Sometimes the best family day out is the simplest one, a rug on the grass, good food and nowhere to be. A picnic experience takes that idea and adds a bit of adventure, clues to solve, produce to collect from local shops, or even a seaplane ride thrown in for good measure. Here is where to find a picnic worth packing the whole crew into, whether you are in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales or after something truly special in Sydney.
A picnic scavenger hunt on the Gold Coast
The Mystery Picnic QLD at Burleigh Heads turns lunch into a game, follow curated clues and riddles on your phone to collect gourmet food from local producers before your secret picnic spot is revealed. A Family option covers 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3 to 15, with games and conversation starters built in to keep everyone entertained along the way.
Clues and produce through the Dandenong Ranges
The Mystery Picnic in the Dandenong Ranges takes the same clue solving formula through Victoria's lush hills, decoding riddles to gather fresh, local ingredients as you go. The family ticket suits 2 adults and 2 children aged 10 and under, though at least one adult in the group will need a valid driving licence since this one is self drive between stops.
Solve your way through the Blue Mountains
The Mystery Picnic in the Blue Mountains brings the family friendly mystery picnic format to New South Wales, with stops among the region's famous lookouts and villages as you piece together your gourmet spread. It is a great way to see a side of the Blue Mountains beyond the usual lookout car park stop, with the whole family working together to crack the clues.
The big splurge, by seaplane
The Beach Picnic on Shark Island including Seaplane Flight is Sydney's ultimate picnic upgrade, a 15 minute scenic flight over Bondi Beach and the Harbour Bridge followed by a private beach picnic on Shark Island, delivered by water taxi. Pricing is per adult with no separate child rate, but babies under 3 fly free on a parent's lap, making this the one to save for a special celebration rather than an everyday family outing.
Frequently asked questions
Which picnic experience suits younger kids best?
The Mystery Picnic QLD and Mystery Picnic in the Dandenong Ranges both offer family tickets for 2 adults and 2 kids, with the Dandenong Ranges option pitched at children aged 10 and under.
Do we need our own car for the mystery picnics?
Yes, the mystery picnic format involves driving or walking between stops to collect clues and produce, so at least one adult in the group needs to be able to drive or you will need to plan local transport.
Is the seaplane picnic suitable for babies?
Babies under 3 years old can sit on a parent's lap without needing their own seat, though there is no discounted child fare, so it works out as a per adult price for older kids.
What is included in a mystery picnic?
Expect a series of digital clues sent to your phone, gourmet food and produce collected from local businesses along the way, and a final secret picnic location revealed at the end.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other dietary needs can be arranged on the mystery picnics and the seaplane picnic hamper, just flag it at the time of booking.
Local tip: book a mystery picnic for a cooler part of the day and bring a cooler bag, most experiences ask you to supply your own basket or bag to carry the goodies you collect.
Book your family picnic experience above and turn an easy afternoon into a proper family adventure.