Spring is prime picnicking time in Melbourne, with the garden state in bloom and warm (but not too hot) weather well on the way, it’s time to pack a food basket, spread out a rug, and indulge in some laid back alfresco dining. This week, we take a look at four unique Victorian picnicking locations to go if you want a picnic with a difference.
Grants Picnic Ground
70 Monbulk Rd, Kallista
An unassuming picnicking spot in the Dandenong Ranges, Grants Picnic Ground is unique for it’s wild bird feeding area which will delight children and adults alike. Enjoy a barbecue under the eucalyptus trees and then afterwards, take one of the walking trails through the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest.
Red Hill Cherry Farm
61-69 Prossors Lane, Red Hill
Every spring, the trees at Red Hill Cherry Farm are frosted with delicate white cherry blossoms and transform the landscape into an ethereal wonderland. For one weekend each spring (this year it’s the 30th September until the 2nd of October) the farm invites picnickers to spread out a blanket beneath the cherry trees and delight in the delicate blossoms whilst eating homemade cherry ice cream.
Heide
7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen
If you have a passion for art or have a fascination of the bohemian lifestyle, then it’s impossible to go past the beautiful gardens and sculpture park at Heide. Formerly a dairy farm, Heide was bought by John and Sunday Reed in 1934 and turned into an artists’ colony which hosted some of the greatest Australian artists of the mid century including Sydney Nolan, Charles Blackman, Joy Hester, Judith Wright, and Albert Tucker. Today, Heide boasts several exhibition spaces, sixteen acres of landscaped gardens and a sculpture park, and the popular Café Vue, which offers takeaway picnic lunchboxes.
Hanging Rock
139 S Rock Rd, Newham
No Victorian picnic spot list would be complete without a mention of Hanging Rock, the subject of Peter Weir’s eerie 1975 mystery film Picnic at Hanging Rock. Aside from being an iconic silver screen location, this 6-million-year old rock formation in the Macedon Ranges is a fantastic place to explore with walking trails, a large shady picnic ground, and a dam packed with fresh water fish.
Melbourne on the Move’s bus charter from Melbourne is the perfect way to transport your picnicking group to one of these gorgeous locations for a day of fun and exploration. To learn more about our capabilities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 1300 55 86 86.