4 minute read
The joy of picnics
Photography by Evangelina Silina
Enjoy the outdoors this spring with a simple, tasty picnic. Whether it be at your local park or garden, by a lake or pond, or even your own backyard – anywhere can be the perfect backdrop when you’re making memories with friends and loved ones. Here are some great ideas to help you plan a picnic this season.
Pollen Cafe
pollencafe.com.au/picnic-hamper
Did you know the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ very own Pollen Cafe offers delicious picnic hampers for you to preorder? All you need to do is bring a rug and stroll through the gardens to find a perfect spot to enjoy your picnic feast. Pollen Cafe’s baskets are filled with delicious cheeses, charcuterie, dips, olives, crackers and bread from the capital’s artisanal bakery, Sonoma.
Amazingco Mystery Picnics
AmazingCo are well-known for their fun mystery picnic experiences across Canberra and Yass. They offer self-guided food and adventure experiences with a difference, each one thoughtfully selected to showcase the unique food, places and attractions of the region. Picnic goers start by solving personally curated clues and riddles that will take you on a flavour-filled journey to collect your special gourmet treats, then eventually bring you to a fantastic picnic location.
Bangalay Dining
bangalayvillas.com.au/bangalay-dining/ picnic-hamper
Bangalay Dining in Shoalhaven Heads is not only recognised as an award-winning dining destination, but they also curate a stunning picnic as the perfect accompaniment for a day exploring the South Coast. Each pre-ordered hamper contains a delicious selection of gourmet local produce and tasty treats, so pick one up this spring, then head down to the beach to enjoy every mouthful. To complete the experience, you can also use one of their eskies and picnic rugs.
Hotel Realm
hotelrealm.com.au/products/luxe-picnic-box
For a little bit of luxury, order one of Hotel Realm’s picnic boxes and indulge in some delicious treats this spring. Each box includes a quality selection of cold meats, cheeses, olives, hummus, crackers, dried fruits, nuts, freshly baked bread rolls with butter, and you guessed it – wine. What more could you ask for!
The Picnic Collective
thepicniccollectivecbr.com.au
The Picnic Collective knows a thing or two about crafting beautiful, bespoke picnic experiences across Canberra. They have a diverse range of carefully curated packages for you to choose from, each thoughtfully designed to suit every occasion, from intimate dates to large gatherings, and everything in between. You can even hire lawn games to accompany your picnic experience.
Cartel Taqueria
carteltacos.au
If you like Mexican food and fancy trying something a little different for your picnic, then head to Cartel Taqueria, located in Queanbeyan and Belconnen. Be sure to try their famous tacos, nachos, waffle bites and fritter fries, then add some churros or the Tres Leches cake to your takeaway order. Finally, finish off your feast with sangria or a frozen margarita while you sit back and watch the sun set. Perfection!
DIY
A picnic can be as much of a treat with loved ones as it is a cost-efficient lunch – with a little forward planning, you can save a fortune on days out by preparing your own food instead of dining at a cafe or restaurant. Look in your fridge and cupboard to see what you can pull together, including sandwiches and leftovers, or pop to your local supermarket or bakery and pick up some of your favourite nibbles, pies or pastries. Whatever you take on your picnic should be easy to eat, so the fewer utensils required, the better. Then all you need is a comfy picnic blanket, some great company, and you’re all set.
