Autumn is a great time to have a family picnic in Melbourne.
With cooler weather and the parks full of yellow and orange leaves, you can get comfortable on a picnic rug and enjoy a bite while taking in the scenery.
The best picnics are those had at a location that’s more than just a green patch of grass. They are had at places where there is plenty of flora and fauna to discover.
You don’t have to travel far either. So get the picnic basket ready and prepare to discover these fantastic picnic spots close by.
WILSON BOTANIC PARK
It’s easy to see why Berwick’s Wilson Botanic Park is regarded as a top spot to have a picnic.
The kids will love looking for the ducks and turtles in the picturesque lake. There are also walking trails around the lake – perfect for a late afternoon stroll!
There are plenty of picnic sites to choose from. There are also BBQs, toilet facilities and play equipment.
Set on 39 hectares, the park has more than 1000 different plants species, with both natives and exotics. There are more than 80 different species of birds as well as turtles, frogs and lizards. Just watch out for the resident snakes!
You’ll find Wilson Botanic Park at 668 Princes Highway, Berwick.
EMERALD LAKE PARK
Roll out the picnic blanket and enjoy a bite while overlooking the stunning lake at Emerald Lake Park. The park has paddle boats (see http://lakesidepaddleboats.com/ for times and bookings).
It’s also home to the largest model railway in the Southern Hemisphere.
The park boasts two playgrounds. The newest playground has activities suitable for young teenagers, including climbing structures and a pyramid net.
There is a wading pool which is open in December, January, February and March when the temperature is 26 degrees or more.
It opens at 12pm and close at 6.30pm on weekdays and weekends.
Fishing is also permitted at the lake, which is restocked with rainbow trout throughout the year.
There are a number of BBQs and toilet facilities. While you are there, you may even see Puffing Billy – the steam train stops in Emerald Lake Park at Lakeside Station.
LYSTERFIELD PARK
Renowned as having one of the best lakes to swim at in Victoria, Lysterfield Park is a family favourite for picnics.
It’s a wonderful place to take the kids before the weather gets too cool. The waters are gentle with a gradual increase in depth and there’s so much to explore. You can go canoeing or kayaking or even try stand-up paddle boarding.
Just remember that the lake is not patrolled by lifeguards and children should be supervised at all times.
Lysterfield Park is also a fantastic spot to see wildlife. The kangaroos and wallabies are most active during the mornings and evenings.
The park has two picnic areas which both have toilets, picnic tables and free BBQs.
You’ll find Lysterfield Park on Horswood Road (off Belgrave-Hallam Road).
LAKESIDE PAKENHAM
With two playgrounds, a stunning lake and plenty of bird life, Lakeside Pakenham is wonderful spot for a picnic. There are plenty of grassed areas and picnic benches where you can sit down for a bite.
Afterwards, you can take a stroll along the 1.5km loop around the lake – a 15-20 minute flat walk. There are also two playgrounds for the kids, BBQs and toilets. The lake is located on Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.
