Whether you’re road-tripping for the weekend or seeking a quieter midweek moment, few experiences rival a well-packed picnic along the Great Ocean Road. In a region where the landscape continually shifts from towering cliffs to dense forest and volcanic plains, sitting down to eat outdoors is a way to immerse yourself in the surroundings.
These 11 picnic spots have been selected for their scenery, tranquillity, and facilities. From breezy headlands to fern-lined lakes, each location offers something distinct. All you need is a basket, a blanket, and time to enjoy it.
1. Teddy’s Lookout offers views worth pausing for
Just above Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout delivers sweeping views where the St George River snakes into the sea. The short walk from the car park opens onto a lookout that feels both expansive and serene.
There are no picnic facilities, but it’s an ideal stop for light snacks, a thermos of tea, and a few quiet minutes with nature. On weekdays, it’s blissfully peaceful. A few nearby walking tracks invite a stretch of the legs before the next stop.
2. Marriners Lookout is made for grazing boards at sunset
Perched high above Apollo Bay, Marriners Lookout offers panoramic views of ocean, hills, and township. It’s the kind of spot that begs for a grazing board and a thermos at golden hour.
The uphill walk from the car park is short but steady. There are no toilets or BBQs, so bring only what you can carry comfortably. It’s a favourite for photographers, but you’ll usually find space to sit and watch the sun dip beyond the sea.
3. Lake Elizabeth hides a quiet picnic haven in the forest
Tucked behind Forrest in the Otways hinterland, Lake Elizabeth is a tranquil escape enclosed by tall trees and fern gullies. Mist often drifts across the water in the early hours, giving it an almost otherworldly feel.
The picnic area has toilets and shaded tables. It’s ideal for slow, quiet afternoons. Walk the lake loop trail afterwards and, with a little luck, you might even spot a platypus at the water’s edge.
4. Tower Hill combines wildlife and picnic-ready facilities
Set within an ancient volcanic crater, Tower Hill is both a nature reserve and a prime picnic destination. Just minutes from Warrnambool, it’s rich with native wildlife including emus, kangaroos and koalas.
You’ll find toilets, BBQs, shaded tables and interpretive signage explaining the area’s geology and ecology. Whether you’re stopping with the family or seeking a peaceful lunch among trees and birdsong, it’s a spot that delivers.
5. Relax by the water at the Port Campbell Foreshore
Thanks to a recent streetscape upgrade, the Port Campbell Foreshore now offers dedicated picnic tables and open space, making it an ideal stop for a relaxed seaside lunch. Set beside the inlet, it’s a gentle contrast to the dramatic cliffscapes nearby, perfect for refuelling before or after a walk.
From here, take the path across the Suspension Bridge and continue on to the Port Campbell Discovery Walk, where coastal views and native vegetation unfold along the clifftops.
Follow the Port Campbell Discovery Walk
6. Griffiths Island is a sanctuary by the sea
Linked to Port Fairy by a short causeway, Griffiths Island offers a gentle coastal walk through dune scrub and seabird habitat, ending at a historic lighthouse. It’s quiet, scenic, and rich in wildlife.
Picnic tables are located near the start of the loop. There are no BBQs or toilets, and sections may close during muttonbird nesting season (summer to early autumn), so check signage when you arrive.
7. Blanket Bay feels like a secret spot in the Otways
Accessible by an unsealed road through dense forest, Blanket Bay is a remote cove where the bush meets the sea. It feels untouched and secluded, especially outside of summer.
Facilities include basic toilets and a small campground with picnic tables. In winter, it’s a good vantage point for spotting southern right whales. Always check conditions before travelling, particularly after heavy rain.
Check these conditions and alerts at Parks Victoria before visiting.
Visit Blanket Bay (along Great Ocean Walk)
8. Mount Noorat Lookout delivers sweeping inland calm
For a picnic with space and silence, Mount Noorat Lookout provides vast inland views over farmland and volcanic hills. It’s located near Terang and rarely crowded.
There’s a sheltered table, ample parking and access to the nearby Terang–Noorat cycling trail. It’s perfect for quiet reading, reflection or a relaxed lunch.
9. Lake Pertobe is where kids can roam free
In central Warrnambool, Lake Pertobe offers a wide playground of open lawns, paddleboats, climbing equipment and shaded BBQ areas. Families can spread out and stay as long as the kids are entertained, which is usually a while.
It’s easy to access, close to the foreshore trail, and has ample seating. A relaxed, low-stress picnic option for any group.
10. Aireys Inlet blends surf sounds with lighthouse views
Beside the famed Split Point Lighthouse, the picnic area at Aireys Inlet is a welcome rest stop along the Surf Coast. It’s flat, accessible and comes with sea breeze and heritage charm.
Tables and toilets are nearby, and you’re only a short stroll from clifftop tracks and cafes. It’s ideal for a scenic lunch break that doesn’t feel rushed.
Discover Aireys Inlet Attractions
11. The Redwoods are a picnic in another world
Tucked in the Beech Forest, the towering Redwoods rise like cathedral columns above a forest floor that stays cool even in summer. They were planted in the 1930s, and today, the grove offers a hushed, contemplative setting.
Picnic tables and a toilet are available near the entrance. Visit year-round, even light rain only adds to the magic. Combine with a drive to Hopetoun Falls for a full forest afternoon.
Remember to picnic respectfully
- Take all rubbish with you
- Stay on designated paths and areas
- Don’t feed wildlife
- Avoid using drones near birds
- Respect local signage and closures
- Check Parks Victoria for safety updates
Start Planning Your Picnic Today
Picnicking on the Great Ocean Road turns a drive into a deeper kind of experience. It slows you down, anchors you to the landscape, and makes room for moments that linger.
Whether you’re laying out lunch in a volcanic crater or sipping coffee beneath redwood giants, the right picnic spot is out there waiting. Choose a quiet day, pack a little something, and find your favourite place to stop.
Plan your trip today and when you go, tag @visitgreatoceanroad, we’d love to see what’s on your picnic table.
