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7 Unique Picnic Spots to Discover this Summer

Posted on December 4 2019 in See & Do
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Looking for the best places to have picnics near Melbourne this summer?

Spice up your summer with a picture-worthy picnic matched to your personality. If sand in sandwiches isn’t your cup of tea, use this handy guide to create the perfect country picnic in the Macedon Ranges.

1. The Iconic Picnic @ Hanging Rock Reserve

139 South Rock Road Woodend

You don’t have to climb the summit to enjoy a day at Hanging Rock Reserve. Expansive lawns offer plenty of room for activities such as a good ol’ game of cricket. Plus bushwalking around the base of Hanging Rock is also popular (and suitable for prams).

Picnic Supplies

Notes

  • Hanging Rock admission: Varied (car entry $10)
  • Open daily 9-5pm
  • Barbecue facilities
  • Dog friendly (on leads) excluding major event days and Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Hanging Rock

2. The Bush Walkers Picnic @ Black Hill Reserve

110 Black Hill School Road Kyneton

Work up an appetite with fresh air and a bush walk at this hidden gem of a reserve. Black Hill Reserve consists of 260 acres of rare bush land and amazing granite rock formations approximately 5km north of Kyneton. Picnic atop a giant granite boulder for peace, tranquility and farm-scape views.

Picnic Supplies

Notes

  • Dog friendly (on leads)
  • Keep an eye on fire danger rating and always carry plenty of water and a first aid kit
  • Walking Routes: Circuit Track 3.9km | Ridge Track 2.7km | Revegetated Area Track: 1.7km
  • No toilet facilities
Cave Rocks Black Hill Reserve, Kyneton

Cave Rocks Black Hill Reserve, Kyneton

3. The Edwardian Picnic on a Vintage Horse Carriage Ride

Departs from Carlsruhe

Go back in time on a horse-drawn vintage carriage ride along the Burke & Wills Track with Yesteryear Today Carriages. Bring your own picnic or organise a fully styled and catered picnic complete with an old gramophone and silverware.

Yesteryear Today Horse Carriage Ride

Rides range from 60 minutes to longer scenic rides and picnics. You can even book a half day winery or garden picnic drive. A friendly horse by the name of Patrick will take you in either an authentic 1890’s ‘canoe front buggy wagonette’ from the Picnic at Hanging Rock era. Or a larger wagon with canopy, which is great for groups and shelter from summer sun. All seats have back rests and are padded for comfort.

This is a great experience for families or couples.

Notes

  • Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome on rides
  • Prices start at $150 for a 60 minute ride for up to six people (price is for ride, not per person)
  • A picnic hamper is around $30 per person
  • Booking information: bit.ly/yesteryear-today or call Rose on 0411 468 117
  • Last minute bookings welcome

 

1. The perfect summer picnic spread 2. Kyneton Community Park in the botanic gardens 3. Forest Glade in Mount Macedon

4. The Bluestone Picnic @ Malmsbury Botanic Gardens & Lake

Ellesmere Place Malmsbury

Picnic under the willows in this peaceful botanic garden, with views to an historic bluestone viaduct bridge. Friendly ducks and geese will keep you entertained while ambling through the park. You might also want to time your visit when the fabulous Malmsbury Village Farmers’ Market is on.

Picnic Supplies

  • Malmsbury Bakery:  Mollison Street
  • Malmsbury Village Farmers’ Market: 3rd Sunday of the month
  • Local wine from cellar doors at nearby Birthday Villa and Zig Zag Winery

Notes

  • Accessible by V-Line Train
  • Barbecue facilities and picnic tables
  • Small children’s playground
  • Dog friendly (on leads)

Malmsbury Viaduct

 

7 unique summer picnic spots just outside Melbourne #MacedonRanges #Melbourne #Summer #Picnics Share on X

5. The Family Picnic @ Kyneton Botanic Gardens

Mollison Street Kyneton (entrance to gardens just before train station)

Nestled inside the Kyneton Botanic Gardens is a unique natural adventure playground. Kyneton Community Park offers plenty of imaginative play opportunities, a kiddy water-play area and shady areas to set up a picnic. Bring your bikes and go on a cruisy ride along the beautiful Campaspe River Walk afterwards.

Picnic Supplies

Notes

  • Accessible by V-Line Train
  • Barbecue facilities
  • Picnic tables (not under shelter)
  • Dog friendly (on leads)

Kyneton Community Park

6. The Heritage Garden Picnic @ Forest Glade

816 Mount Macedon Road Mount Macedon

This magical open garden is the perfect spot to escape the summer heat. Wander Forest Glade’s cool fern gully, English gardens, woodlands and Japanese garden. Then spread a picnic blanket under a big shady tree. Throughout this expansive open garden you’ll also discover the most amazing outdoor sculptures collected from around the world.

PS. If you love plants, make sure to drop into Dicksonia Rare Plants nursery in Mount Macedon village.

Picnic Supplies

Notes

  • Admission: Adults $10 | 16 & under free
  • Open 10-4.30pm year round (except total fire ban days)
  • Dog friendly (on leads)
  • No picnic tables – BYO blankets

Forest Glade Gardens

7. The Fishing Picnic @ Lauriston Reservoir

Lauriston Reservoir Road, Lauriston

Into freshwater fishing? Bring a kayak or canoe, some fishing rods and sausages for the barbecue. Lauriston Reservoirs‘ banks are relatively bare but there are shaded picnic facilities on hot days. This well-stocked reservoir is popular for redfin, brown trout and macquarie perch. Visit Coliban Water for a map on access points for kayaks, canoes and small portable craft.

Notes

  • Barbecue and toilet facilities with disability access
  • Small playground
  • Swimming and camping prohibited
  • Keep to designated walkways and recreational areas
  • Victorian fishing licences can be purchased at the Kyneton Newsagency in High Street, Malmsbury General Store or at the Woodend Visitor Information Centre.  If you’re 18 to 70 years, you’ll require a fishing licence.  Seniors, pension card holders and some traditional owner groups do not require a licence.

Tell us where you think the best places to have picnics are

Comment below and let us know where you think the best places to have picnics in the Macedon Ranges are. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Plus make sure to share your happy picnic snaps on Instagram using #macedonrangesnaturallycool or on our Facebook page at @macedonrangesnaturallycool.

Posted on December 4 2019 in See & Do

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