Five of the best picnic experiences on the Gold Coast
THE time is right to dine in the great outdoors with summer on the way. Here are five of the best options to take alfresco picnics to a whole new level on the Gold Coast.
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THE time is right to dine in the great outdoors with summer on the way. Here are five of the best options to take alfresco picnics to a whole new level on the Gold Coast.
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, fresh air, 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.”
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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 the house creations of 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, served in a martini glass.
“We’re the current gold winner at the Queensland Tourism Awards and now is a lovely time of year to visit,” Tamil says.
Picnics for two, or families, can be booked in advance online.
Gold Coast Pop-Up Picnics
Pop-up Picnics offers nine sumptuous themes that make picnicking an art form.
Owner Kyla Asmussen takes care of every detail from meticulous styling to lavish platters to unpack in the Gold Coast location of your choice.
“The very hungry caterpillar or the Mad Hatter is the most popular for kids’ parties in the park,” she says. “Then we’ve got flamingo, romance, lollipop and I’ve just added a unicorn theme.”
She says Burleigh Hill is the most popular picnic spot with the Benowa Botanic Gardens another favourite, but she’s created occasions in many beautiful and secluded locations, including backyards.
Kyla regularly has people crying when they see her handiwork — and that’s even before they’re proposed to.
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Picnic Perfection
As one of the Gold Coast’s original luxury picnic services, Picnic Perfection has evolved to specialise in quality grazing spreads.
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. If it’s a big function, I’ll come and set it all up for them.”
She’s kept all the favourites from her gourmet picnic hampers and added to her repertoire, as grazing has taken hold as a spectacular catering option.
Many Picnic Perfection goodies are made in-house with a focus on sourcing quality, local products and providing eco-friendly disposables.
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Guilty Pleasure Platters
You name the place and Brodie Howard will be there with a picnic platter guaranteed to steal the show. Her grazing platters positively 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 and has set up in all manner of outdoor beauty spots, including under teepees and in boats. “I’ve done hens’ parties, engagements, pre-wedding reception drinks and birthdays,” she says. “I love creating something special for all occasions.”
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Bam Bam Bakehouse
2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
There’s nothing quite like an impromptu picnic to put a new spin on the day.
Bam Bam’s parkside location comes with the fringe benefit of providing an ideal space for customers to spill on to the lawns where staff will run their orders out to them.
Manager Rob Partridge says it’s a good option on days when the tables are busy and you don’t want to wait.
“Customers can order whatever they like at the counter and we’ll take it from there,” he says. 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 just can’t wait.
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