Pack up your picnic baskets and put on your spring best.
Spring is here, and outdoor social interaction will be allowed from 11:59pm tomorrow, which means picnics are now the best way to meet your friends! If you’re looking for some inspo, here are some of the best places to have a picnic in Melbourne. Check them out if they’re within your 10km. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
The classic choice for Melburnians. This massive bit of land covers over 38 hectares, which means there’ll be plenty of spots for you to lay down your rug, and keep socially distanced from other picnickers. After you’re done, walk off the meal by doing some activities, like an audio tour, or an augmented reality exhibition.
2. Fitzroy Gardens
Sit on a lush lawn under a magnificent elm tree. Breathe in the scent of nearby flowers and soak in that gorgeous spring energy. After that, check out the Conservatory for some more florals, or the Fairies’ Tree for some whimsy.
3. Carlton Gardens
Here, you’ll get the benefit of picnicking next to some seriously gorgeous architecture. For some, the Royal Exhibition Building is a place to do university exams, and for others, it’s a place to get vaccinated. But now, you can admire it as an innocent picnicker, and pretend you’ve travelled back in time. Put your rug near a pond or fountain for some extra serenity.
4. Royal Park
Lay down your picnic blanket and admire the city skyline at Royal Park. Once you’re done snacking on the grass, peek into the nearby eucalypts and spot your favourite birds.
5. Williamstown Botanic Gardens
You’ll adore these historic gardens. Enjoy a picnic on the sprawling lawns and rest in the shade of towering pine trees. Check out their ornamental pond, and walk to the beach afterwards for a refreshing sea breeze.
6. Edinburgh Gardens
Up north, you’ll find plenty of shady areas to park your picnic. There are plenty of off-leash zones, so your pooch can come along too! There’s also a skate park, which you can use to work up an appetite.
7. Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
There is a dedicated picnic space at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. Their Woodland Picnic Area is a bushland space that’s perfect for families. You’ll find an assortment of picnic tables, grasslands to play sport nearby and a playground for the little ones to let off some steam. While you’re there, admire the native plants and wildlife.
8. Yarra Bend Park
Plonk along the Yarra River and admire the vast expanse of natural bushland. This is Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park, so you’ll find plenty of places to stop for a picnic. While you’re there, see if you can spot the Yarra River seal.
9. Werribee Park
Feel like you’ve travelled through time at Werribee Mansion. Pop a picnic blanket on the sprawling green lawns, gaze at the mansion and pretend you’re 19th century aristocracy. Explore the formal gardens, check out the grotto and pop next door to enjoy a vast rose garden.