Best FNQ barbecue spots
Enjoy the outdoors with a grill
WHO doesn’t love a barbecue in the great outdoors?
There’s just something about the combination of friends or family, excellent food and drinks and fantastic scenery that makes cooking outside such a memorable experience.
There are some amazing spots across the Far North to indulge in some great grilling. Here’s some of the best:
CAIRNS ESPLANADE
Cairns Regional Council has installed 12 barbecues along the 5km long Esplanade, each named after a local native bird. The barbecues are all electric, and each in great locations, either close to the Lagoon, play equipment or big expanses of parkland for impromptu ball games. If you head to the northern end of the Esplanade, keep an eye out for the bocce court.
EMERALD CREEK
This is one of those tropical locations that is an absolutely idyllic picnic spot. The site is within tall gum trees. There is a great view with a waterfall, a freshwater creek for swimming, and you’re even allowed to take your dog. The day use area at Emerald Creek, within the Dinden West Forest Reserve has picnic tables, woodfired barbecues, and toilets.
DEADMAN’S GULLY
This picnic area at Clifton Beach is among the best of the northern beaches locations, mainly because it’s tucked away from passing tourists, and there is a great playground for the kids. Beachside barbecues provide a perfect family spot and seabreezes give you some respite from the mozzies. The nearby gully reserve is worth a squiz — just don’t go swimming in the creek, which is known croc habitat.
LAKE EACHAM
There is nothing more blissful than emerging from the cooling waters of a crater lake and being able to tuck into a sausage sandwich fresh off the grill. Lake Eacham is not only one of the best freshwater swimming locations in the Far North, it’s also a top picnic spot. There are picnic tables and barbecues around the lake itself, and two viewing decks for uninterrupted views of the water and its inhabitants. Pro tip: make sure you bring something to float on in the water.
ROTARY PARK, BABINDA
There are lots of great picnic spots in and around Babinda, but this one tops the list as it is the end destination for one of the best aquatic activities in the Far North: kayaking Babinda Creek. The park itself is very picturesque, and has barbecues, sheltered tables and plenty of parking. Pack a hamper for a barbie after your halfday paddling adventure that you’ve really earned.