Hanging for a good picnic spot in Melbourne? Here are our top picks
WITH glorious weather set to drench Melbourne again this weekend, Spring is definitely in the air which means it’s time to dust off the picnic basket and bask in our best open spaces.
We’ve put together a list of where we reckon are the best places to go in Melbourne, and further afield, too.
Have we missed any? Let us know your favourite picnic spot in the comments section below.
CENTRAL:
Royal Botanical Gardens: The cream of the crop, the city gardens are the perfect place to relax with a stroll or a picnic in beautiful surroundings.
Botanical Gardens, St Kilda: Beautiful rose garden. But it does get packed so need to get a spot early.
Alma Park, St Kilda East: Has three main areas to choose from - kids’ playground, sports ovals with equipment and a large picnic area with lots of old shady trees. Very animal friendly too.
NORTH:
Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy: In hipster heartland, the open green spaces are quick to fill on a sunny day. With barbecues, a table tennis table, and children’s play equipment, the Gardens are perfect for all ages, but best avoided on New Year’s Eve.
Coburg Lake Park: Three different playgrounds, barbecues, ducks to feed, lots of big old shady trees and green grass to lay on. Often jam-packed on nice weekends though so arrive early to nab a barbecue.
Fairfield Park Boathouse: An oasis in the inner north, there is an oval and pavilion, walking track, BBQ area and has lots of grass. Boats also available for hire.
Banksia Park, Heidelberg: lovely for a picnic, and plenty of paths for children to ride their bikes.
Warrandyte: next to the Yarra River is a great place to go for a picnic and day with family and friends, especially if you get in early.
EAST:
Phoenix Park, Malvern East: has one of the best playgrounds for kids, along with a number of BBQs. There is also a big grassed area, plenty of shade under trees and a skate park.
Yarra Bank Reserve, Hawthorn: where Bridge Rd becomes Burwood Rd. Barbecues and pretty secluded, right alongside the Yarra River.
Emerald Lake Park, Emerald: gorgeous picnic spot next to Puffing Billy station. Has a lovely lake (where you can also hire paddleboats), barbecues, and a small cafe too.
National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda: hard to beat in Spring.
Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista: where you can hand feed wild birds.
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill.
SOUTH:
Lysterfield Lake Park: very popular for canoeing, sailing, paddle boating and surf skiing. There are also walking tracks.
Casey Fields, Cranbourne: has absolutely everything, barbecues, massive playground for the kids, you can even fish in the dam (they stock it every year)
WEST:
Werribee Park: A park with 10ha of beautiful formal gardens and open space park land, with the Italianate-style architecture of Werribee Mansion as a back drop.
Footscray Park: Lots of trees for plenty of shade, and also has a stunning view of Flemington racecourse across from the Maribyrnong River.
Logan Reserve, Altona: On the beach, beautiful views of the bay. Picnic beneath big shady Moreton Bay figs. Playground, public toilets, icecreams across the road.
Buckingham Reserve, Sunshine: shaded barbecue and picnic areas, an awesome playground including flying fox, sandpit, water play big spiral slide, toilets.
FURTHER AFIELD:
Yarra Glen: adventure playground is a popular stop for families visiting the Yarra Valley. Excellent play equipment and barbecues.
Hanging Rock: It wouldn’t be a list of picnic spots if Hanging Rock wasn’t included. The reserve caters for a wide range of activities from the racecourse, ovals and tennis courts to wide expanses of lawns. There are coin operated barbeques and picnic areas provided for visitors’ use throughout the Reserve. Entry is $10 per car. Let us know if you see Miranda and the girls.
HAVE WE MISSED YOUR FAVOURITE PICNIC SPOT? TELL US ABOUT IT BELOW.