Top Spots for the Perfect Picnic
Whether you’re planning a picnic stop along the route or a well-organised picnic, the Great Ocean Road region offers plenty of options.
Planning the perfect picnic along the Great Ocean Road? Whether you're craving a pre-packed gourmet hamper or looking for the ideal spot to lay down your blanket, the region has everything you need for an unforgettable al fresco experience. From coastal lookouts and tranquil lakes to lush botanic gardens and towering redwood groves, here are some of the best places to enjoy your picnic amidst nature’s finest backdrops.
For wildlife – Tower Hill Nature Reserve
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve sits within a dormant volcano, teaming with native flora and fauna. A large-grassed area has picnic tables, plus you’re likely to spot koalas, kangaroos, emus and plenty of local birdlife here. Drop into Allee Espresso in Warrnambool to pick up the best toasties in town – they’ll still be warm by the time you arrive.
Do: Take a stroll on one of the walking tracks weaving through the crater, past lakes and to the rim for beautiful views.
Do Not: Please don’t feed the animals, however friendly and approachable they seem. They are wild, and human food does not support their health or wellbeing.
For romantic sunsets – Mount Noorat
Stock up on supplies then take the trail up Mount Noorat to find all the space and the most stunning sunset over the Volcanic Lakes and Plains. It will be quiet, so there wont be any issues with picking the best spot to set up your goodies and relax in the fresh country air. You can have a cuddle here without bothering anyone!
Do: Pack your picnic with items from a local bakery – or grab a bottle from Babche Wines
Do Not: Come unprepared! Bring a jacket in case it’s windy up there, and wear appropriate footwear – the slopes can be slippery
Pair it with a view – Marriners Lookout
The short steep 10-minute walk is worth it when you reach Marriners Lookout. A lovely, grassed area at the top provides sweeping coastal views in both directions and over the Apollo Bay township and Harbour. Swing by the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op to pick up fish and chips or live it up with half a crayfish!
Do: Wear the right shoes for this, as the track is short but quite steep.
Do Not: Try to avoid peak times – the car parking is limited so you want to pick a quieter time. Avoid sunset and the influencers.
Local Favorite – Battery Hill
Battery Hill in Port Fairy offers one of the most stunning views – and better yet, most people don’t know it exists (except the locals who might be willing to tell you it’s their favourite spot!). Any time of day, it’s worth the easy walk for town and coastal vistas. Bring a pre-packed picnic of your choice, or come for sunrise or sunset for a different vibe
Do: Check out the Battery Hill virtual tour to learn the history behind this site.
Do not: Be Alarmed – if you chance upon this spot on a Sunday morning in January, you might catch a cannon firing!
Foreshore for sure
There are so many towns along the coast in this region with beautifully grassed foreshores for people who opt-out of getting sand in their food. At weekends you may find a market, or if you’re looking for a quieter spot, there’s plenty of space to find it. You could pick any town, and you will find a spot. We love the cute, revamped foreshore in Port Campbell, and the spacious foreshores in Apollo Bay, Lorne, and Torquay. At the much quieter Peterborough foreshore, you can pick up supplies from the Peterborough General Store and Takeaway – just a few minutes walk away.
Do: Check on market dates and summer carnivals – they occur mainly on weekends and in summer. You might want to factor in getting your supplies from a market nearby, or you may want to avoid being too close to a wild ride.
Do not: Feed the birds! Be prepared for unwanted feathered friends (feeding them makes it worse – for the birds and all future picnickers!)
Picnic spots with playgrounds – Lake Pertobe, Colac Botanic Gardens, Coogarah Park
Want to keep the kids occupied for hours? Then set up your picnic somewhere near an awesome playground! Our hot tips for the best playgounds in pretty spots (with enough distance between your picnic and the shouts from the swings) are Coogarah Park in Anglesea, Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool and the Colac Botanic Gardens. This advice also works for any beach 😉
Do: Be prepared for a long time. These are all next level playgrounds, with the added benefit of nature play around them. You could spend hours wandering the Colac Botanic Gardens alone.
Do Not: Don’t forget to plan ahead – check the weather forecast locally to make sure your picking a winning spot if you’re planning to set up for the afternoon.
Picnic in The Otways?
Who wouldn’t want to? Some very special spots, with amenities for day visitors include:
- The Redwoods near Beech Forest (Beautiful but with limited parking)
- Blanket Bay on Cape Otway – for reefs shaped by ancient volcanoes and rock pools to explore for hours
- Melba Gully Picnic Reserve – that’s ride, created especially for it – lots of picnic tables, toilets and a lovely expanse of grass, surrounded by towering Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beach trees.
