A guide to the best summer picnic parks in Melbourne

With the summer sun shining brightly, it’s hard to resist the call of Melbourne’s green and shady park. As all Victorians know, we need to take advantage of it when the sun is shining – before the inevitable change comes in. And with so many meetings, now is the perfect time to plan a park picnic.

So make cheese plates and crispy rolls, pack sunscreen, flashlights and water in your basket, collect your Aperol Spritzesi and a designated driver – this is the place to spread and breathe this summer.

Fairfield Park Boathouse
In this peaceful bend of Yarra you will find a green and well-equipped place to park yourself for the afternoon. There are barbecue and picnic tables, lush lawns and even a few sports facilities for restless picnic keepers. If you end up watching the water long enough, you may be convincing yourself to rent a boat shed or kayak. The hand-built skiffs are replicas of a 19th-century boat that would have once floated lazily along the Thames.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The neighborhood park may fill up on a weird weekend, but the Royal Botanic Gardens has 38 acres, so you don’t have to fight for a spot. The 170-year-old gardens are endlessly varied, with rainforest plants, cacti, camellias and a collection of rare and endangered species. Choose a shady spot and elevate Aperol Spritz to one of Melbourne’s greatest treasures.

Yarra Bend Park, Kew
The scale of Yarra Bend Park is really significant. With over 200 acres of parkland and shrubbery, it’s a great way to lose the city without leaving for a moment. Studley Park Boathouse has endless picnic areas (as well as tables and grills), rowing boats for rent and plenty of walking trails for the more adventurous. Yarra Bend Park is also home to Melbourne’s huge bat population, and it’s worth staying there from the beginning to watch them take wing.

Landcox Park, Brighton East
A beautiful little place in Brighton East, Landcox Park is a real neighborhood park. There is a playground for children and dogs are also welcome (led), making it a great choice for a family-friendly picnic. Barbecues are available if you don’t want to bring a sandwich, and there’s a lovely duck-filled pond that’s a great focal point.

Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy
Melbourne’s informal theme park seems to attract crowds whenever the sun shines. It’s easy to see why its green area has sporty ovals, a skate park, a basketball court, a table tennis table and an endless parade of stunning dogs. Next to St Georges Road you can enjoy a quality picnic along the way. Just Falafs and the newly opened and aptly named Picnic are great options – or else grab Piedimonte’s fresh rolls and deli and make it old-fashioned.

This article was produced by Broadsheet in collaboration with Aperol’s new ready to serve a selection of Aperol Sprits. With 100,000 Aperol Sprits on offer this summer to help celebrate being together again. Find out how you can redeem yours.