Picnic Spots: White Cedar Park, D'aguilar National Park QLD

Right now, while looking back on photos of this picnic, I can't think of a time when I felt more excited about a picnic area.

I heard about Red and White Cedar Park a while ago, I heard that it was lovely, but I just had never made the trip. This particular Sunday day trip was, in my mind, magical.  A drive through Mt Glorious, up and over the other side, to White Cedar Park, our morning tea stop on the way to Esk. The park was deserted and we set up our treats (scones, savoury pastries, and freshly percolated coffee) on the expansive picnic table. Despite the cool late autumn air, I ran straight to the creek, kicked off my shoes and jumped into the water (it was freezing). The next ten minutes we all spent frolicking in the sun and around the creek, amazed by the beauty of it all! I cannot wait to go back. 

Facilites: Two pagolas with several covered picnic tables; woodfire BBQ plates; tank water (not drinkable); flushing toilets; long grass to frolic in; and best of all, a pretty creek! There is another park by the name of Red Cedar park slightly further along the road.

Essentials: Drinking water, unless you are boiling the tank water; wood if you want to BBQ; otherwise just yourself and always a tablecloth if you use the tables.

Season: We went in Autumn, and the grass was beautiful and luscious, with beautiful Monarch Butterflies fluttering everywhere. Summer would be lovely, to go for a little dip in the deeper parts of the creek. 

Location: On Northbrook Pathway, not located on Google Maps. Northbrook Pathway connects to Mt Glorious Road and intersects with Wivenhoe-Somerset Road. See this map.

Photos by Hannah, Megan and Jean.

Picnic Spots: Lake Samsonvale, QLD

This little picnic spot gem is a favourite place of mine, only recently rediscovered. Just on the edge of north Brisbane (in Joyner), it isn't too long a drive from Brisbane's centre, to the abundance of space to spread out and relax on a picnic rug for a few hours enjoying the cool breeze that comes across the water and whistles through the gums above.
The two picnic places I recommend on Lake Samsonvale are at Forgan Park and Bullocky Rest (these photos were taken at Forgan Park).

Essentials: Insect repellent, Food to munch on as there are no cafes close by.
Facilities: Carparking galore, Electric BBQ's, Picnic tables (including covered ones), playground and toilet block at Bullocky Rest. Plus the bonus here is the water to fish or swim in! Remember to fish you will need a permit.
Season: With our amazing South East QLD weather, this spot will be beautiful all year around! But especially good in summer so you can enjoy a dip after sleeping off your picnic bounty.
Location: Forgan Park or Bullocky Rest on Lake Samsonvale, both accessible from Forgan Road, Joyner.