You never need an excuse to spoil mum, but you can make this year’s Mother’s Day special by taking her on a deluxe picnic in any of these 10 spectacular spots. Whether it’s a relaxed beach setting or a pretty landscaped garden, spending quality time with mum is as simple as spreading out your family beach blanket (and popping up your OZoola beach tent if shade is limited!) and opening some chilled fruit punch or champagne. Read on for our top picks on where to spoil mum this Mother’s Day, and don’t forget we’re throwing in a FREE Pool to Beach Towel with every Family Beach Blanket purchased until Mother’s Day - the perfect gift for mum!
Minnamurra Headland
The spectacular views of Stack Island, the ocean and Minnamurra River combined make Minamurra headland a top choice for a Mother’s Day picnic if you’re heading towards the NSW south coast. Curved around the edge of the headland, the Kiama Coastal Walk allows for breathtaking views of the coastline from all angles. Après picnic take a leisurely walk or cycle along this route to cap off a perfect day spent with mum. The headland is fairly exposed so if the weather is sunny, don’t forget your beach tent and sunscreen. Bonus: Minnamurra Lookout is suitable for those with access needs.
Bradfield Park
Situated beneath Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, Bradfield Park offers magnificent views of the bridge along with the Opera House and the harbour itself. Located at the northern end of the bridge in Milson’s Point, the expansively grassy park makes for an inviting picnic spot, especially on fine days when boats and ferries can be spied making their lazy way across the sparkling waters.
Shelly Beach
Enjoy a meal with a view at one of Sydney’s premier destinations for snorkelling and diving. Shelly Beach is the beach that has it all – set down your blanket in the shaded area behind the beach before venturing onto the inviting sands for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. As part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve, you can expect to see multitudes of marine life in relatively shallow water. Or take a walk around the beach track to see the spectacular vista of North Head and the Northern Beaches. Shelly Beach contains all the amenities you’d expect including toilets, showers, free electric barbecues as well as a casual dining café.
Paronella Park
For a big dose of uniqueness, you can’t look past Paronella Park. Located in far north Queensland on the edge of Mena Creek, the Spanish-style castle was built in the 1930s by José Paronella, who envisioned a grand castle and garden for his future wife. José fulfilled this dream, building next to Mena Creek Falls which descends over seven million-year-old basalt rock. Not only can you access the top of the cascades from a suspension bridge that spans the waterfall, the lookout at the base of the falls is just as magical in this most captivating place.
New Farm Park
New Farm Park in Brisbane is only a stone’s throw away from the local Farmers Markets making it an ideal locale for a gourmet picnic. Enjoy freshly baked goodies and delicious produce in the 15 hectare picnic area which contains both undercover picnic spots and sunny patches to throw down your family beach blanket. The vast open space faces the majestic Brisbane River and has all the amenities you need for a relaxed afternoon of outdoor lounging.
Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach
The unusual moonscape sand mass that is Carlo Sandblow also happens to be the perfect place to watch hang gliders on a clear day or masses of migrating whales during whale season. An easy 600 metre walk from the car park, the 15 hectare sand mass offers prime views over the coloured sands and coastline of Double Island Point, Inskip Peninsula and the southernmost point of Fraser Island. A truly magnificent part of the world, the sandblow is located on the Sunshine Coast in the Great Sandy National Park.
Castlemaine Botanic Gardens
Another stunning tableau in the autumn, Castlemaine Botanic Gardens in Victoria’s region of Bendigo has been a local favourite for more than 150 years. Conveniently located opposite The Mill precinct, there’s a smorgasbord of food and drink to be had including coffee, sinfully decadent cakes, bread, wine and cured meats. After lunch, take her on a walk to enjoy the gorgeous fiery oaks and rivers of autumn leaves in these peaceful surroundings.
Lake Wendouree
The manmade Lake Wendouree lives at the heart of Ballarat’s city centre. Resplendent with wetlands and wildlife, you can picnic right on the foreshore before enjoying the 6km walking track, cycling trails and playgrounds. There are plenty of picnic tables and barbecue facilities scattered around the lake but you can also pick up some local fare from the restaurants nearby to enjoy al fresco.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
A popular spot for Adelaide locals, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a dreamy picnic location famous for its expansive collections. Fern Gully contains one of Australia’s largest fern collections while Rhododendron Gully blooms into a riot of colour in spring. You can set your rug down by the Main Lake or on Dwarf Conifer Lawn then spend the rest of the day exploring the magical grounds. Come adequately prepared with food and drink as there aren’t any takeaway options close by.
Millbrook Winery
What was once a hidden gem on the outskirts of Perth has exploded in popularity due to the beautiful grounds and quality of the wine. Order a bottle of wine and set yourself up in the manicured garden – you can even order a pre-made picnic basket full of tasty treats to nibble! Weekends are busy and it's easy to see why, but it’s oh-so-worth it when the wine is as delicious as this. We’re sure mum will agree.
For a limited time only, enjoy a bonus gift of one of our Tourkish towels FREE when you purchase any Family Beach or Picnic Blanket this Mother’s Day. (use code MUM)
*Offer valid until Wednesday 4th May (the last day to order online prior to Mother’s Day).
