Whether you’re after a barbecue beside a playground, a nature picnic in the national park, or a heritage spot with a bit of history to explore, the Cessnock and Hunter Valley has a solid range of options for families.
Know a great spot we’ve missed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
Picnic Spots with Barbecues in the Cessnock Area
Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock
One of the Hunter’s largest playgrounds makes Bridges Hill Park a natural base for a family picnic. There are covered picnic shelters and barbecues near the carpark, shade sails over parts of the equipment, and views across Cessnock to the Brokenback Ranges as a backdrop. The half-sized basketball court with fenced surround is a bonus for older kids. If you want more peace and quiet, head to the back of the park, or simply spread out a picnic blanket on one of the many grassed areas. Read more about Bridges Hill Playground.
Veterans Memorial Park, Aberdare
A solid and well-equipped local park that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Veterans Memorial Park has two picnic shelters, barbecues, and additional seating, alongside a playground, a children’s bike and scooter track, shade sails, and war memorial monuments that provide a bit of local history context. It’s one of Cessnock Council’s three inclusive accessible playgrounds in the LGA. A good option if you’re looking for a quieter spot closer to town.
Maybury Peace Park, Weston
Maybury Peace Park is a genuinely impressive park for the area. There’s a large inclusive playground, duck pond, picnic shelters, barbecues, and walking trails. It connects via a 2.5km shared pathway to Chinaman’s Hollow, which has its own picnic shelters and barbecues, making it easy to spread out across both spaces for a bigger group. Read more about Maybury Peace Park.
Poppethead Park, Kitchener
A picnic with a side of local history. Poppethead Park features free barbecue facilities, plenty of picnic tables near the Kitchener Dam, and a shade sail-covered playground for kids of all ages. The poppethead itself, the headframe from the former Aberdare Central Collier, is worth a look and a good talking point for curious kids. There’s also a walking trail on site. Read more about Poppethead Park.
Hunter Valley Gardens Picnic Area, Pokolbin
Just outside Hunter Valley Gardens near the Shopping Village on Broke Road, there’s a dedicated picnic area with sheltered tables and barbecues next to the Village Playground. A handy stop if you’re already spending the day in the Hunter Valley and want somewhere easy for lunch.
Nature Picnic Spots in the Cessnock Area
Boarding House Dam Picnic Area, Watagans National Park
Enjoy a family picnic at the beautiful Boarding House Dam picnic area in Watagans National Park. You’ll find picnic tables and barbecues as well as toilet amenities. Go on a short bushwalk, where you’ll cross a beautiful wooden bridge to find an amazing 120m green moss wall. The wall overlooks, and leads back to, the other side of Boarding House Creek. The entire circuit is only 700m, making it a perfect nature walk for all ages, particularly little ones. Boarding House Dam picnic area and walk is in he north-eastern section of Watagans National Park. Read more about the Moss Wall at Boarding House Dam. Please note: There is a current safety alert that Watagan Road/Heaton Road is closed due to landslips
The Pines Picnic Area, Olney State Forest, Watagans
Get back to nature and enjoy a picnic at the The Pines Picnic Area in Olney State Forest. With picnic tables and wood-fired barbecues scattered throughout, this area features pine trees planted in the 1920s and 1930s. Before or after your picnic, head out for a short 1.1km loop walk along Pines Walking Track. The track follows Dora Creek and you can see pockets of moist eucalypt forests, rainforest and a lovely rock pool. Dogs are allowed in NSW State Forests. For more information, visit the Forestry Corporation website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bridges Hill Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Maybury Peace Park, Poppethead Park, Hunter Valley Gardens, Boarding House Dam, and The Pines Picnic Area all have barbecue facilities.
Yes. Bridges Hill Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Maybury Peace Park, and Poppethead Park all have playgrounds alongside picnic facilities.
Dogs are welcome at The Pines Picnic Area in Olney State Forest. Always check signage at individual parks for on-leash requirements.
You might also like: