SECRET PICNIC SPOTS
FAR North Queenslanders, start unfurling your picnic rugs.
Picnics have been given the all-clear, under the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions unveiled by the Queensland Government, which are due to start tomorrow.
While Queenslanders are only allowed to travel within 50km of their principal place of residence, this still allows you to get out and explore some premier spots to sit down and enjoy the scenery, while indulging in a basket of food and drink.
If you want to avoid crowds, check out these little-known picnic spots, all within easy – and still legal – driving, cycling and walking distance of Cairns’ city centre.
TRINITY BEACH HEADLAND
Most locals know the southern headland of Trinity Beach as a great place to go turtle watching.
But if you go a little bit further, there is a tiny set of stairs that takes you to a flat area that is perfect for a picnic. You just need to bring your own shade.
The view is extraordinary, taking in golden shores of the beach, and Double Island in the distance. There is also a great ocean breeze to keep you cool.
RED/YELLOW ARROW SUMMIT
Another spot that takes a little work to get to, but it is well worth it for the view. Either take the Red or Yellow arrows (yellow usually has less people) and head straight up the hill until you reach the summit.
There is a shaded picnic table at the top, and depending on the time of the day, you may get lucky and score it for yourself. Alternatively, a few metres east of the table there is a lovely shaded spot next to a tree, where you have a view out over the city, airport and Trinity Bay.
LOU PICCONE PARK
This is a charmer of a park, located in the foothills of Bentley Park.
While the playground is currently off-limits, it’s a great, serene spot to take in the view of the surrounding rainforest. The picnic tables are all under cover, and the well-maintained lawn is the perfect place for a low-key game of family cricket or other ball games.
RYAN WEARE PARK
If Brinsmead’s Goomboora Park is looking too boisterous this weekend, try the mini version just around the corner in Freshwater.
Ryan Weare Park is better known as the park that spends a substantial amount of time underwater, come peak wet season in Cairns.
The rest of the year, it can be paradise for those looking for a suburban escape. Freshwater Creek flows into a pond that is safe to swim in, and there is a large amount of shade to sit under to enjoy a picnic.
PALM COVE NORTH
While the mad-keen fishermen spend hours on Palm Cove’s jetty, the little beach area just north of the jetty is a local secret. There are two spots to choose from, directly next to the jetty under the shade of beach macadamias; or across the creek – which you can only access at low tide, due to potential crocodile dangers.
Across the creek, there are boulders to shade you as you take in the incredible view of Double Island, just over a kilometre away. If you don’t want to bring your own food, the excellent restaurants lining Williams Esplanade offer great takeaway.