Do you know what’s the best thing is about picnics? They’re free. Sure, you have to pack a picnic and get to your favourite picnic spot, but once the rugs laid out, it’s all gratis. Fresh air, awesome views, romantic strolls, trees to climb, a kite to fly. What’s not to love? That’s why we’ve never fallen out of love with the simplicity of the humble picnic. It’s just a down to earth (literally) opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy your city.
The Best Picnic Spots In Your City
The sun’s shining. There’s a gentle breeze. Soft clouds meander by. Full of life, you announce to the family or to your friends, “Let’s wander where the wi-fi is weak.” So you may as well enjoy your picnic in the best places your city has to offer.
> McKell Park: It’s nestled on the shores of Sydney Harbour with views of “The Bridge” and Sydney Heads.
SYDNEY: Secret Sydney Picnic Spots
> Centennial Park: It features wide open spaces, playgrounds and a lake, making it perfect for family gatherings.
> Blackburn Gardens: They’re a beautifully restored heritage garden with stunning views.
> Royal Botanic Gardens: It’s where history meets tranquillity. They’re the oldest botanic gardens in the southern hemisphere.
> Cockatoo Island: They’re a UNESCO World Heritage-Listed sanctuary in the heart of the harbour. Enough said.
MELBOURNE: Melbourne Picnic Lunch Sites
> Edinburgh Gardens: They have a sprawling space for the kids to play.
> St Kilda Botanical Gardens: They’re a bayside beauty.
> One Tree Hill Picnic Ground: Don’t let the name deter you. It’s at the foot of the magnificent Dandenongs.
> Yarra Bend Park: It’s the largest area of natural bushland near the heart of Melbourne.
> Rippon Lea Estate: It is home to 14 acres of magnificent gardens.
BRISBANE: Brisbane Breakfast Picnic Places
> Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park: You can find a Natural History Trail, boardwalk and jetty.
> Brisbane City Botanic Gardens: It has mellow music to mellow your mood in a botanic garden.
> South Bank: There are stunning river views, lush parklands and a paddle. Perfect.
> Orleigh Park: Take shelter under a Moreton Bay Fig while you lunch.
> Roma Street Parklands: They’re a subtropical garden by day, an illuminated wonderland by night.
ADELAIDE: Amazing Adelaide Picnic Ideas
> Mount Lofty Summit: Enjoy panoramic views across the city to the coast.
> Carrick Hill: There are spectacular views stretching to Gulf St Vincent.
> Onkaparinga River Recreation Park: It has rock pools, rivers and wetlands.
> Morialta Conservation Park: It’s Adelaide’s biggest playground.
> Para Wirra Conservation Park: You can immerse yourself in nature.
PERTH: Places For A Perfect Perth Picnic
> John Forrest National Park: For when you’re ready to head for the hills.
> Kings Park and Botanic Gardens: It’s such a beautiful setting for the perfect picnic.
> Matilda Bay Reserve: Watch the sun sparkling or setting.
> Heathcote Reserve: It’s a haven for kids.
> Yanchep National Park: Find nature’s paradise and one of Perth’s prettiest parks.
Picnic Lunch Ideas: What to Pack For Your Picnic
So you’ve picked the perfect place. Now, what to pack? Here’s a heads up on what to pop in with your picnic hamper:
> Of course you’ll want to kick back with a wine or a beer so make sure you’ve got your wine glass holders and your beer bucket.
> Don’t forget the multi-tool bbq set or a pocket knife and bottle opener. Can’t have the hoards hungry or thirsty.
> Ensure those pesky ants don’t get the idea that the picnics for them, set everything out on a comfortable blanket.
> Keep the great Australian freeloader, the fly, at bay with your fly swatter.
> Now you’re settled, kick back and tell the kids, “to go fly a kite”. Literally.
Top 10 Easy Picnic Food Ideas
This may be the single most important part of any picnic: the food. But you don’t want to be slaving in the kitchen for hours. So here are some easy and delicious picnic recipes:
> Ham & Cheese Sandwich. Recipe here.
> Caprese Sandwiches with Parsley Pesto. Recipe here.
> Chive Potato Salad. Recipe here.
> Italian Pinwheels. Recipe here.
> Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies. Recipe here.
> Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork with Sweet-and-Spicy Sauce. Recipe here.
> Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad. Recipe here.
> Blueberry Brownies. Recipe here.
> Chicken-Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad. Recipe here.
> Old-Fashioned Lemonade. Recipe here.
Twenty Awesome Things To Do On A Picnic
Here’s a host of ideas and activities to keep everyone happy and occupied. And best of all these picnic ideas are all free:
> Fly a kite.
> Toss a frisbee.
> Climb a tree.
> Sketch the view.
> Read out a favourite poem.
> Stroll hand in hand.
> Play hide and seek.
> Make a daisy chain.
> Sail a leaf down a creek.
> Walk bare-footed in the grass.
> Interpret the clouds.
> Have a snooze.
> Read a book.
> Take turns telling jokes.
> Use your binoculars.
> Take memorable photos.
> Take a selfie hugging a tree.
> Take a deep breath or three.
> Do a crossword.
> Write your name in the sand.
So, contrary to what they say, life can be a picnic. And a fantastic picnic at that! So whether you’re heading to the outdoors, by the water, on an adventure, or to a BBQ, you now know where to go, how to pack, and what to do on your picnic!
