We all get stuck in the routine of a busy life and can run out of ways to express romance and find the peace and quiet that allows us to enjoy being fully present with loved ones.
Whether it’s the first date or the thirtieth anniversary, a picnic is a perfect romantic activity to strengthen a relationship, and there’s no shortage of beautiful spots on the Tablelands. Our top picks are listed below. Even if you don’t have romance in your life, these locations are ideal for a peaceful morning or afternoon with friends or family, or for some quality “me” time to recharge in nature.
Be prepared, especially if it’s a surprise and your partner doesn’t know what to bring, with a picnic rug, towel, or sheet; hats and sunscreen; water; and swimmers if you’re planning a dip – a must-do for some of these spots. You might also bring a couple of pillows if you’re spending a few hours there, a travel-friendly game or pack of cards, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting.
As for the star of the show – food – you’ll need a well-packed backpack, a hamper, or a basket to transport your food, and possibly an ice brick. A cheese platter is a classic option you can assemble when you get there, and it’s easy to jazz up with quality local goods like cheeses, locally made preserves and crackers, fresh fruit, or sweets from the markets. You can buy these local products at The Humpy in Tolga, or Winter and Mann in Yungaburra, among other stores. A home-baked slice or some mini quiches could be a thoughtful option (and a chance to show off your culinary skills). Alternatively, you can pick up a pre-made cheese or chocolate board from Gallo Dairyland or Coffee Works on the way: classy and convenient.
Don’t forget to take a spare plastic bag or container for leftover food or rubbish. All you want to leave behind is a couple of bottom-shaped indents in the grass. Even better, you could leave the place cleaner than you found it by collecting any other rubbish lying around.
The following picnic locations are easy to get to with a car and minimal walking – perfect if you have a large hamper (or if you forgot to tell your partner to bring walking shoes).
Innot Hot Springs is ideal for a cosy winter date. Nettle Creek, accessed just off the Kennedy Highway, boasts a gradient of temperatures from scalding hot, to deliciously warm, to as cool as any other creek. Set up on the sand or on the grass and dip your toes in. If you bring little ones along, be sure to keep a careful eye on them, as some parts of the sand and creek are very hot.
Lake Eacham never fails to impress, even if you go several times a week! Enjoy a leisurely lap of the walking track or a swim before settling down for a picnic on the grass or at a covered table. To avoid a crowd, go early. Always put food and rubbish back in your car if you leave your picnic spot, because good intentions aren’t enough to keep the scrub turkeys from your food.
Lake Barrine is generally quieter than Lake Eacham, with equally stunning scenery and an air of tranquillity. There are easily accessible picnic tables at the bottom of the entry road, and a grassed area perfect for a picnic rug right next to the water. You could even pick up a coffee from the Lake Barrine Teahouse to enjoy with your picnic hamper.
Winfield Park, just out of Malanda, is a wonderfully understated park that backs onto the North Johnstone River. There’s a large, grassed area ideal for frisbee, and plenty of places along the creek to find a quiet spot away from others.
Henrietta Creek on the Palmerston Range offers a picturesque swimming spot and picnic area. On your way, drop into Mungalli Creek Dairy Café to pick up some gourmet cheeses for your picnic spread. If you’re up for a hike, the trail to Nandroya Falls starts near the camping area and is well worth the walk.
Gillies Lookout, on Madigan Road off Danbulla Road (not on the Gillies Range), is best accessed with a four-wheel drive (or perhaps you can walk in). It is epic at dawn and on a clear day has a great view of Bellenden Kerr, Bartle Frere, and the Mulgrave River. Leave the farm gate as you find it. The Cathedral Fig Tree isn’t far, so you can stop by after your picnic.
Millaa Millaa Lookout on McHugh Road is also best at sunrise. A clear day gives you a panoramic view over southern parts of the Tablelands. You can drive right up to the lookout point, where there’s a table to enjoy your picnic with a view.
Emerald Creek near Mareeba has plenty of places to explore and set up in a quiet spot. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, and if you fancy a short uphill walk, the view from the top of the falls is fantastic.
Big Millstream Falls in Ravenshoe is reputedly the widest single-drop waterfall in Australia. Set up a picnic among the trees near the carpark and enjoy a short, easy walk down to the viewing platform for the impressive falls. A short WWII heritage walk also leaves from the carpark.
The following locations require a longer walk to access, but are still lovely places to picnic, depending on your fitness level and what you take with you.
Davies Creek has several options to enjoy a view, walk, swim, and picnic. There’s a camping and picnic area just off Davies Creek Road. Along the 1.1km circuit further up the road, you’ll find two lookouts, another picnic area along the trail, and a natural infinity pool at the top of the waterfall, perfect for a romantic swim.
Halls Falls in Wondecla also boasts an infinity pool that looks over the valley. There’s no flat, grassed spot for a picnic rug, but it’s worth taking something to snack on while you enjoy the view and a swim. The short walk leaves from East Hill Road, which is best accessed with a four-wheel drive.
Peterson Creek Walking Track in Yungaburra has several attractions along the walk and a few great options for a picnic spot. The old railway bridge can be accessed from Mulgrave Road via the old railway line, now a wide, cleared pathway with picnic tables along it. If you take the trail just to the left of the bridge, you’ll eventually come to Frawley’s Pool, where a covered picnic table and grassy area look over a wide bend in the river where platypus have often been spotted.
With infinite opportunities to personalise and romanticise the experience, a picnic provides the chance to spend quality time with your partner while enjoying the splendour of local scenery. Studies suggest that getting outdoors and into nature is good for your mood, your overall life satisfaction, your mental capacity, and your health. What a wonderful thing to share with people you love!
Romantic Picnic Places
