

Kid Check: Public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and a playground at Fingal Beach Park.

POINT DANGER LOOKOUT

Pick a sunny patch of grass at Point Danger and watch the surfers ride the waves below while you tuck into lunch. There's a telescope for whale spotting (keep those eyes peeled!) and a short stroll to Snapper Rocks for the adventurous ones. History buffs in the family can follow the Walk of Remembrance from the Captain Cook Memorial too.

Kid Check: Parking, BBQs and sheltered picnic tables, with public toilets nearby at Snapper Rocks.

HASTINGS POINT LOOKOUT

This rocky lookout is a front-row seat to the sparkling Northern Rivers coast — perfect for dolphin spotting and whale watching with the family. Kids will love a gentle rock scramble down to the beach, and if you've forgotten the snacks, there's a general store just down the hill to save the day.

Kid Check: Public toilets and a general store nearby, plus free parking.

CLARKES BEACH, BYRON BAY

With calm, protected water and a playground right by the sand, Clarkes Beach is a firm family favourite. Find a shady spot under the towering Norfolk Pines, let the kids loose on the scooter-friendly pathways, then cool off with a swim. Need an ice cream fix? The Beach Café is right there for a post-picnic treat.

Kid Check: Public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, playground, beach access and a cafe. Paid parking from $4/hr.

BRUNSWICK HEADS

Head to the riverside on Mullumbimbi Street for a laidback family picnic. There's a brand-new playground to keep the kids busy, open grass for backyard cricket, and calm shallows perfect for a splash. Feeling adventurous? Hire a kayak, SUP or tinny and make a whole day of it — then grab a coffee (or a cheeky treat) at one of the nearby cafés.

Kid Check: Public toilets, river access, playground and cafés close by.

HINTERLAND HIDEAWAYS

NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK

For families who love a bit of bushland magic, the Minyon Grass picnic area is pure spring wonder. Wander the walking tracks on the lookout for birds and wildlife, admire the view over Minyon Falls, or take on the hike down to the base for a refreshing dip in the natural pool beneath the trees.

Kid Check: Public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, waterfall views and hiking tracks. Free parking.

VICTORIA PARK NATURE RESERVE, ALSTONVILLE

Picnic beneath giant fig trees in this pocket of ancient rainforest. The Victoria Park Boardwalk is an easy, flat 300-metre loop that's brilliant for prams, scooters and little legs, and there's a good chance of spotting local wildlife like red-legged pademelons and wompoo fruit-doves along the way.

Kid Check: Public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, an accessible boardwalk and nature trails. Free parking.

KNOX PARK, MURWILLUMBAH

If your crew has energy to burn, Knox Park is the spot. Roll out the picnic rug on the grass while the kids tackle the epic adventure playground — think zip lines, suspension bridges, a giant tunnel slide, a water pump station and even a dinosaur zone. There's a skate park too (helmets on!), plus scooter-friendly paths and plenty of cafés nearby for a treat on the way home.

Kid Check: Public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, playground, skate park and duck pond. Free parking.

However you spend it, spring is made for slowing down, getting outside and making memories with the family. So pack that basket, round up the kids and go find your own perfect picnic in paradise!