After
planning your day of fun and
packing the essentials, the most important part of any successful picnic is the location. I’ve tried to cover a range of options here to suit anyone and everyone. Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly picnic spots in Melbourne, the perfect beach spot or a place the whole family can enjoy, here are my best picnic spots across Melbourne where I hope you’ll pop your next picnic blanket down.
1. Edinburgh Gardens
Located in Fitzroy North, these 140 year old gardens are a great spot to set your picnic basket down and enjoy a lazy afternoon. Bring your bikes and take advantage of this lovely picnic spot, which is just a stone’s throw away from the cafe strip in North Fitzroy.
Worth noting
Public toilets, a free skate park and free table tennis are all available to you, so make sure you bring along your skateboards, bat and balls for some extra fun.
Pro tip
Non-alcoholic drinks are great for staying present and enjoying the moment, no matter what activities you have planned. Pick up some non-alcoholic beers, ciders or non-alcoholic wine to ensure you can fully enjoy yourself.
2. Abbotsford Convent
Once a convent falling into disrepair, Abbotsford Convent is now Australia’s largest arts hub filled with pretty gardens, pop up shops featuring artisan made goods, and sunny picnic spots.
Worth noting
Not only is the Convent Bakery open so you can grab a freshly baked treat for your picnic, but regular music performances, kids’ workshops and exhibitions run all year round for extra entertainment.
Pro tip
There’s plenty of green space for you to enjoy, so I recommend taking a look around instead of settling on the first patch of grass you see. You never know what you might discover!
3. Guilfoyle’s Volcano
A slightly less well known picnic spot, this reservoir within Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a stunning location with an even more stunning view of the city. Grab some cheese, a non-alcoholic wine and be prepared for a great day out.
Worth noting
The quickest way to this picnic spot is to enter at Birdwood Avenue, but any route through the gardens will be gorgeous too. Once you’re inside, you’ll find cafes and public toilets as well.
Pro tip
If you’ve got a green thumb, you’ll want to spend time taking in the beautiful array of water resistant succulents and cacti that sprout around this refurbished reservoir. You’re sure to come away with some backyard inspiration for your own garden.
4. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
When it comes to romantic picnic spots in Melbourne, I think this one takes the cake. Filled with lush greenery, a beautiful lake and quaint bridges just made for strolling together arm in arm, the gardens boast a beautiful grove of Mountain Ash trees that provide a canopy of shade for a picnic for two.
Worth noting
This is one of the dog friendly picnic spots in Melbourne, so your furry friend can also join in for a walk. There are a few steep hills and public toilets are located on site.
Pro tip
Anytime of the year you’ll see different things in bloom, but spring offers an incredible sight to see. Cherry blossoms cover the lake and I highly recommend visiting during this season to see how gorgeous it is.
5. St Kilda Beach
With everything from community gardens to the beachfront itself to tickle your fancy, it’s really up to you where on this iconic coast you set up, which is one of the best beach picnic spots in Melbourne.
Worth noting
You’re not short of amenities here with public toilets, showers, cafes and restaurants nearby. In fact, you could probably skip packing food altogether and just bring along your favourite chilled non-alcoholic sparkling wine to this easy picnic spot.
Pro tip
If you want some extra excitement, why not plan your picnic for a day when the St Kilda markets are on? Arts, crafts and other authentic Australian artisan goods are all on offer from unique small makers.
6. Kalorama Park
This one may be cheating a little. This picnic spot in Victoria is about a 40 minute drive out from the city in the stunning Dandenong ranges. It makes my list because it’s an amazing spot with spectacular views, several short walks for trailblazers, and green as far as the eye can see.
Worth noting
Although it takes around just under 2 hours, you can get public transport from Melbourne to this national park. Once you’re there, there’s running water, toilets and both shaded and unshaded tables.
Pro tip
The park is open 24 hours a day, so get there early and really make the most of it! With your non-alcoholic beers and wines in tow, driving home won’t be a problem.
7. Fitzroy Gardens
This heritage-listed Victorian era park feels a little bit magical for kids and adults alike. With colourful garden beds, a miniature Tudor village, water fountains, statues and even the ‘Fairies’ Tree’, there’s something beautiful no matter where you set your rug down at this picnic spot.
Worth noting
Fitzroy Gardens has an off-leash dog area, a playground, fitness circuit and BBQs, so there really is something for everyone.
Pro tip
Both Cook’s Cottage and the conservatory building in the park are heritage historical sites. Make sure you check them out in between sips of a cold RTD drink.
See you at the picnic spot
Of course, now you know all about the best picnic spots, you’ll be needing refreshments. When it comes to finding where to buy non-alcoholic wine, you won’t find a better offering than at Sans Drinks. When you do set up your own gorgeous picnic spot, make sure to follow me on Instagram and tag me – I can’t wait to see which one you choose!
