Be it under the shade of an enormous gumtree, on the shores of a gently lapping lake or atop a mountain peak as the sun sets, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a relaxing summer Grampians picnic. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots.
Support our community and fill you empty Esky with local produce from our farm gates and artisan producers. Halls Gap Hotel is offering delicious and nourishing hampers, to be ordered the day before and picked up at the pub. Pick up pies, sausage rolls and sweet treats from Dunkeld Old Bakery. Collect some old fashioned country tucker at Bridge Café Cavendish or stock up on deli items, small goods and fresh salads from Foragers Cafe.
Halls Gap Playground Picnic Area
This one’s perfect for picnics with kids, featuring a large playground and undercover barbeque. It’s located right over the road from the Halls Gap shops and at the foot of spectacular mountains.
Zumsteins Picnic Area and Historical Site
Back in the 1930s this area was home to a holiday makers’ retreat. Discover remnants of the holiday cottages and wander along the boardwalk lining the MacKenzie River. There is an undercover picnic area, electric barbeques, disabled access and toilets.
Lake Bellfield features idyllic grassy picnic areas near the water and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating – a great place to spend a day, picnic packed.
Surrounded by 25km of parkland, there are two sandy beach areas to set up and established barbeque and picnic facilities. With toilets, playgrounds and a boat ramp, it’s also a great place to settle in for a few hours with the family.
A living collection of the world’s trees, the Dunkeld Arboretum is a place like no other. With picnic facilities, a walking path, a labyrinth and Old Sawmill, this unique place makes a stunning setting for a picnic.
Set up on one of the picnic tables and take in 360 degree views spanning Ararat, the Grampians National Park, Mount Langi Ghiran, the Black Range and the expansive plains of the Western District.
Lake Bolac is a great place for sailing and there’s yellow-belly, redfin, perch or short-finned eel to catch. With barbeque shelters, toilets and swimming beaches it’s a place to not only enjoy a picnic but settle in and enjoy the day.
Take the picturesque 2.5km pathway from Ararat to enjoy a picnic at Green Hill Lake which offers drinking water, fireplaces, barbeques, picnic tables and chairs, walking tracks, bird watching and a glorious mountain backdrop.
This peaceful, secluded lake is particularly stunning at sunset when the sky turns pink. There’s a jetty where you can dangle a line or launch a kayak, or simply lay a rug down on the shore and picnic in serenity.
The Bluff Lookout Mount Arapiles
Experience breath-taking views across the Wimmera plains with a picnic at the Bluff Lookout. Take the side road near the top of Lookout Road to find the picnic area. On selected long weekend Sundays meet local growers and snap up soulful regional produce at the Natimuk Farmers Market Plus, to enjoy on your picnic.
The banks of the Wimmera River offer excellent picnic sites where visitors, families and groups can relax and unwind. Set up at one of the picnic tables or throw a rug down under the ancient red gums. The river is also an excellent spot for fishing and boating, why not make a day of it?
