Plan the Ultimate Picnic

PLAN THE

ULTIMATE PICNIC

DISCOVER TOP PLACES TO PICNIC ACROSS THE BUNGEO REGION AND WHERE TO FIND THE FRESHEST PRODUCE FOR THE PERFECT DAY. By GAIL WILLIAMS

When life gives you lemons … you make lemonade and go on a picnic. The good news is, you don’t even need to make the lemonade with so many excellent take away food options in the region. Just order, pack your basket and head to the great outdoors to enjoy eating food to the sounds of bubbling brooks, waterfalls, chirping birds and crashing waves on the shore.

The hardest decision to make is where to go. We’ve made it easier for you by suggesting some of the best options in BunGeo.

Golden Valley Tree Park

Balingup If you want to get a touch of New Hampshire colour in your life, head towards the picturesque hills of Balingup. There, picnicking on the site of two former farming properties, you’ll experience an uplifting dose of seratonin as the deciduous trees show their burnished orange beauty amongst tall eucalypts and mallee woodlands.

It’s no wonder the 60-hectare landscaped park (the state’s largest aboretum) is heritage listed. It’s diverse and it’s spectacular. Picnic at the old homestead at the entrance or choose from an array of beautiful spots with picnic tables. Delightful walk trails abound too.

Binningup Beach

Harvey Pristine coastline with a 180-degree view of Geographe Bay. What more do you need in a picnic spot? A pirate ship, if you have children. This idyllic family-friendly picnic spot just north of Bunbury – with barbecues and sheltered seating – also has history at its heart dating back to during World War II when it was a lookout point for volunteer soldiers looking for enemy forces. Now the only threats are delighted ship ahoy alerts coming from the pirate ship playground. Plenty of fishing spots for enthusiasts too.

Peppermint Grove Beach

Capel This popular spot, just west of Capel and two and a half hours’ drive from Perth through beautiful Tuart Forest is every bit as idyllic as its name.

It’s close enough to visit some of the region’s wineries (like Capel Vale) before luxuriating with your picnic on the white sandy shores of crystal clear waters while firing up one of the free gas barbecues.

Oh, and dogs are welcome too.

Ironstone Gully Falls

Capel Scenic with a capital “S” and a soundtrack of gushing water to boot is the reward here as you get in touch with your inner zen while you work your way through picnic basket goodies. Half way between Capel and Donnybrook is the spot first identified by our state’s early settlers who also marvelled at the wildflowers and rapids as they toiled.

A barbecue and toilet facilities, however, is a big improvement on what those brave, hardy souls endured.

We recommend visiting after it has rained when the falls are flowing.

Lake Kepwari

Collie It’s a relative newbie when it comes to facilities but the brand spanking new lake in a former open cut coal mine has become a drawcard for picnickers who like their boating and water sports.

Take up a prime picnic spot with a barbecue overlooking the lake and during fishing season dangle a line before enjoying a drop of wine or a refreshing gin at Harris River Estate.

The Quarry

Wellington National Park Prepare to be in awe of jarrah, marri and yarri forests in this magical spot in an ancient gorge in the Collie River Valley, just half an hour from Bunbury and Collie. The Quarry, one of the many picnic areas in the 17,000 hectare Wellington National Park has a backdrop of sheer granite which is a favourite with abseilers. There’s plenty of shade over the picnic tables

SPLASH OUT Experience an extravagant picnic spread, completely hassle free, with Picnic Cheer (above ) in one of the BunGeo's many picnic hotspots.

NATURAL BEAUTY Explore The Golden Valley Tree Park (top left), Lake Kepwari (right), Ironstone Gully Falls (above), and Peppermint Grove Beach (below).

and barbecues, plus playing areas for the kids – all of which add up to a big vote for the region. Make sure you take the time to observe the epic mural on the dam wall while you're here, too.

And, if you forget the picnic, the kiosk near the dam wall offers snacks and drinks.

WHERE TO SOURCE THE FRESHEST PICNIC PRODUCE...

Bounteous fresh produce is everywhere you look in the south west so you don’t have to go too far to put a decent picnic basket together. Nor do you have to spend days cooking in preparation. Here, we make things easier for you by suggesting the best picnic basket fillers in the region. All you have to do is press a button and then pick up your feast, add a bottle of your favourite beverage and you’re done. Way to go.

Picnic Cheer

For a special occasion – or just because – take all the decision making out of things and experience a touch of absolute luxury in a divine setting. Picnic Cheer – beginning with a $100 package for two – are happy to take charge and deliver a truly magical experience that memories are made of. Their bespoke picnics include setting up with exquisite table and glassware and food to thrill, packing away and all else in between. Available all throughout the Bunbury Geographe region, it’s the ultimate option for an opulent experience. All you have to do is choose the menu. picniccheer.com.au

Bunbury Farmers’ Market

Going online to check out the picnic options is almost as impressive as visiting the store. It’s a labyrinth of delicious choices. Order a made-toorder platter before 3pm (midday in some cases) the day before, with a choice of cakes and slices, quiches, pies, sausage rolls, fresh sushi, sandwiches and paninis, plus cheese platters. Prices are all included online. bunburyfarmersmarket.com.au

Mojo’s Kitchen, Bar & Bottleshop

Mojo’s have long delivered to the culinary needs of Bunbury locals so when it comes to picnic baskets they know exactly what hits the spot. Their Mojo’s To Go online ordering system not only caters to every taste imaginable for picnickers, but it can be picked up within half an hour of ordering. No wonder it’s a hit. Their antipasto/ picnic box, for $65.00 feeds up to four people and includes three types of cured meats, marinated olives, eggplant with parmigiana, two cheeses with pickles and bread. mojosrestaurant.com.au

IMAGE Russel Ord