Mansfield Shire Top 10 Picnic Spots
Grab some local produce, wine, a blanket and spend some time in the beautiful surrounds of the Mansfield Shire. Here are ten beautiful places for a picnic.
Great Victorian Rail Trail
Take your choice of spots along the trail to stop for a picnic - either in one of the townships along the trail, or at one of the scenic picnic shelters conveniently located where there is a great outlook. Carry your water and food in case you stop between townships.
Mansfield Station Precinct
Mansfield's Station Precinct at the entrance to Mansfield on the Maroondah Highway houses the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre, Mansfield Historical Society, The Great Victorian Rail Trail, Mansfield Mullum Wetlands and the Gadhaba Meeting Place. Each of these are an attraction in their own right, so there is plenty to see. Picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets, walks, heritage and cultural attractions.
Brack's Bridge
Located on Howes Creek Road at the Goughs Bay end. 20mins from Mansfield is a popular picnic, fishing and swimming spot on the banks of the Delatite River. Grassy banks, picnic tables and pit toilets available.
Jamieson riverside
A 40 minute drive along the Mansfield-Woods Point Road brings you to charming Jamieson, a historic gold mining era township on the banks of the Jamieson and Goulburn rivers - great for fishing or frolicking in the water. Take a leisurely stroll around the township, or spread out a picnic rug at Brewery Bridge, the Grey St picnic areas or the Island (your pooch can run here in this off-leash park). Continue on to Kevington or Woods Point.
Sheepyard Flat
Howqua Hills Historic Area in the Alpine National Park offers loads of picnic spots along the Howqua River. Also a popular bush camping location, this area has a history of goldmining, aboriginal meeting place, and mountain settlement. From Sheepyard Flat walk the Howqua Hills Heritage Trail (1.9km each way) to Fry's Flat where our best preserved heritage bush hut awaits. 45 mins from Mansfield. Picnic tables and pit toilets available.
Mansfield Botanic Park
Mansfield's favourite picnic spot, just at the eastern end of High St near the Whitfield turnoff. Planted with tree species indigenous to the area the park offers quiet leafy spaces along with areas to kick a ball around, off-leash dog space, and an exciting adventure playground. Undercover BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, fitness station, walking paths and Indigenous bush tucker garden offer something for everyone.
Stringybark Creek Day Reserve
For the history buffs, Stringybark Creek Day Reserve houses the memorials to the policemen shot by the infamous Kelly Gang. Read of the policemen and their families' stories, of the incident that saw them ambushed, and take a walk around the interpretive walk. Toilets and picnic facilities available, as well as a nearby camping area.
Craig's Hut
If you are looking for a bit of adventure and panoramic views you can't go past a trip to Craig's Hut on the back of Mt Stirling. Roads are largely unsealed and rated AWD, or 2WD in good dry conditions, with the last bit by 4WD or by foot via the Craig's Hut walk from the Circuit Rd Picnic Area (1.7km each way). Approximately 1.5hours from Mansfield, this site from "The Man from Snowy River" movie showcases endless views across Victoria's rugged mountain ranges. Pit toilets and picnic tables available. Not accessible June to November.
Mirimbah Park
One of our favourites, Mirimbah Park, at the foot of Mt Buller, is on the banks of the Delatite River - a serene stopping spot where you can hear the river burbling and rest in the shade of a beautiful forest tree. BBQs, picnic tables, mountain bike and walking tracks, fishing, playground - it's got it all! 30 minutes from Mansfield. (Not available during the snow season June to October)
Goughs Bay Shoreline
The pretty township of Goughs Bay overlooks the waters of Lake Eildon. Just 20 mins from Mansfield take a trip to the picnic spots along the shore, or to Picnic Point, where you will have BBQs, tables, toilets, playground and fabulous views. There is a walking track around the shoreline and access to boat ramps.
