Barbecue locations

​Melbourne has an abundance of spots for the perfect outdoor cook-up along our rivers and creeks. Gather friends or family for a barbecue and take part in a great Australian tradition.

The parks and paths along rivers and creeks are usually the responsibility of Parks Victoria or local councils – please contact them with any enquiries.

View barbecue locations in a map

Brimbank Park, Keilor East

Part of the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands, Brimbank Park sits alongside the Maribyrnong River and offers plenty of options for getting active as well as enjoying a great Aussie barbecue.

Activities

After the barbecue and picnic enjoy some of the other great activities on offer, including:

• scenic walks
• cycling along bike paths
• fishing
• canoeing
• birdwatching
• kite-flying

Facilities

Public facilities at Brimbank Park include:

• car parking

• toilets

• picnic tables

• shelters

• electric/gas barbecues

• playgrounds

• information shelter

• visitor centre

• cafe

More information

Melways ref. 15 A10

Brimbank Park on Google maps

Maribyrnong Valley Parklands - Parks Victoria 

Cardinia Reservoir Park, Narre Warren East

Cardinia Reservoir Park is one of Melbourne's most popular outdoor destinations. Get there early to witness the morning light dancing across the huge expanse of water. 

Activities

Work up an appetite for a barbecue or picnic by getting involved in some of the great activities on offer. Let the kids explore the playground at Crystal Brook picnic area or watch the eastern grey kangaroos feeding at dawn and dusk.

Facilities 

There are three picnic areas at Cardinia Reservoir Park with facilities available for public use.

Crystal Brook is the most accessible picnic area in the park. Facilities include:

• car parking

• wood-fired barbecues (wood provided)

• playground

• shelter

• toilets with access for visitors with limited mobility

Public facilities at Kangaroo Flat picnic area include:

• barbecues

• shelter

• picnic tables

Public facilities at Aura Vale Lake (Henley’s Picnic Area) include:

• car parking

• accessible toilets

• picnic tables

More information

Melway ref. 126 C11

Cardinia Reservoir Park on Google Maps

Cardinia Reservoir Park - Parks Victoria

Darebin Parklands, Alphington

Only 7km from the Melbourne CBD, the Darebin Parklands is an inner-city gem which boasts the remnants of Melbourne's early agricultural history. 

Activites

Explore the parklands and Darebin Creek along it's many pathways and discover hidden treasutes including orchards and crops that were grown in Melbourne during the mid-1800s.

Facilities

• car parking

• toilets

• barbecue facilities

• picnic tables

• walking paths

More information

Melways ref. 31 D9

Darebin Parklands on Google Maps

Darebin Parklands - Darebin Shire Council

Edwardes Park Lake, Reservoir

The 6.3 hectare Edwardes Lake is the second largest urban lake in metropolitan Melbourne. Set within 26 hectares of picturesque district parkland it is part of the Edgar's Creek catchment, which is a stream of the Yarra River.

Activities

In addition to the numerous sporting facilities within the park grounds you can enjoy a lake walking path, old train engine, playgrounds, bird watching, barbecue and picnic facilities.

Facilities

• barbecues

• car parking

• toilets

• sports facilities

• walking paths

• 2 playgrounds

• picnic tables

More information

Melways ref. 18 D5

Edwardes Lake Park on Google Maps

Edwardes Lake Park - Darebin Shire Council

Greenvale Reservoir Park, Greenvale

Greenvale Reservoir Park is just 25 minutes from the centre of Melbourne. Sit back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet overlooking the reservoir.

Activities

Pack a barbecue or picnic for an action-packed day out that includes walking, cycling and setting out on the Ironbark Trail. The park features four picnic areas: Blue Wren, The Pines, Brodies Lakes and Ironbark.

Facilities

Public facilities available at Greenvale Reservoir Park include:

• car parking

• picnic shelters

• electric/gas barbecues

• playgrounds

• wheelchair accessible toilets

More information

Melway ref. 179 C8

Greenvale Reservoir Park on Google maps

Greenvale Reservoir Park - Parks Victoria

Jells Park, Wheelers Hill

There’s no shortage of barbecue and picnic areas at Jells Park, a sprawling parkland nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley that attracts around one million visitors every year.

Activities

Jells Park offers plenty of space for social gatherings and a range of recreation options. Drop a fishing line in the lake, spot birds and native wildlife and walk, rollerblade or cycle along the extensive trails.

Facilities

Jells Park has eight picnic areas in total, each with water and toilets nearby.

Jells North has four picnic areas (Jells East, Elms, Stringybark and Pines). Public facilities include:

• solid fuel barbecues (wood provided) and two areas with electric barbecues

• accessible toilets

• adventure playgrounds

• car parking

• information centre

• picnic shelters

• bird hide

Jells South has two picnic areas (Ashes and Oaks). Public facilities include:

• free electric barbecues

• accessible toilets

• adventure playgrounds

• car parking

• park information

• picnic shelters

• bird hide

More information

Melway ref. 72 A10

Jells Park on Google Maps

Jells Park - Parks Victoria

Maroondah Reservoir Park, Healesville

Maroondah Reservoir Park offers a wonderful variety of landscapes, from the grand reservoir and exotic and native trees to spectacular European-style gardens. There’s also a good chance of spotting local wildlife around the park, one of the most popular in Victoria.

Activities

Playgrounds for kids, lawns and cool summer shade make Maroondah Reservoir Park a top spot for a barbecue or picnic. You can also spend time enjoying some of the park’s other activities and attractions:

• bushwalking

• photographing the historic Rose Stairway

• birdwatching and wildlife spotting

• visiting the lookout

• walking along the dam wall

People with limited mobility can access the dam wall by making arrangements with Parks Victoria ahead of time.

Facilities

Public facilities available at Maroondah Reservoir Park include:

• picnic tables

• wood barbecues with wood supplied

• rotundas

• car parks

• toilets

More information

Melway ref. 270 K10

Maroondah Reservoir Park on Google Maps

Maroondah Reservoir Park - Parks Victoria

Patterson River, Patterson Lakes

Patterson River is one of the most popular boating gateways to Port Phillip Bay and is home to the Lakes Marina. The man-made river begins at the junction of the Eumemerring and Dandenong creeks in Bangholme before its short journey to the sea.

Activities

Sit on the river bank and enjoy your picnic. Or head out onto the water and catch a fish or two to throw onto the barbecue. Other activities include:

• recreational boating

• walking along the banks of the river

• watching the boats slip by

• fishing (must hold a Victorian Fishing License)

• bike riding on trails to Mordialloc, Dandenong, Frankston or the city

Facilities

Public facilities available at Patterson River include:

• undercover picnic areas

• public toilets

• electric barbecues

• playground

• boardwalks

• cafe

More information

Melway ref: 97 E7

Patterson River on Google Maps

Patterson River - Parks Victoria

Plenty Gorge Park, South Morang

The spectacular Plenty Gorge is the backdrop for this stunning area of bushland only 20 kilometres from the heart of Melbourne.

Activities

Find a quiet spot for a picnic or barbecue. Soak up stunning views of the Kinglake Ranges and the Plenty River Valley. Follow up your feast by exploring the park. Activities include:

• exploring Le Page homestead, barn and stables

• spectacular views

• walking around the picturesque lakes or peninsula

• watching for birds and native wildlife

• bushwalking

Facilities

There are numerous picnic and barbecue areas within Plenty Gorge Park with public facilities available for use.

Yarrambat, Hawkstowe and Yellow Gum picnic areas facilities include:

• toilets

• electric barbecues

• picnic shelters

• car parking

Facilities at Red Gum picnic area include:

• toilets with parenting amenities

• children's playground

• picnic areas

• car parking

Middle Gorge picnic area facilities include:

• toilets with parenting amenities

• car parking

More information

Melway ref: 183 H8

Plenty Gorge Park on Google Maps

Plenty Gorge Park - Parks Victoria

Silvan Reservoir Park, Dandenong Ranges

The landscaped picnic areas, eucalypt forest, gullies of tall tree ferns and open lawns of Silvan Reservoir Park make it an ideal location for a relaxing day out.

Activities

Pack your walking shoes to explore the forest and feast on a barbecue or picnic. Other great activities on offer at Silvan Reservoir Park include:

• walks through the forest

• self-guided nature trail

• bird and wildlife spotting

Facilities

Public facilities available at Silvan Reservoir Park include:

• wood and electric barbecues

• accessible toilets

• picnic tables

• picnic shelters

• playground

• car parking

More information

Melway ref: 120 H11

Silvan Reservoir Park on Google maps

Silvan Reservoir Park - Parks Victoria

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Christmas Hills

Set within the spectacular Christmas Hills near Yarra Glen, Sugarloaf Reservoir is known for its stunning views across the water. The park is mostly grassland. Wildlife is abundant and can be easily spotted.

Activities

A barbecue or picnic on the shores of Sugarloaf Reservoir comes with bonus views across the reservoir. You can even set sail on the water or try your luck fishing for your own lunch. Other activities include:

• bushwalking

• walking 15 kilometres along the reservoir perimeter

• birdwatching and wildlife spotting

• sightseeing

• sailing

• shoreline fishing

Facilities

There are two picnic and barbecue areas within Sugarloaf Reservoir Park with public facilities available for use.

Public facilities available at Ridge picnic area include:

• accessible toilets

• picnic shelters

• car parking

• hot water facilities

• two double hotplate gas barbecues

• wood barbecues with wood supplied

Public facilities at Saddle Dam picnic area include:

• car parking

• accessible toilets

• picnic shelters

Park visitors are encouraged to bring along their own portable gas barbecue as an alternative to the facilities provided (except on days of total fire ban). Please be aware that Saddle Dam picnic area has no barbecue facilities.

More information

Melway ref: 273 A2

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park on Google maps

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park - Parks Victoria

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, Warburton

Follow the Yarra River to its uppermost accessible point in peaceful high country east of Warburton. Carefully maintained gardens and picnic grounds surrounded by eucalypt and spectacular scenery make the perfect setting for a leisurely picnic.

Activities

Follow up your barbecue or picnic with one of Upper Yarra Reservoir Park’s fun-filled activities:

• Fern Gully self-guided trail

• Batts Creek Track

• Brimbonga walking track

• views

• birdwatching

• visiting the restored McVeigh's water wheel

• camping

Facilities

Public facilities available at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park include:

• wood barbecues (bring your own wood)

• hot water facilities

• walking tracks

• lookout areas

• wet weather hall with sheltered seating, electric barbecues and hot water

• information shelter

• toilets

• rotunda

• car parking

More information

Melway ref: 612 U2

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park on Google Maps

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park - Parks Victoria

Westerfolds Park, Templestowe

Westerfolds Park sits at a hilly bend in the Yarra River in Templestowe. Walkers and cyclists can connect with the Main Yarra Trail or stick to the network of paths within the park itself.

Activities

Pack a picnic or enjoy a barbecue with friends at one of Westerfolds Park’s many formal and informal picnic areas. The 120-hectare parkland features plenty to keep the whole family occupied, such as:

• visiting the observation deck

• canoeing down the Yarra River

• cycling along the Main Yarra Trail

• spotting wildlife and birdwatching

• walking through the wetland areas

Facilities

Public facilities available at Westerfolds Park include:

• picnic tables

• electric and wood barbecues (wood provided)

• shelters

• accessible toilets

• playgrounds

• a canoe ramp

• a viewing platform

• car parking

Park visitors are welcome to bring along their own portable gas barbecue as an alternative to the facilities provided (except on days of total fire ban).

More information

Melway ref: 33 G2

Westerfolds Park on Google Maps

Westerfolds Park - Parks Victoria

Westgate Park, Port Melbourne

Tucked below the Westgate Bridge along the eastern banks of the Yarra River, Westgate Park offers spectacular views to the mouth of the Yarra and the city skyline.

Activities

You can feel worlds away from the nearby city centre when you’re barbecuing or picnicking in the park’s natural indigenous landscaping. You can also enjoy a range of other activities, such as:

• cycling along the Yarra River or Port Melbourne foreshore

• birdwatching

• catching the bicycle punt across the river to Williamstown (weekends only)

• checking out the Earth Series Sculptures

Group bookings of the lawn area can be made by contacting Parks Victoria.

Facilities

Public facilities available at Westgate Park include:

• electric barbecues

• car parking

• toilets

• viewing platform

More information

Melway ref: 56 F1

Westgate Park on Google Maps

Westgate Park - Parks Victoria

Yarra Bend Park, Kew and Fairfield

Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural vegetation near Melbourne's city centre. It boasts more than 16 kilometres of river frontage plus superb views of the city and the Dandenong Ranges.  The landscape varies from steep, wild river slopes to open woodlands, formal parkland, playing fields and golf courses.

Activities

There’s a host of family-friendly activities on offer at Yarra Bend Park. Check out Dights Falls. Go boating on the Yarra River. Ride a bike. Practice your casting at the international fly-casting pool. Or just find a spot to relax with a picnic or barbecue while waiting for the fish to bite. Other activities include:

• boating

• canoeing

• golf

• fishing

• orienteering

• dining out at Studley Park Boathouse

• birdwatching

• walking

• cycling

Facilities

There are a number of picnic spots in Yarra Bend Park, including Bellbird picnic area, Studley Park Boathouse and picnic area and Westfield Reserve.

Public facilities at Studley Park picnic area include:

• picnic shelters

• electric barbecues

• toilet facilities

• canoe access

• car parking

• park information

Public facilities at Bellbird picnic area include:

• shelter

• electric barbecue

• toilet facilities

• canoe launching ramp

• car parking

Public facilities at Westfield Reserve include:

• shelter

• electric barbecue

• toilet facilities

• car parking

More information

Melway ref: 2D K6

Yarra Bend Park on Google Maps

Yarra Bend Park - Parks Victoria

Yarra Flats Park, East lvanhoe

Nestled beside the Yarra River, the park's pastoral and heritage landscapes were an inspiration for some of Australia’s best-known artists, including Condor, Streeton and McCubbin. The natural bushland, shimmering wetlands and abundant birdlife continue to delight visitors today.

Activities

Take a walk along the Heidelberg School Artists Trail on the Main Yarra Trail to see how the artists interpreted the landscape. Cycle around the park, and enjoy a barbecue or picnic to the sounds of native birds and local frog species.

Facilities

Public facilities at Yarra Flats Park include:

• wood-fired barbecues with wood supplied

• picnic shelter

• toilets

• car parking

More information

Melway ref: 32 C6

Yarra Flats Park on Google maps

Yarra Flats Park - Parks Victoria