Packing a picnic? Here's where to head

The summit of Mount Higginbotham can be accessed from two directions, one is a short walk, the other a bit longer. The quickest route is to head up Higgi Drive (follow the sign to Razorback lodge) and follow the track markers to the top. It's only about 200 metres up but a steep climb, and takes you via a lookout over the Dargo region.

The longer trip is via Big D, but it’s fairly easy. Head up one of the tracks to the top loading station continue along the road a little longer.  Take in the 360 degree views from the sheltered picnic table while you enjoy your lunch.

An easy excuse to get out on the slopes in summer, access to Joyce Brockhoff Hut is from the top of Heavenly Valley. From the Loch carpark, sling your lunch over your shoulder and head out along Loch Ridge/Machinery Spur Track. When you get to the Race Hut continue on a little further and then head down the track that sweeps back the other way, this is the Milkyway ski run. From here Brockhoff Hut is down on your left. Here you can enjoy your lunch on the deck outside the hut on one of the big tables.

Here you can soak up a cool breeze on the Plains of Heaven next to Swindlers Creek and explore the Silver Brumby Hut. Take a fishing line or carry a bat and ball and enjoy a game on the open grass area. This spot is the most beautiful, with the mountain stream passing by, but since it's at the bottom of the valley it's a big walk back up to the car. Luckily, you can book a tour in an AWD buggy that takes you there and back, with a delicious BBQ lunch included! Find out more here.

Park at Wire Plain and cross the road and come to the Big Spur Trailhead. From here you're directed 1.7km along the Wonderland Trail. There’s a picnic shelter by a meadow to sit and eat at as you soak up the serenity, often this location is bursting with yellow Victorian Buttercups. As an alternative route back, take Christmas Hill Trail to Christmas Hill Lookout where there are awesome views of the village. 

The Wire Plain carpark is again your starting point for these two destinations, only this time you're staying on the same side of the road. Both spots are only a short walk away, little more than 500m and mostly flat. Whichever way you decide to go its simple, just take either the Possum Flat Loop or Dargo Lookout Loop. Both are perfect if you’ve got young children or older family members that can’t walk too far. Additionally, these tranquil locations offer the best views out into the Dargo Valley.