5 OF THE BEST PICNICS
The time is right to dine in the great outdoors. Denise Raward has found the best options to take alfresco grazing next level
O’REILLY’S CANUNGRA VALLEY VINEYARD 852 LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK ROAD, CANUNGRA
All you have to do is arrive and O’Reilly’s will fix you up with the rest: stunning setting, a picnic blanket, wine and a basket filled with goodies prepared by their chefs. The vineyard’s picnics are best enjoyed creekside or under the silky oaks, perhaps after sampling the wines and wandering through the vines. “The baskets include cured ham, salami, southern fried chicken, salads, dips, freshly baked bread, cheese, crackers and special bush tomato chutney,” general manager Tamil Mani says. “There are vegetarian and gluten-free baskets or you can choose the barbecue option.” Barbecues are supplied, of course, as are tables and an assortment of lawn games. Finish your feast with ice cream or take it a step further and treat yourself to an affogato, newly added to the restaurant menu for spring. Choose between rum and raisin ice cream with port from the cellar, sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg, or ice cream swimming in muscat with hints of honey, jasmine and lychee.
GOLD COAST POP-UP PICNICS GOLDCOASTPOPUPPICNICS.COM.AU
Pop-up Picnics offers nine themes to make picnicking an art form. Owner Kyla Asmussen takes care of every detail from styling to lavish platters to unpack in the location of your choice. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Mad Hatter are the most popular for kids’ parties in the park. Then we’ve got Flamingo, Romance, Lollipop and I’ve just added a unicorn theme.” Burleigh Hill is the top location.
PICNIC PERFECTION PICNICPERFECTION.COM.AU
Owner Cathy Hallewell has put away her wicker baskets and tartan blankets to concentrate on sensational food for picnics, special occasions and events small or large. “I found a lot of people had their own blankets and baskets but preparing the great food was the hard part,” she says. “I do all that for them and they can pick it up in a box for groups under 10 or I can deliver it.”
GUILTY PLEASURE PLATTERS GUILTYPLEASUREPLATTERS.COM
You name the place and Brodie Howard will be there with a picnic platter guaranteed to steal the show. Her grazing platters overflow with high-quality produce to suit all occasions, tastes and Instagram accounts. “I started doing platters for friends and it just went from there,” Brodie says. She does everything from takeaway picnic boxes for couples to grazing tables 3-4m long.
BAM BAM BAKEHOUSE 2519 GC HWY, MERMAID BEACH
Bam Bam’s parkside location comes with the fringe benefit of providing space to spill on to the lawns. Manager Rob Partridge says it’s a good option on busy days. “Customers can order whatever they like at the counter and we’ll bring it out.” It’s perfect if you’re with kids who’re keen to hit the swings or when the weather is just too inviting to be inside — or when your coffee and croissant fix can’t wait.