Autumn is the perfect time to pack a picnic and enjoy the changing colours of the Adelaide Hills. From bushland reserves to manicured gardens that display the glory of deciduous trees, there are plenty of options around the region. Here are some of the Adelaide Hills’ best spots to picnic this season.
If changing autumn colours are what you’re looking for, you can’t go past the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens. There’s a good reason it can be hard to find a park nearby on weekends during autumn.
Throughout the season the gardens put on a vibrant display of reds, oranges, yellows and browns among the varying shades of evergreens and eucalypts.
There are two access points to the gardens and plenty of hidden spots for a picnic away from the main crowds, if you’re willing to go exploring.
During autumn Mt Barker’s Keith Stephenson Park also puts on a colourful display, particularly along the southern boundary.
With large expanses of grass, dotted with towering gum trees, there are plenty of spots to lay out the picnic rug.
The park is hard to miss – it’s right near the centre of town – and also features a large playground and serene lake.
For a bit more of a country feel, head to Gumeracha’s Federation Park.
With large swathes of green grass, tall gum trees, a creek and playground and surrounded on one side by vineyards, you can’t ask for much more!
It’s also walking distance from several local cafes, without compromising on the country feel.
Meanwhile, Strathalbyn’s Soldiers Memorial Gardens is another country park that offers a picturesque outlook over the Angas River.
If Australian bushland is more your style, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy.
Stirling’s Woorabinda Bushland Reserves offer serene a outlook over Woorabinda lake and a network of walking trails. Look out for Woorabinda Lake poetry station, where walkers have written poems for others to read.
Meanwhile, Lobethal Bushland Park, which is well on the way to recovering after the Cudlee Creek fire, features a picnic area overlooking a reservoir, including playgrounds and barbecues.
The rest of the park is under a heritage agreement, meaning there are restrictions around pets and activities, but there are several walking trails, ranging from easy to difficult.
Mt Barker’s Laratinga Wetlands also offers a number of peaceful walking trails and picnic spots, while Mt Barker Summit boasts picnic spots with a view across the growing town and its farming surrounds.
If playgrounds are your priority, there are dozens of small, quiet parks dotted around the region.
Check out Bridgewater Lions Park (which is along Cox Creek, offering plenty of water play opportunities!), the Charleston Centennial Park, Sherry Park at Mylor, with its changing tree colours, Lenswood Memorial Park or visit Meadows’ shady Battunga Park.
If off-leash areas for your furry friends are what you’re after, check out Mylor Oval and The Glebe at Littlehampton.
