6 scenic SA picnic spots

Posted 5 September, 2022 Lauren Ferrone

Pack a picnic blanket and a basket full of Beerenberg strawberries, a block of cheese from Woodside Cheese Wrights and Maggie Beer’s signature quince paste. We’re headed to some of South Australia’s most scenic picnic spots.

1. Wittunga Botanic Park, Blackwood

You don’t have to travel far to experience a bit of Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula and even South Africa. Plants from all three destinations, as well as other parts of Australia, are found in the spectacular 13-hectare oasis that is Wittunga Botanic Park..

When you arrive, hear the calls of native birds welcoming you into the park. Just remember to keep the bread in your picnic basket and away from your new-found feathered friends. The ducks that call the park home aren’t shy and will approach your picnic blanket in search of bread.

Entering the butterfly garden, you might feel your heart flutter. Two types of sweet nectar plants attract these winged beauties to Wittunga. Catching glimpses of their colourful wings flicker will keep the kids entertained while the adults unwind on the designated picnic grounds.

There’s also a billabong which features Australian wetland plants and thriving birdlife, and a newly built nature playground with an in-ground trampoline and a giant bench for the littlies to sit and relax after burning off all those picnic goodies.

Pair your picnic with: a free guided tour of the park to learn about the history of Wittunga, which was originally a private home with apple and pear orchards. Tours are every Tuesday (except Christmas day) at 10.30am.

2. Mannum Waterfalls, Murraylands

Unlike the typical green grass picnic setting, Mannum Waterfalls is a place where you can throw down the rug, indulge in some local goodies and tune out as the roar of water thunders down onto the rocks.

The waterfall is a geological phenomenon, with large granite outcrops rising from the plains around the Reedy Creek. Alongside these outcrops are walking trails, ranging from medium difficulty to ones that will get your heart pumping and calves burning.

The only question is, ‘which direction will you take?’ The first car park to the left takes you on a 1km-steep walk to the falls, while the second car park is above the falls and a shorter walk down to them.

Pair your picnic with: Rock-hopping along the creek gully, exploring granite rocks, pools and waterfalls. Just watch your step – it can be particularly slippery when the rocks are wet.

3. Carrick Hill, Adelaide Hills

Here’s a picnic for the history books. Why? Picnicking on the grounds of one of Australia’s historic homes and gardens, Carrick Hill, is sure to be memorable.

Nestled on acreage at Springfield – less than 10km from the CBD – Carrick Hill’s gardens make for a particularly ideal location for picnics. Find a spot under the shade of large pistachio trees and only move for a game of lawn bowls. Best of all, you can borrow a set of bowls from reception at no cost.

While the whole family can join in the fun, Carrick Hill’s Story Book Trail, which features characters from favourites like Wind in the Willows and The Jungle Book, will keep the little ones entertained why you indulge in your basket of goodies.

Speaking of which, if you’re new to picnicking, short on time or perhaps a tad disorganised, you can pre-order picnic platters from Carrick Hill. However, leave the vino at home as BYO isn’t permitted. Instead, order a glass of chardonnay once you get to Carrick.

Pair your picnic with: a guided tour of Carrick Hill House, which was built in 1939. Admire the home’s oak panelling, and windows and doors bought by former owners Ursula and Edward Hayward on their honeymoon in England.

4. Himeji Garden, Adelaide

Picnics are a relaxing alternative to dining in a busy café or restaurant. That’s what makes Himeji Garden in Adelaide’s South Park Lands the idyllic spot to unwind, and perhaps even meditate.

Beyond the ornate gates, enjoy respite from the hustle and bustle of city life as you make your way through this traditional Japanese garden.

Established in 1985 to celebrate Adelaide’s sister city partnership with Himeji in Japan, the garden features two sections – a water (senzui) and dry (kare senzui) area.

The senzui style replicates the beauty of lakes and mountains, while the kare senzui style uses rocks to evoke the presence of water and oceans.

Although the garden is cosy, there’s more than enough space to lounge on the grass by the manicured bushed and shrubs.

While it’s not your typical picnic food, we can’t help by crave a bento box right now.

Pair your picnic with: a mindfulness challenge. Dotted around the garden, you’ll find stepping stones designed so the average adult takes two shorter than normal steps on each stone. This encourages admirers of the garden to slow down and embrace their surroundings. Your challenge: with each step, think of five things you can see and hear, and allow everything else around you to pause momentarily.

5. Port Willunga Beach Caves, Fleurieu Peninsula

Who said the grass is always greener on the other side? Picnicking doesn’t have to be restricted to grass. That’s what draws us to Port Willunga Beach Caves.

Local fishermen used to store their boats in several caves carved into the rock face. Nowadays people use the caves as a place to sit and have a picnic when they want some shade from the sun.

If you happen to find sand in your car or hamper when you return home, consider it the perfect picnic keepsake.

Pair your picnic with: a dip in the ocean. Pack extra nibbles, as you’re likely to hear your tummy rumbling after a big swim. Remember that when the beach ramps are operational during summer, there’s a $8 charge to drive your car onto the beach.

6. Blue Lake, Limestone Coast

Talk about an explosive experience. Picnicking at the Blue Lake on the Limestone Coast is out-of-this-world.

Nestled on a volcanic landscape, the Blue Lake inhabits on one of the extinct volcanic craters of Mount Gambier.

Forget picnicking on the green – it’s all about the colour blue. The lake turns a cobalt blue from December to March each year, making it the perfect time to pack a picnic and admire the views.

You’ll need to move those legs for a glimpse though. Go on the 3.6km long walking trail and set up your grazing table at any one of the many viewing platforms dotted around the lake.

Pair your picnic with: some pastries and egg and bacon rolls from nearby Bryant’s Bakery. Trust us, your picnic spread won’t be complete without it, and you’ll need the carbs for all that walking.