Five must visit picnic spots

Our most celebrated picnic grounds are probably Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges just north of Melbourne, and the Sydney Harbour foreshore on Boxing Day for the start of the bluewater yachting classic to Hobart. But here are a few more venues definitely worth the drive.

Even Melbournians are surprised at the proximity of this huge open space about 50km east of the city, on the way to the Dandenong Ranges. It’s a water catchment area, so the parks surrounding the reservoir are in pristine condition. The three main picnic areas have excellent facilities including barbecues and toilets, or you can BYO barby. Best of all, if you have mates visiting from overseas, the abundant kangaroos are accustomed to human company.

This sweet little spot is inland from the Gold Coast and provides a terrific drive for holiday makers seeking a break from the surf and sand. Go via Boonah, then the winding Head Road, for some beautiful scenery along the way. The Queen Mary Falls waterfall itself drops 40 metres into a mist-filled basin and there’s a lovely walking trail to explore. The picnic area has tables, toilets, electric or wood-burning BBQs and space to let the little ones run free.

Sydneysiders have a plethora of outdoor spaces to choose from for a picnic. But for a longer drive check out Bateau Bay just east of Gosford. The picnic area is at the northern end of a long beach in the Wyrrabalong National Park so bring the bathers, mask, snorkel and flippers to enjoy a swim after munching down under the shady trees just off the sand. There are tables and toilets but no drinking water, so bring some bottles.

Okay, so the Noble Falls don’t exactly rival Niagara when it comes to awesomeness but they are a lot closer to Perth (only about 50km east) and a little less busy. Walk along the Wooroloo Brook and spot birdlife in the bushland, swim in one of the pleasant waterholes, or just watch the water cascading over stony shelves. The picnic area has plenty of space and tables, shady trees and electric barbecues. The only problem will be the temptation to abandon your picnic catering in favour of the Noble Falls Tavern .

Back in the 1820s Mathew “Gentleman” Brady was a notorious bushranger who terrorized the local troopers and – before being hanged for his crimes - was reportedly also a hit with Hobart’s ladies. Brady couldn’t have picked a better spot for a hideout in northern Tassie: a hillside on the banks of the Tamar River about 20kms north-west of Launceston, which is now a picnic area honouring his name. Enjoy the view from one of the viewing platforms, unpack a hamper and Esky and perhaps uncork a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from one of the nearby wineries. And of course raise a glass to Brady…and the ladies he left behind.

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