Public BBQ Picnic Checklist: What to Bring
A public grill gives you a place to cook, but you still need the small things that make lunch work. Pack by task—cooking, serving, sitting and cleaning up—then check the facilities at your chosen park before leaving.
Cooking and preparation
- The ingredients for your planned meal, packed for the journey.
- Tongs and a spatula suited to a hotplate.
- Separate utensils and containers for uncooked ingredients and finished food.
- A chopping board and any preparation tools your meal needs.
- An esky or insulated bag with cooling appropriate to your food and travel time.
- Any seasonings, sauces and cooking supplies your recipe calls for.
Prepare what you can at home so you are not depending on a park bench as a kitchen. Check the type of grill before packing fuel or cookware: a fixed public hotplate is a different setup from a designated area where visitors bring their own equipment. Follow the equipment instructions and local restrictions.
Serving and comfort
- Reusable plates, cups and cutlery for each person.
- Drinking water and other drinks.
- Napkins, a table covering if wanted, and a picnic blanket or chairs.
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection.
- A bag that makes the walk from parking manageable.
Do not assume that a mapped BBQ has an adjoining table or reliable shade. Look at the location photos, then confirm essential amenities with the park operator. If accessibility matters to your group, check the route from parking to the grill as well as the cooking area itself.
Cleanup supplies
- Rubbish bags, including a way to carry waste home.
- Reusable containers for packing up.
- Suitable cleaning supplies, following any instructions posted at the grill.
- A separate bag for used utensils and dishes.
Leave the shared cooking area ready for the next group. Use the provided waste facilities where suitable, and take your rubbish with you if bins are unavailable or full.
A plan for a busy or unavailable grill
Save a second location before setting out. Bring something your group can eat without the grill if cooking becomes impractical. Agree on where to meet using the named park or cooking area, because a large reserve can have several entrances and BBQs.
Use the public BBQ directory to find your first choice and a nearby alternative. Our guide to finding a public BBQ explains how to compare the map, photos and operator information before travelling.
One final check
Check the weather, current park notices and your transport plan on the day. A past community photo cannot confirm that a hotplate is working today. Keep the meal simple enough that changing parks does not derail the whole outing.