Best picture-perfect places for an autumn picnic in Victoria

Pack a picnic — or pick up some delicious local produce — and enjoy the last of the warmish weather among the autumn leaves in these picturesque spots around Victoria.

Enjoy an adventure-filled picnic at Bright.

The days are getting shorter but there’s still time to explore Victoria’s picture-perfect picnic spots before winter sets in.

And the best bit is, you can do it while sampling the delicious autumn harvest produced across our state.

As the days draw in, here’s where to enjoy pre-winter picnic while immersing yourself in eye-catching displays of colour.

Get more autumn travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, available with your Sunday Herald Sun on March 21.

BEST PLACES FOR AN AUTUMN PICNIC

Cliff picnic, High Country

Dine 300m above the valley floor at Mt Buffalo with the Bright Adventure Company. Enjoy a hamper packed with local produce while taking in the spectacular views.

Puffing Billy, Belgrave to Emerald

Board historic steam train Puffing Billy with pre-purchased picnic in hand. Break for lunch at Emerald Lake Park, which has a playground and paddle boats for hire.

Lake Wendouree, Ballarat

Pick up your pre-ordered charcuterie picnic box from Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry then head lakeside to watch the world go by. Feeling active? Take the 6km walk around the lake or visit the Ballarat Botanical Gardens next door.

Hanging Rock, Macedon Ranges

Picnic at Hanging Rock in Woodend just like Miranda, but stick to the walking trails. Pick up wine and cured meats from Hanging Rock Winery Cellar Door and be beguiled by the beauty of the rock formation as you enjoy lunch.

Brisbane Ranges, National Park Geelong and the Bellarine

Discover Victoria’s richest wildflower habitat and the state’s greatest density of koalas at this popular national park close to Meredith. There are picnic grounds at Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek.

Seawinds Gardens, Mornington Peninsula

The 34ha garden at the summit of Arthurs Seat offers spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas from the lookouts. It’s a popular spot for picnics.

Cactus Country in Strathmerton is Australia's largest cactus collection. Pic: Supplied.

Cactus Country, Strathmerton

Sandy walking trails cross a desert landscape filled with beautiful cacti and other succulents. Pack a picnic, take the pooch and pick up some takeaway cactus cake or ice cream for your trip home from Cactus Country.

Pound Bend Reserve, Warrandyte

Pound Bend Reserve, the closest state park to Melbourne, is a haven for picnickers, bushwalkers, canoeists and birdwatchers. Pick a spot beside the Yarra River, which completely encircles the reserve, and keep an eye out for koalas in the surrounding trees.

Churchill Island, Phillip Island

Connected by bridge to Phillip Island, the wide-open spaces of the 50.7ha Churchill Island offer plenty of scope to picnic in peaceful surrounds. Then walk off lunch by exploring the scenic bay trails.

WHERE TO BUY GREAT PICNIC PRODUCE IN VICTORIA

Milawa Cheese Factory Complex, High Country

The Milawa Cheese Co’s farmhouse cheeses are handmade and include hard, soft, blue and cow and goat’s milk varieties. The historic Milawa Butter Factory also houses Wood Park Wines, the Wattle Tree Collection gift shop and Milawa Kitchen bakery/cafe/eatery.

The Mill, Castlemaine, Goldfields

Stop for Sprout Bakery bread, Long Paddock Cheese offerings and artisan charcuterie from Oakwood Smallgoods then cross the road from The Mill to the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens where you can enjoy your picnic surrounded by autumn foliage and bird life.

The Farmer & The Cook, Metung, Gippsland

This Metung offering channels the farmers’ market experience with gourmet products. Hampers, grazing boxes and brekky packs are available in store, and can be delivered to your accommodation.

San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op, San Remo

Get Space magazine in your Sunday Herald Sun on March 21.

Buy fresh and sustainably harvested fish and seafood to take home, watch the pelicans being fed at noon then pick a beachside spot and tuck into the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op’s renowned fish and chips or crayfish platter for lunch.

Surfcoast Wholefoods, Great Ocean Road

Drop by this Torquay favourite to pick up supplies before setting off on the Great Ocean Road, heading to one of many beaches or exploring the hinterland.

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne

Cheese and dips, fresh fish, meat, charcuterie and bread — there’s plenty to tempt the tastebuds at Queen Victoria Market. Drop in for picnic supplies, or shop online for seasonal produce.

In these changeable times, be sure to check opening times and any restrictions.

Get more autumn travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, available with your Sunday Herald Sun on March 21.