Our Top 6 Picnics with a Tasty Twist
Whether it’s for the wow factor, or a different way to enjoy the freshest seafood, these picnic ideas will give you something to write home about!
Port Sailing
Grab your fave people (up to 25 of them!) and charter a luxe catamaran for a river cruise. Pre-order a seafood platter from Bills Fishhouse, or a paddock-to-plate picnic from Twotriplefour. Did someone say champagne?
The Big Oyster/The Shuck Shack
This humble blue shack, accessed by a rustic timber pedestrian bridge, stretches out over the Hastings River. It’s a local icon, known for its fresh and cooked takeaway seafood, including oysters and lobster. The new owners have set up the pontoon next door so you can order a seafood platter and go sit, eat and watch the dolphins play! BYO.
North Brother with Laurieton Coop Seafood
Take the pretty coastal drive down to Laurieton, on the Camden Haven River, and treat yourself to the freshest fish and chips. You can sit out overlooking the river, or take the 10-minute drive up to the top of North Brother Mountain with your picnic feast, with arguably the best views on the East Coast.
Soul Sisters picnics
The prettiest picnics we ever did see are on offer from Soul Sisters Grazing. These fabulous picnic fairies arrive, set everything up including a beautifully laid table, cushions, glassware etc, then they return when you’re finished to clean and pack up! Top tip- there are plenty of spots along our coastal walk perfect for a picnic, including Harry’s Lookout at Shelley Beach, Flynns Beach, Town Beach reserve, and up around Tacking Point Lighthouse.
Picnic in the Vines
Head out to the sublime gardens and vineyard at Cassegrain Wines, and you can pre-order a picnic hamper from on-site restaurant Twotriplefour. Think house-made parfaits and terrines, sourdough, and a focus on local produce. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine or two from the adjacent cellar door.
Luigi’s Deli Delights
There’s nothing quite like foraging in an Italian deli for a picnic basket full of specialty cheeses, salamis, olives, crackers, and cannoli. They also stock our personal fave, Bellingen Smokehouse dips (the Smoked Trout is to DIE FOR). Then you can wander over to the picnic area by the Wharf for a waterside feast. Note that the local Pelicans may try to convince you that they are starving. Do not believe them.
OK so we said 6, but we couldn’t let this one go….
Port’s Trike tours deserves a special mention!
Get your motor running and feel the wind in your hair as you wind along the coast or head for the hinterland. Local guide and experienced rider Gray’s trike can comfortably accommodate 2 passengers and he can recommend a bespoke lunch tour for two.