Cool Walks and Secret Picnic Spots - Visit Mornington Peninsula
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Cool Walks and Secret Picnic Spots

‘It’s the picnic principle. Things taste better outdoors and if it’s a forbidden thing, so much the better…’ There is a romantic charm that wraps our plans as we dream of gorgeous spreads of gourmet delights on the humble picnic rug.  A place to gather, a place to feast - things do taste better outdoors, especially if we are sampling the delights sourced from the very place we are sitting. With summer still here for a few glorious weeks, we have hunted and gathered our favourite picnic spots to let you in on all the local secrets (as well as some awe-inspiring walks in case you want to walk off lunch!).

Find your happy space at Montalto in one of their exclusive and secluded sites scattered throughout the estate. Available to book for groups of 2-8, sit amongst the sunshine and daffodils while their ‘Picnic Patrol’ organises every detail. Picnic rugs get an upgrade as you sit amongst nature on a table set with white linen and seasonal inspired food. All you need to do is collect your award-winning bottle of chardonnay from the cellar door on your way to your secret spot!

At Arthurs Seat Eagle you can feast and soar. Combined with a return gondola flight for two adults, the team will help you select your ideal picnic hamper of goodies, (we all love bespoke).  There are so many stunning locations around the Arthurs Seat Summit, the hardest part will be which one to choose once you have collected your spread from the Summit Café.

Love the romance of Red Hill?  The team at Polperro Winery offer those on the hunt for an outdoor feast the chance to explore their picturesque vineyard grounds and share a rustic and delicious picnic. Venture into their most treasured and hidden spots around the property, past the ancient angophoras to settle in for a long lazy afternoon indulging in a modern menu made from the finest quality ingredients sourced from the Polperro kitchen garden and local suppliers. They provide deck chairs if the romance of sitting on the ground wears off!

If you want to choose your own adventure with picnic packed and ready while exploring Red Hill, Merricks General Wine Store offers two abundant options to grab and go. Designed as ‘Beach or Country Style’ picnic hampers, the team has you covered for all possible day out directions. The packaged hamper feasts cater for two,  teeming with delectable local produce curated by the team. You also get everything you need including plates, napkins, cutlery and your very own MGWS tumblers and cooler bag to keep as well as your choice of Elgee Park wine from the Cellar Door.

At Lakeside Villas, set on the Crittenden Estate you can package 2 nights’ accommodation with a picnic amongst the vines or by the lake. They will have a picnic box bursting with locally sourced produce and a bottle of their delicious wine ready when you are.  With a fabulous line up of flavour filled experiences (did we mention the wine tasting?) you will not want to go anywhere else for the entire weekend.

We promised to share a few of the coolest walks to stroll off those fabulous picnic feasts and here they are.

Down a well-made track and a wooden boardwalk, take in the majestic views of the rocky Bass Straight Coastline and wild surf as you walk to Flinders Blowhole. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture those stunning Instagram worthy shots when you are presented with the natural wonders of Elephant Rock and Little Bird Rock or the eagles that like to soar above. Be savvy explorers and keep an eye out for large swells, waves and the slippery bluestone rocks when walking near the much-loved blowhole.

Bushrangers Bay Track (named after two escaped convicts no less) gives you front row seats to some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. A clifftop walk of 2.6km, highlights include the vast views of the sea, epic rocky bays and the spectacular Cape Schanck lighthouse. Not a swimming beach, it is a place to explore the dry side of beachside lifestyle.

Want to do both, picnic and walk? Coolart Wetlands and Historic Reserve is the perfect combination. As you explore the historic mansion and impressive gardens, you can choose your own adventure as you follow paths to beach, lagoon or wetlands. The lawns provide a picturesque stage to set your feast. Consider finding the ingredients for your picnic at a local café like Blue Mini Cafe.  Packed for ease and loads of gorgeous local produce, they coordinate portable picnic packs that let you decide where the romance happens.

A space for romance, a place for friends to gather, a family outing - a picnic and walk can celebrate all beautifully.

To read about more about our plethora of scenic walks click  HERE>>

To read more about the local produce that makes these picnics magic explore wine food farmgate HERE>>

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It’s the picnic principle. Things taste better outdoors and if it’s a forbidden thing, so much the betterQuote credit: Franny Billingsley.

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VISIT MORNINGTON PENINSULA acknowledge's the Bunurong / BoonWurrung people, the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters. We pay our deepest respect to Elders past, present and emerging.