Five Star Picnics in Regional Victoria

Gone are the days of soggy pre-packed sandwiches, warm wine and sore backs from lugging around heavy eskies for one of Australia’s favourite pass times, the outdoor picnic.  Regional Victoria offers a plethora of five-star catered picnic options which means all that needs to be packed before hitting the road is sunscreen, fly repellent and a good playlist of tunes.  

Daylesford

Visitors to the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, can pack a picnic from  Wombat Hill House Cafe which sits on a volcanic hill with spectacular views. Situated in the renovated 1940s caretaker’s cottage, the café and kitchen garden offer diners a range of set menu picnics for two complete with a rug, plates, cutlery and picnic glasses. The Hydrangea Hedge Gourmet Picnic is the ultimate pick and incudes Reuben Sandwiches, hot chips with garlic and aioli, seasonal pizza, platter of three mixed seasonal salads, fresh fruit, smoothies and house baked cakes. Post feast, picnickers would probably need a little nap under one of the many pine trees.  Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (entry off Central Spring Road), Daylesford VIC 3460, (03) 4373 0099

High Country

Located in the High Country, visitors wanting  work(out) for their picnic can take a leisurely cycle from Porepunkah to Ringer Reef Winery, only six kilometres away for an easy, mostly flat ride that combines stunning views of Mount Buffalo.  Every summer, the winery opens its lawn for Picnic in the Vines where dwellers can BYO picnic, rug, balls and games sit back and enjoy an afternoon tipple and snacks while listening to some live music. 6835 Great Alpine Rd, Porepunkah VIC 3740, (03) 5756 2805

Jones Winery Restaurant is one of the oldest and smallest family run wineries in the Rutherglen District. Picnic hampers nod to the French country kitchen and feature delicious gourmet treats that can be shared in the designated picnic area, or taken away and enjoyed at any picturesque location across the region. Pair the picnic with a carefully handcrafted wine from the made by 5th generation winemaker Mandy Jones, for the complete picnic experience. 61 Jones Rd, Rutherglen VIC 3685, (02) 6032 8496

Mornington Peninsula

Montalto Winery in Red Hill provides a stunning backdrop for a peaceful picnic for groups of 2 – 8 people. Montalto has been orchestrating picnics since 2002, with ten secluded and exclusive sites throughout the property reserved only for picnics. Truly sophisticated, the picnic is set with white linen, proper tableware and glassware and freshly prepared seasonal food. Visitors can collect a bottle of award-winning chardonnay or pinot noir from the cellar door before strolling to the picnic site. 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, (03) 5989 8412