There is nothing quite like enjoying a barbeque on a warm day and it is a great way to get outdoors and spend time with family and friends.
With so many options available for bbq parks in Melbourne – in some of the most picturesque locations – I have put together a list of the best ones to help you plan a scenic day out!
Find an outdoor BBQ Melbourne
1. Karkarook Park
Getting out in the open for a BBQ is easy at Karkarook Park where you can canoe, kayak or sail on the 15-hectare lake. Perhaps you could try spotting the varieties of local water birds, or fishing for Redfin Perch, Murray Cod and Rainbow Trout.
Watch amazing sunsets across the lake as you relax in one of the free covered BBQ picnic areas set amongst revegetated Indigenous plants. Dogs are also welcome!
Karkarook Park, Warrigal Road, Heatherton
2. Studley Park Boathouse
The oldest boathouse on the Yarra, Studley Park has been a favourite for locals for 160 years, and now after an extensive renovation it is set to re-open in Autumn 2023. It will have an all-new entertainment and dining centre.
The peaceful picnic area adjoining the boathouse has shelter and toilets, as well as public BBQs that are well equipped for your next get-together, event or even just a quiet day out.
Studley Park Boathouse, 1 Boathouse Road, Kew VIC 3101, 03 8563 0028, info.studleyparkboathouse@ausvenueco.com.au
3. Harmony Park
One of the best parks with BBQ facilities in Melbourne, not far from the homemaker centre in Coburg, is Harmony Park. This fantastic BBQ area has shade sails, a covered sandpit, and benches.
A popular spot for families, there are community gardens, a state-of-the-art skatepark and an adventure playground. You can also get free WIFI access.
Harmony Park, 187–195 Gaffney St, Coburg Melbourne VIC 3058, 03 9688 0200
4. Catani Gardens
Right by the renowned St Kilda foreshore you can find one of the most picturesque BBQ spots in Melbourne. Named for designer Carlo Catani, the Catani Gardens is the best BBQ by the sea.
With six hectares sitting above St Kilda beach, you can access open-air barbeques, public bathrooms, a playground, and an Edwardian rotunda. All under ample shade on those warm days with access to the sandy beach.
Catani Gardens, Beaconsfield Pde, St Kilda West Melbourne VIC 3182, 03 9209 6777
5. Bundoora Park
One of Melbourne’s most diverse parks set among natural bushland by Darebin Creek and Mount Cooper, Bundoora Park is only 14 km from Melbourne’s CBD.
With free BBQ facilities featuring both gas and wood barbeques there are four sheltered picnic areas over the 180-hectare park. Bundoora Park holds a range of experiences for the family, and playgrounds that the kids will love!
Bundoora Park, 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora Melbourne, 03 8470 8170
6. Edinburgh Gardens
Plan a park BBQ in the heart of Fitzroy at Edinburgh Gardens, where you can experience the local events that are held on weekends. There is always something happening and with barbeque areas, tables and chairs plus shade throughout, you can’t go wrong.
You will find a new basketball half-court, an all-weather table tennis table, skate park, playground, sports fields, lawn bowls and a tennis court. It is also wheelchair accessible. Everything you need for a great day out!
Edinburgh Gardens, St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North, Melbourne, 03 9205 5205
7. Princes Park
Over 39 hectares of lush parkland and a gateway to central Melbourne, this park is a great spot for a bbq Melbourne. It has sports and recreation fields, is the headquarters for Carlton Football Club and has lawn bowls, soccer, tennis and cricket facilities.
Play a game and then find a BBQ spot for a picnic surrounded by elms and Moreton Bay fig trees. There are also public toilets, playgrounds, and off-leash dog areas.
Princes Park, Princes Park, Royal Pde, North Carlton VIC 3054
8. Flagstaff Gardens
Steeped in history, and a public garden since 1862, Flagstaff Gardens are perfectly positioned to grab treats from the Queen Victoria Market, and stroll over for your park barbeque.
You can find shade under the eucalypts, Moreton Bay figs and elm trees and will find the barbeques in a great spot on the William Street side. There are also public toilets, a bowling green, playground, and tennis courts.
Flagstaff Gardens,King St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
9. Westgate Park
On the eastern banks of the Yarra, this area under the Westgate bridge has picture-perfect city and river views. A great park with BBQ facilities which is close to the city, and you can even cycle along the river and foreshore.
Access the picnic and barbeque areas from Todd Road while taking in fresh and saltwater lakes, Indigenous plant life, walking and cycling paths as you spot the abundant bird life.
Westgate Park, Westgate Park, Todd Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
10. Alexandra Avenue
Between the Swan Street and Morell Bridges on Alexandra Avenue is one of the best BBQ spots in Melbourne – with unbeatable views of the Yarra River and the city skyline.
Sit back and relax with the multiple barbeque picnic areas to choose from, many with their own seating. A leafy and family-friendly location that is a great place to relax and enjoy.
Alexandra Avenue, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
11. Sugarloaf Reservoir
Head to Christmas Hills, Sugarloaf and you can experience bird watching, sailing, shoreline fishing and bush walking along the shores of the reservoir. Or, if you have energy to burn, you might like to try the 15 km walk.
When it’s time to stop, you can find one of the best free BBQ places in the Ironbark Ridge picnic area with wood BBQ’s and a shelter – just be mindful of weather conditions and fire bans.
Sugarloaf Reservoir, Simpson Road via Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills, VIC 3775
12. Silvan Reservoir Park
Take a day trip to the foot of the Dandenong Ranges and discover a park with BBQ facilities at Silvan Reservoir Park. Ancient eucalypt trees surround landscaped picnic areas and lawns, and you will find walking trails to immerse yourself in nature.
There are public bathrooms on site. Be sure to check weather conditions before your day trip adventure!
Silvan Reservoir Park, Silvan Reservoir Park, Silvan VIC 3795
13. Yarra Flats
Set on 85 hectares of heritage and pastoral land you can find wetlands, bushland, and birdlife at Yarra Flats. Take your own portable BBQ or a picnic lunch and there are tables and shelters on-site.
You will find wood barbeque facilities (with wood supplied) for use when weather permits. The public toilets are also wheelchair accessible.
Yarra Flats, The Boulevarde, Ivanhoe East VIC 3079
14. Greenvale Reservoir Park
Greenvale Reservoir Park is super popular for games and picnics and with the beautiful surroundings, you can see why! Walking paths and open spaces wind along ‘Brodies Lakes’ – which take in three ponds with native birds and wetland life.
There are free gas barbeque facilities and picnic areas under shaded trees that are perfect for a day out. You can also find playgrounds, public bathrooms with baby change facilities and it is wheelchair accessible.
Greenvale Reservoir Park, Somerton Road, Greenvale, VIC 3059
15. Maroondah Reservoir Park
Exotic trees, walking tracks, lovely gardens and native bird and animal life are all features of Maroondah Reservoir Park – home to the historic Rose Stairway.
The park features wood barbeques with wood supplied, picnic tables, playgrounds and public bathrooms, and in spring the Stairway has blossoms of azaleas and rhododendrons.
You can access the dam wall for a walk and there are facilities for limited mobility by arrangement.
Maroondah Reservoir Park, Maroondah Highway, Healesville, VIC 3777
16. Brimbank Park
A perfect park playground that has been designed for creative play, Brimbank Park is available for children of all abilities as part of Parks Victoria’s Autism Friendly Visits initiative. There are nature trails for walking or cycling, all with amazing views.
Brimbank Park is the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri Peoples. Home to a huge amount of native wildlife, you are sure to spot possums, wallabies, birds or reptiles that call this area home.
There are free gas BBQs, picnic tables, and public bathroom facilities in addition to an information centre and café on site.
Brimbank Park, Brimbank Park, Keilor East, VIC 3033
17. Yarra Bend Park
With all the ingredients for a great day out, Yarra Bend Park is the largest natural bushland park in Melbourne. Complete with shaded picnic shelters, electric BBQs, public bathrooms and a canoe launching ramp!
Relax with a BBQ picnic lunch, or get active on one of the walking or cycling trails such as Dight Falls walk to spot the local wildlife. Canoes can be hired from the historic Studley Park Boathouse, or experience a round of golf on the nearby green.
Yarra Bend Park, Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield VIC 3078
18. Cardinia Reservoir Park
With sheltered barbeque and picnic areas, and public bathrooms that overlook Crystal Book, Duffy’s and Kangaroo Flat, it is easy to see why Cardinia Reservoir Park is one of the most popular BBQ spots.
The native bushland with a huge variety of wildlife and flora is an idyllic setting especially for those who would like to switch off and get amongst nature for the day. You are allowed portable gas barbeques, but no heat beads or wood are permitted.
Cardinia Reservoir Park, Duffys Road, Narre Warren East, VIC 3804
19. Patterson River
Boating enthusiasts love the Patterson River and the thriving Patterson Lakes canal system that leads into Port Phillip. You will find four public boat ramps, car and trailer parking and facilities for picnics after a big morning or afternoon out on the water.
There are sheltered picnic areas and access to electric barbeques for the catch of the day. Public bathroom facilities are also available.
Patterson River, Launching Way, Carrum VIC, 3197
20. Plenty Gorge Park
A tranquil backdrop meets you at Plenty Gorge Park with a huge range of cultural and natural activities overlooking the Plenty River and Plenty Gorge. Enjoy a picnic at Yarrambat, Hawkestowe and Yellow Gum sheltered picnic areas, all with electric BBQs.
You can find a children’s playground and bathroom with parent amenities at the Red Gum Picnic area and the Nioka Bush Camp has bunkhouse accommodation that is a great for group camping.
With views of the Plenty River and a backdrop of the wooded Plenty Gorge, this is a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or barbeque. Visitors to Yarrambat can enjoy views of the Kinglake Ranges and the Plenty River valley.
Plenty Gorge Park, Gorge Road, South Morang, VIC 3752
21. Westerfolds Park
Winding along the Yarra River at Templestowe is Westerfolds Park. Plan a barbeque picnic with facilities including sheltered picnic tables, electric or wood BBQs, playgrounds, public bathrooms, and a canoe ramp.
There is also a viewing platform and information centre, and you can get a permit for horse riding on the Bridle Trail or experience a ranger-led night walk to check out some of the nocturnal wildlife that call the area home.
Westerfolds Park, Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe, VIC 3106
22. Upper Yarra Reservoir Park
Get into nature at Upper Yarra Reservoir Park where you can find bushlands with shaded walks, natural wildlife, and historical sites. There are lookouts where you can see wombats, fish, kookaburras, and swamp wallabies along with the native flora.
The McVeigh’s Picnic area has gas barbeques, picnic tables and a rotunda that is wheelchair accessible and you can wander after your BBQ lunch to see the historic 4.3 metre water wheel!
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, Woods Point Road, Warburton, VIC 3799
23. Jells Park
The man-made Jells Lake flows from the Dandenong River and is a popular BBQ spot for picnics and outdoor recreation. There are plenty of picnic areas with four solid fuel BBQs, and four electric BBQs.
There are public bathroom facilities near each picnic area and adventure playgrounds that are perfect for the kids as well as a visitor centre, walking and cycle paths.
Jells Park, Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
24. Meat in a Park
Looking for a ‘free public barbeque near me? Try Meat in a Park where you can find the closest BBQ facilities in Melbourne to your location, to arrange an easy get-together with friends and family for your next BBQ lunch.
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