PICNIC SPOTS

Drive south-east 4km to Wire Plain parking at Wire Plain Car park. From the Possum Flat Trailhead, walk less than 500 metres to either tranquil location. Easy to get to, and with great views, this is a great short walk for a family lunch in the mountains.

Walk south, up Higgi drive and follow the Track Marker Post 200 metres to the summit. Nestle amongst the Snowgums or lay out in the sun for amazing views. There's a picnic shelter with a table, or you can mosey over to the new lookout, built over decommissioned water tanks, and enjoy the view out over the Dargo region. If you've forgotten the food, you can walk from here, down the other side of the mountain, to The General Store.

Park at Alpine Gateway, sling your lunch over your shoulder and walk 1km out along Loch Ridge/Machinery Spur Tk and down to the Joyce Brockhoff Hut. While the location is one of the more difficult spots to get to, the wooden deck is quiet and secluded spot, perfect for a vibrant walking group looking for an easy day hike and a picnic spot with a great view down the valley.

This picnic location has it all. Diamantina hut to your left, snow gums to your right, and a little picnic table with expansive views including Mt Feathertop and the Razorback Ridge. Park carefully alongside the road at Diamantina hut, or park in the central car park and take the 2hr summit walk up and over Hotham to get there.

Walk 1.7km along Wonderland Trail to the Picnic shelter and soak up the serenity. A sheltered spot, resting on the edge of a little meadowed clearing, this spot comes alive in wildflower season with bright yellow Victorian Buttercups. Park at Wire Plain Car park and walk across road to Big Spur Trailhead to start your walk.

Located just after The Cross, and perfect for lunch inside, the newly built Alpine Gateway day centre has indoor picnic tables, convenient parking, modern bathrooms and huge windows with even bigger views. Park on top of the centre and walk down the stairs or go around the front for ground level access.

A short, sharp walk to a truly beautiful and quiet spot with great views. There's a bench here for a sit or bring your own rug to lay out lunch. Walk 300m from The Gerneral (or drive) down Davenport Drive to end of road, then follow the Track Marker Post 200 metres to summit.

Park at Slatey Car park. Walk across the and take the Christmas Hill trail 450m up to Village lookout, continue another 50m to a wide open picnic area and table, sheltered by tall snowgums. Enjoy views over Swindlers valley and the Hotham Village and ski fields.

Drive-south 6km to Brandy Creek picnic shelter. A cool shady spot in summer to have a cuppa and learn about the Cobungra Gold Diggings. Take a walk to the mine after lunch.

Drive north and park approximately 1.4km up the Great Alpine Road and park at the wooden cross. Here you'll dine adjacent to the highest section of sealed, all-season road in Australia. Take in great views over the headwaters of the Diamantina River. A great road trip stop-over location if you're travelling through by car.

Walk North from Corral car park, 200m up the Great Alpine Road to the Summit Trailhead and take the summit track 1.5km to the summit for 360 degree views. This walk is approximately 2hrs return and will require a picnic rug. This location is best on a still day with minimal wind.

Park at Whiskey Flat Car Park. Find a spot amongst the open grassy flat, take a book or fall asleep in the shade. There's a day shelter here with bathrooms.

Drive south-east 4km to Wire Plain, parking at Wire Plain Car park. Cross the road to the little green hut amongst the Snowgums for a touch of cattle grazing history.

Drive south-east 950 metres. Great views over Swindlers Valley, with Spargo’s Hut in the distance. Another great spot for a road-trip lunch on the move.