Our state forests are brimming with beautiful spots where you can perch yourself at a picnic table and tuck into a salad roll. There are over 250 spots, and that's not even counting the many scenic camping areas, riverbanks, and lookouts—all perfect places to pause for a picnic.
Here are 6 must visit spots for your next picnic adventure.
Brunton's Bridge, Boola Boola State Forest
Gunaikurnai Country
If you have a 4WD, head over to heritage-listed Brunton's Bridge and picnic with stunning elevated views of the Thomson River at one of the picnic tables dotted along the river.
Located 30 minutes south of Walhalla, this site has several campsites and is a great base for adventure lovers.
While you're in the area
Choose from several 4WD tracks, or launch a canoe at the popular Thomson River Canoe Trail, a 3 hour paddle from Coopers Creek to Brunton's along the Thomson.
- Brunton's Bridge is an 1886 heritage listed wrought iron bridge
- Brunton's Bridge kayaking
Brunton's Bridge is an 1886 heritage listed wrought iron bridge
Brunton's Bridge kayaking
Goat Island, Gunbower State Forest
Or if you’re headed to north-central Victoria, seek out Goat Island on the Gunbower Creek near Cohuna, a stone’s throw from the Murray River. This peaceful picnic spot and campground is well known for its fishing, canoeing and wildlife watching.
While you’re in the area
Work up an appetite by paddling along Gunbower Island Canoe Trail, or enjoy the internationally recognised wetland Gunbower Island by car along the Gunbower Island Forest Drive—check out the route on the More To Explore app.
- Picnic among the river red gums along the Gunbower Creek
- Gunbower Creek is a popular fishing spot
Picnic among the river red gums along the Gunbower Creek
Gunbower Creek is a popular fishing spot
Ditchfield Camp, Mount Cole/Beeripmo State Forest
Eastern Maar Country
Picnic among towering eucalypts as you breathe in the fresh forest air at Ditchfield Camp, about 20 minutes from Beaufort. This beautiful forest site is the perfect spot to lunch at, or you can stay overnight at one of the campsites.
It’s a fully accessible site and provides a range of amenities suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
While you’re in the area
Drive to the summit of Ben Nevis for a spectacular view over the Grampians and the surrounding district.
- Ditchfield Camp is a great base for exploring the Mount Cole State Forest
- An all-abilities footpath connects the toilet and carpark
Ditchfield Camp is a great base for exploring the Mount Cole State Forest
An all-abilities footpath connects the toilet and carpark
Richards, Mount Cole/Beeripmo State Forest
Eastern Maar Country
Just 11 minutes down the road from Ditchfield Camp and set among tall eucalypt forest is Richards which caters to picnickers, campers and hikers—a great spot to explore the surrounding forest.
It features a large picnic shelter, toilets, outside picnic tables and BBQ pits. This site is the overnight camp for the 2-day Beeripmo Walk.
Look out for wallabies and kangaroos where the forest opens into the clearing at this site.
While you’re in the area
Head out for an after-lunch stroll along the Fiery Loop—a 3.2 km walk which passes through mixed species of eucalypt forest and ferns the two other loop walks Grevillea and Paradise are both currently closed for works. Search for this walk on the More To Explore app.
- Richards campground and picnic area
- One of the campsites at Richards
Richards campground and picnic area
One of the campsites at Richards
Waterfall Picnic Area, St-Arnaud-Pyrenees State Forest
Dja Dja Wurung Country
Waterfall Picnic Area is a beautiful forest campground and picnic area 15 minutes out of Avoca, set in a scenic valley with panoramic views of the jagged Grampians Ranges. If you’re keen to cook up your lunch, there are fire pits with cooking plates available.
A short walk from the carpark will take you to the Avoca Falls which are at their best after a heavy downpour.
While you’re in the area
Explore the beautiful Pyrenees Wine Region, where you’ll find over 44 vineyards.
- Enjoy the beautiful natural surrounds of this peaceful picnic spot
- Waterfall Picnic Area is also a great spot to camp the night
- The Pyrenees Ranges is the backdrop of this picnic spot
Enjoy the beautiful natural surrounds of this peaceful picnic spot
Waterfall Picnic Area is also a great spot to camp the night
The Pyrenees Ranges is the backdrop of this picnic spot
Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, Colquhoun/Boyanga Gidi State Forest
Gunaikurnai Country
Picnic below the iconic heritage-listed Stony Creek Trestle Bridge—one of the largest bridges of its kind in Victoria. Located in the heart of East Gippsland between Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance.
It’s a popular stop along the East Gippsland Rail Trail, which stretches for almost 100 km between Bairnsdale and Orbost.
While you’re in the area
Hit the trails at Nowa Nowa Mountain Bike Park, or grab refreshments or accommodation at the nearby towns of Nowa Nowa, Bruthen or Lakes Entrance.
- Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is a popular stop along the East Gippsland Rail Trail
- Stony Creek Trestle Bridge can be viewed from an elevated viewing platform at one of the abutments, or from the carpark at the base of the bridge
Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is a popular stop along the East Gippsland Rail Trail
Stony Creek Trestle Bridge can be viewed from an elevated viewing platform at one of the abutments, or from the carpark at the base of the bridge
More information
Visit Picnicking in Victoria for more inspiration.
For the full list of over 800 forest sites and activities download the More to Explore app.
Planned burns this autumn
Stay informed about autumn planned burns before you go and always check VicEmergency for Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans, advice and warnings.
Explore more
Page last updated: 02/05/25