Picnics are the New Party
Central Geelong’s beautiful outdoor spaces and fresh air are best enjoyed as the autumnal hues paint the landscape. The city’s parks and gardens are changing to shades of orange, red and gold as the days get crisper. This is the perfect time for a picnic. Central Geelong has a wide range of beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for picnics.
Gather your picnic essentials and explore the vibrant greenery to enjoy the autumn scenery. This is your ultimate guide for the best places to picnic and eat in Central Geelong.
Picnics are the New Party
1. Customs Park: Waterfront Views & Family Fun
Customs Park, located in the heart of Geelong’s iconic Waterfront, is the perfect place for a family picnic. It offers stunning views as well as many features that are suitable for children. Large, open lawns allow you to enjoy your meal in front of the beautiful Corio Bay. This park is also home to the Barcode Water Features, an interactive and dynamic water installation that’s a favorite with children. This is the ideal location to picnic with your little ones. They can run around and splash in the water while enjoying the playful atmosphere.
You can enjoy the gentle sea breeze as you relax on the waterfront. It is a great place to both relax and take in some scenery. Rent a scooter or bike and cruise along the waterfront promenade to add a bit of excitement before or after you eat.
You can find a wide range of delicious takeaway food items at CafeGo, which is located just a few minutes away from the park. The ‘GO on GO’ Menu offers everything from baby-sized snacks to larger Antipasto platters. Do not forget to pick up some freshly baked sourdough or their housemade hummus a creamy and flavorful addition to your picnic spread. For those who love sweets, the Mixed Sweets Boxes will make your picnic a memorable one.
2. Geelong Botanic Gardens – Historic Charm and Tranquil Environments
Visit the **Geelong Botanic Gardens** for a more refined experience. This stunning combination of historic landscaping with modern design is sure to impress. The Botanic Gardens, located just above Eastern Beach, is a heritage listed site that features a diverse collection from around the world. The ornate architecture and historic plants provide a peaceful setting for an afternoon picnic. Autumn is a particularly stunning time to visit the gardens, when the foliage and trees transform into an amazing display of earthy colors.
Take a stroll through the 21st Century Garden before you start your picnic. This contemporary addition to Botanic Gardens combines innovative native plants with dramatic design elements. The gardens blend old and new with historical English landscaping and modern plant varieties. It is a tranquil and inspiring place for you to relax.
Stop by the Cafe-Go to pick up some tasty treats you can enjoy in the tranquil gardens. The Antipasto Boxes offer a variety of cured meats and cheeses that go well with a glass wine. For something lighter, try a daily-baked sourdough, or a savory pork and applesausage roll. Don’t forget about their Mixed Sweets Boxes for a sweet ending to your picnic.
3. Johnstone Park: Spacious Greenery and Shady Trees
The vast space of Johnstone Park is perfect for a picnic in the shade or sunshine. This park is located in Central Geelong and features large, rolling grasses, surrounded by leafy tree canopy, which provides ample space for you to relax. This park is perfect for groups of friends or families who want to spend a relaxing day outside. You can play frisbee or catch in this spacious park, or simply relax and enjoy the fall sunshine.
Near Johnstone Park you will find Dal Cafe & Catering. This local favorite is known for its delicious options to take away. Dal’s menu features a variety of tarts in five irresistible flavours. These tarts are perfect for a picnic with a large group. They serve up to 4-6 people. Other picnic foods are available at the cafe, such as fresh salads and sweets. Do not forget to purchase a savoury Tart! It’s the ideal centerpiece for an outdoor meal.
Public Cafe is a great option if you want to grab a coffee or light snack before heading out on your picnic. It’s located right next to Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. Public Cafe is known for its delicious coffee and lunch menu. You can take away a freshly made latte or tasty sandwich to enjoy at Johnstone Park. Desserts are also available, which is perfect for completing your picnic.
Family Picnic
4. Transvaal Square
Makes for another great location to enjoy a picnic. This lush reserve, located along Yarra Street offers breathtaking views of Corio Bay. This tranquil spot is perfect for a picnic and relaxing in the calm atmosphere. Its elevated location offers a panoramic view, allowing you to relax and take in the sounds and sights of the bay as you enjoy a drink or a snack.
Transvaal Square, in addition to its breathtaking location, offers shaded picnic areas and public facilities including restrooms. This ensures a comfortable stay. The park is ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery and relaxed atmosphere of Geelong’s waterfront. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby cafes.
5. Eastern Beach Reserve – A family favourite
Eastern Beach Reserve is the perfect family picnic spot for those with small children. This park is a great combination of accessibility and comfort with its terraced lawns and BBQ facilities. Eastern Beach Reserve’s large and shady playground is a favorite with children. It provides a fun, safe place for them to burn energy, while adults relax.
The Beach House Cafe, located adjacent to the park offers both an in-house restaurant and a takeaway counter. This is perfect for grabbing something quick before or after a picnic. The kiosk is a great place to grab a quick snack, cold-pressed juice or coffee. It’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic and then take a dip or stroll along the shoreline.
6. Build Your Ultimate Picnic Kit
After you have chosen the perfect picnic spot, you need to ensure that you are fully prepared with all of the essential picnic items. Geelong is home to many shops that can help you create the perfect picnic kit, whether you are looking for a classic basket, stylish blankets or portable seating.
To add a touch of tradition, you can choose from a selection of Willow Picnic Baskets at Market Square. These baskets come with red gingham liners, which give your picnic an old-fashioned, charming feel. Nearby, Kaisercraft offers a stylish range of cooler bags to keep your food and beverages fresh when you are enjoying the outdoors.
Visit Bed, Bath and Table in Westfield Geelong if you’re looking to add some style to your picnic. There is a large selection of UV fade resistant picnic blankets that are perfect for relaxing in the sun. The Panama collection is stylish and comes with a matching bag to make it easy to take it anywhere. If you plan to stay a while, the Kathmandu range offers folding chairs which are both comfortable and practical.
7. Supporting local businesses and enjoying the outdoors
Picnicking in Central Geelong offers the chance to support local businesses and enjoy the outdoors. You can support the local economy by purchasing fresh, locally-made food at cafes such as Cafe go, Dal Cafe and Public Cafe. These small businesses strive to offer quality handmade products, which will make your picnic even more enjoyable.
Take a moment to soak up the fall atmosphere and admire the parks and gardens of Geelong. You will be able to enhance your picnic by enjoying the amazing local food, drinks, and products.
People Singing Togehter While in Picnic
8. The Magic of Autumn in Central Geelong
Central Geelong’s beautiful parks, breathtaking waterfront views and vibrant fall foliage make it the ideal destination for an autumn picnic. There’s no shortage to places where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Pack your picnic basket and bring your family to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Autumn in Central Geelong is an experience that you will never forget.
