Set across 6+ hectares of majestic native and exotic trees, Malmsbury Botanic Gardens is the perfect location to while away the hours as you progressively feast upon Autumn Festival foodie finds.

While on location don’t miss the chance to gaze upon the magnificent bluestone viaduct, or set your picnic exclusively on your very own island, provided you don’t mind sharing it with some of the local feathered residents!

Onsite facilities include toilets, bbqs, and a playground.

Discover winding paths, historic bluestone garden walls, pillowy green grass, towering trees and a fairy ring!  Not to mention also being home to a park within a park – Kyneton Community Park, an eye-catching nature-based and water-play space, ensuring the young at heart are kept busy for hours!

With ample room for the biggest of picnics, spread out on the pillowy green grass and savour your pie and tart haul surrounded by the beauty of Kyneton Botanic Gardens.

Onsite facilities include toilets and a bbq shelter.

Blink and you’ll miss it, but look a bit closer beyond the trees, and this humble hidden gem is anything but.

Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve features a large open shady reserve including two free mineral spring pumps, picnic tables, toilets, and everything you need, including a playground, making it easy for friends and family to gather and share Festival discoveries, food, and tipples.

With plenty of space for family activities of every kind, the Woodend Children’s Park is a central location ideal for rallying your Autumn Festival travel group, sharing your collection of pies and tarts, or just stretching out on the grass while the kids explore all the unique playspaces including the popular rocket slide.

Facilities also include undercover bbqs and tables, and toilets a short walk away.

Situated alongside Botanic Gardens, the Gisborne Adventure Playground is a hub for locals and visitors alike amidst shady trees and parkland as far as the eye can see.

Set up your picnic on the rolling green grass, while the kids enjoy endless playground equipment.

Facilities include bbq areas and toilets.

Evidence of a bygone era can be found in picturesque Riddells Creek at the Walter J Smith Reserve (also known as Lake Park) on the Main Road.

Here you’ll find a formidable heritage-listed rail viaduct spanning Riddells Creek.

The reserve is home to ducks and geese and shady trees.

It’s the perfect spot to spread a picnic blanket and take some time out to eat, drink and be merry during the Autumn Festival.

Facilities include picnic tables. The nearest public toilets are a short walk away in the Lions Park also on Main Road.

Turn off Main Street onto Palmer Street, where a majestic collonade of trees signals your arrival at Romsey Ecotherapy Park.

This award-winning Park is all the more special being the result of a community-led initiative, delivering a unique nature-based play experience, along with many points of whimsical and sensory discovery.

Spread out a picnic on the green, and start exploring.

Park facilities include bbqs, toilets, and a playground.

Upon arrival at Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve, veer left at the ticket booth to discover ample parking close to bbq facilities, and an extensive playground framed by towering shady trees, just ripe for autumn picnics!

Look a bit further afield beyond the trees to discover the Megafauna Chainsaw Sculptures. Did you know that Lancefield Park is also home to many significant megafauna fossil discoveries?

Take time to explore and enjoy this charming outdoor hub.