What’s not to love about January? It’s a summery fresh start that lets us dream big for the new year. And now that 2024 is officially with us, we think it’s high time to hit the picnic circuit to sit, sip and watch Australia put on a show.

ACT: Forest Bathing at the Arboretum
If you’re looking to get into nature while still being close to Canberra’s main drags, it’s hard to go past the National Arboretum. A living collection of forests, there’s tons of space to throw out a picnic rug or snag a table. The Himalayan Cedar Forest is a beautiful spot, with a BBQ area and 100-year-old trees offering canopies for shade if it’s a hot one.

NSW: Sunny Days at Glenbernie Family Farms
Want some flowers with your fizz? Sitting an hour Northwest of Sydney, Glenbernie Family Farms greets you with fields of sunflowers and green pastures. A working farm, there are plenty of places to set up your picnic and enjoy the scenery. There’s a small entry fee to support their work, and you can even cut some flowers to take with you. Not to mention the photo ops! (Furry friends also welcome).

WA: Swanning about at Matilda Bay
Picnicking by the water is the way on a hot summer day, and Matilda Bay Reserve is calling. Set on the iconic Swan River, this shady spot offers a front row seat (or picnic blanket) to the Perth skyline. Sit back in the cool and watch others jump off the jetty – or give it a go yourself (before your first sip of Solara,
of course).

QLD: Surfie Stunners at Burleigh Hill
Towards the southern end of the Gold Coast sits Burleigh Hill – a local favourite and sunset spotter’s paradise. It’s right on the water, with views that stretch all the way up to Surfer’s Paradise and beyond. Grab some fish and chips, some friends and your favourite fizz, and breathe in the sea air while you cheers to an incredible sunset.

VIC: Botanical Best in Melbourne
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne is a classic picnic spot for a good reason. With a perfect set up in view of plants and flowers, sprawling green spaces and a whole bunch of locals catching a snooze on the grass, it’s a chilled vibe all round (and perfect for a fizzy lunch).

NT: Sunsets and Markets at Mindil
Find a spot on a stretch of Darwin’s Mindil Beach, where white sands and clear water make a perfectly tropical backdrop to your picnic. The Mindil Market pops up every Thursday and Sunday during the dry season, so you can sit, watch the sunset, and sing along to the live tunes... before taking home a local handcrafted treasure, of course.

TAS: River Views at Mount Nelson Signal Station
If you like your picnics with a view (and a side of history), the Mount Nelson Signal Station is the place to be for some of Tassie’s most spectacular views. Up in the hills over Hobart city you can enjoy food and fizz overlooking the Derwent River and out to Bruny Island. Head to the Mount Nelson lookout for the picnic spots.

SA: Meet at Mengler Hill
If you find yourself among the vines in the Barossa, it’s worth packing a picnic
to Mengler Hill Lookout. With panoramic views of world-famous wineries and the Barossa Sculpture Park there to be explored, it’s the perfect place to add a little fizz to your day.

Till next time,
Team Solara.