Picnic Spots: Vernal Falls, CA, USA

While we put together our next lot of local picnic spots, I thought I might share with you something a little different!
Last November I traveled to the United States and spent a few days in Yosemite National Park, and it was my favourite part of my trip. We ate our picnic lunch (sandwiches and cookies from the cafeteria) on the rock plateau atop Vernal Falls, after a long hike. Yosemite is a seriously breathtaking place, so if you are ever traveling to California, it is worth a visit.

Hannah
x

the view back down the falls

an iPhone panorama of the top of the falls out to the view.

Picnic Spots: Melaleuca Park, Minnie Waters, NSW

On a recent family holiday we visited the pretty beach side town of Minnie Waters in New South Wales. This sweet, unpretentious park just stole away our heart. Just imagine dining under the low hanging branches of the Melaleucas with your picnic lunch, with the crash of the waves and chirp of birds as your soundtrack.

Essentials:  A picnic rug to lay upon the grass, or tablecloth for the tables. If you don't have time to put together a picnic lunch, there is a fish and chip shop in town.
Facilities: Mint coloured picnic tables and public loo, seeing as there will most likely be no one else around, there will be plenty of parking too!
Nearby Attractions: Yuraygir National Park, Drive slowly too as there are Emus about.
Season: Best in summer so you can go for a dip, so don't forget your bathers!
Location: Where Heath St and Beach St meet in Minnie Waters.

Hannah x

Picnic Spots: Queens Park Botanic Gardens, Toowoomba, QLD

 I love Toowoomba! Having spent my whole life visiting for holidays and day trips or living in this atmospheric gem of Australian cities. Picnic spots abound in and around this city. Queens Park Botanic Gardens is the first of many we will visit for this blog. This particular part of Queens Park is known for its spectacular flower display during the Carnival of Flowers every September. The floral display is repeated in the summer in these garden beds, a little known fact, best time to see this is February.
Facilities: Wheel Chair accessible via bitumen pathways at entry points in Lindsay and Campbell Streets.
Large clean picnic tables, manicured lawns, public toilets,water fountains. There is also a Playground to be found facing Margaret Street.
Nearby attractions: Cobb&Co Museum
Essentials: Picnic rug, insect repellant (for biting ants,best sprayed around perimeter of rug),Tablecloth, warm clothing (Toowoomba anytime of the year can turn unexpectedly chilly), Picnic hamper.
Season: Anytime of day or year really. However it is especially spectacular in Spring (flowers) through to Autumn (autumn leaves).
Facts: Queens Park covers 26.3 ha. Established 1865.
Location: Click the link in bar at the end of blog post.

Megan  x

Beware of Green Ants!

Just one of many

An Easter Saturday picnic in Queens Park with just the basics: Tea, dip and crackers. Perfect.

The flower beds are currently empty in preperation for planting for Spring

The following photographs are from September last year, during the Carnival of Flowers.