It is the most important question you will answer all January:
“What are we doing for the long weekend?”
If the answer involves an esky, a bag of ice and a packet of snags, you are on the right track. But finding a public BBQ that isn’t crowded, broken or covered in ibis footprints is an art form.
We have mapped out the five best spots across the East Coast where you can park the car, claim a bench and settle in for a proper Australia Day afternoon.
1. Brisbane: New Farm Park
The Vibe: The river city classic. If you want the quintessential Brisbane experience, this is it. You have huge fig trees for shade, the river breeze and plenty of space for backyard cricket. It gets busy, but the atmosphere is unbeatable.
The Drive: Parking near the powerhouse can be a battle of wills, so get there early. If you are flying in for the weekend, our car hire Brisbane service is the easiest way to load up the supplies and get straight to the park without dragging an esky on the ferry.
2. Sydney (City/Beach): Bronte Park
The Vibe: The “Locals’ Bondi.” Skip the chaos of Bondi Beach and head just around the corner to Bronte. You get the same ocean views and salt air, but with a massive grassy hill that is perfect for a picnic rug. The free electric BBQs are pristine, and there is a covered area if the summer storm rolls in.
The Drive: Street parking is tight, so a compact vehicle is your best friend here. Grab a hatch from our car hire Sydney fleet and you will have a much better chance of snagging a spot on Bronte Road than the guys in the massive utes.
3. Melbourne: Yarra Bend Park
The Vibe: Bushland in the ‘burbs. Melbourne weather is unpredictable, but Yarra Bend is perfect, rain or shine. Head to the Studley Park Boathouse area. It feels like you are deep in the bush, but you are only ten minutes from the CBD. You can hire a rowboat to work off lunch or just snooze under the gum trees.
The Drive: This is a proper drive-in location with decent parking lots. It is a quick trip from the city, making it a perfect day trip in a car hire Melbourne vehicle if you want to escape the concrete jungle for a few hours.
4. Gold Coast: Burleigh Hill
The Vibe: The Sunday Session capital. There is no better view on the coast than looking north from Burleigh Hill towards the Surfers Paradise skyline. It is the ultimate spot for fish and chips or a BBQ sunset. The vibe is relaxed, the surf is right there, and the people-watching is world-class.
The Drive: Burleigh is popular, so patience is key. We recommend getting there mid-morning to claim your patch of grass. Pick up a Gold Coast car hire from us, and you can easily throw the surfboards in the back for a pre-BBQ dip.
5. Sydney (Nature): Royal National Park (Audley)
The Vibe: The day-tripper. If you want to properly escape the city, head south to Audley in the Royal National Park. The Audley Weir grounds are stunning, with flat grassy banks right on the water. It is quieter than the beaches and feels like a genuine holiday.
The Drive: You will need a National Parks pass, but it is worth every cent. The drive down the Grand Pacific Drive is beautiful in itself. A reliable Sydney car rental is essential here, as phone reception can be patchy and you want a vehicle that handles the winding roads comfortably.
Get Your Long Weekend Sorted
The supermarkets are already stocking lamingtons, and the weather forecast is heating up. The only thing left to do is secure your wheels.
Don’t leave it until the Friday afternoon rush. Book your vehicle today and make sure you have the boot space you need for the ultimate long weekend setup.
Happy Australia Day!
