Our 5 Favourite Picnic Spots
- On the banks of the Campaspe River or 'Yerrin' to the Taungurung and 'Yalka' to the Dja Dja Wurrung people
The Campaspe River springs from its source in the Wombat State Forest near Bullengarook. It’s a small, gently flowing river that gains momentum and depth as it climbs north to Echuca where it meets the Murray. But as it quietly meanders through Kyneton, it creates many wonderful picnic nooks. One of our favourite places is just at the end of Beauchamp St (pronounced Beecham by the locals ) near the Kyneton Racecourse. There are ancient oaks, gentle lawns, the trickling of the river – there’s even a couple of tables and bins to take care of any recycling or rubbish. An easy walk from Piper St and you can continue the walk from here all the way to the Botanic Gardens along the ‘River Walk’.
- BlackHill Reserve
About 6kms out of Kyneton, sits one of Victoria’s largest granite monoliths. It’s a special, peaceful place and there’s easy walks around the base or if you’re after the view you can go over the top.
It can be quite slippery after rain and there can be snakes in warmer weather. But if you’re quiet you might see an echidna or wombat.
The more experienced Hiker-Picnicker knows that all they need is a pork pie in one pocket and an apple in the other Leaving hands free to get a good stride going and work up an appetite. There’s plenty of lovely, flat, sun baked granite to perch on and take in the glorious views across the Macedon Ranges, while reflecting on how clever those Poms were to invent such a portable, palatable, picnic pie.
- Metcalfe Cascades
A local favourite – a little bit out of town. The Coliban River has been smoothing these granite slabs for centuries – creating little pools and ledges. The sounds and setting of the surrounding bush make this feel very peaceful in a uniquely Australian way. Not much here in the way of facilities but it’s more charming for it.
- Botanic Gardens Kyneton
Historically significant, the gardens were established in1858 and are home to many National Trust listed trees. The gardens offer plenty of shade, abundant picnic tables, lawns for cricket or petanque, paths for meandering and ancient oaks to wonder under.
The gardens are also home to the Campaspe River Walk , the oak park, the community playground – which also has BBQ facilities, toilets and picnic tables.
- Kyneton Mineral Springs
Just a couple of kilometres north, along Piper Street, you’ll find a quaint Victorian rotunda that houses a pump giving you access to our local spring water – it is loaded full of good stuff – including magnesium which will help you relax as you picnic under shady trees. Good facilities including playground, picnic tables, toilets, bbqs – and the famous mineral water.
I’m sure this list will keep growing – I haven’t mentioned the local reservoirs, or open gardens, or the most obvious – Hanging Rock – but I think that needs its own post
For more local information visit Macedon Ranges Melbourne Victoria | Visit Macedon Ranges Daylesford Things To Do & Accommodation | Daylesford Macedon Life
Kyneton | What to See and Do | Visit Macedon Ranges
Kyneton Campaspe River Walk (daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au)