The Best Mystery Picnics in Melbourne and Surrounds For That Next Sunny Day

With a dash of mystery, a pinch of exploration, and a generous serving of good food—what’s not to love about mystery picnics?

A mystery picnic is a self-guided foodie adventure that allows you to solve clues and riddles that lead to several local artisan producers where you can collect your picnic ingredients. Your final stop would be the secret picnic spot where you can munch on your gathered food for a fancy picnic. 

It’s a great way to spend time with friends and loved ones in the great outdoors while discovering new hidden restaurants, city spots and uncovering secret picnic locations. You’ll even be taken on a couple of detours to some exciting new nooks in the city and enjoy never before seen sights. 

Sounds fun, right? Mystery picnics in Melbourne are now all the rage, as well as in other places in Australia too. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any food prep or picnic hamper packing. All you have to do is use your smartphone to solve some mysteries, collect ingredients to fill your initially empty picnic hamper, and enjoy the adventure!

To start off your mystery picnic experience, here are our top mystery picnic Melbourne picks:

One of the best places to go on a mystery picnic is in Melbourne, thanks to its acclaimed street art and laneways of Parisian style cafes. 

You’ll receive your clues a day before your adventure begins, and on the day itself, you can pick up your picnic basket in Melbourne’s designated starting points. Then you can weave through the city as you follow the clues and riddles from your smartphone guide.

Fill up your picnic boxes in Melbourne’s various stops - you’ll be able to stock up on delicious cheese, meats, fruits, crackers and more from local artisan producers until you’ve uncovered your final stop—your mystery picnic spot. 

It’s basically very much like a treasure hunt where you collect the treasure along the way and the final reward is the scenic spot where you can rest, eat and be merry with your mates. Oh, and don’t worry about your pals who have food allergies and dietary restrictions as the picnic food can be catered to accommodate any dietary requirements. 

A great place to have a mystery picnic in Melbourne is Dandenong Ranges, especially if you’re after a  laid back vibe. Its hilltop towns provide several quaint and memorable spots for you to discover. You’ll also be able to visit beautiful landscapes, tranquil forests and lush green ferns.

Like in the city streets of Melbourne, you’ll also stop by producers of gourmet picnic food to fill up your picnic basket as you journey to uncover your picturesque secret picnic spot. It’s a great breather from the hustle and bustle of a busy city through a unique combination of puzzle-solving and relaxing walks. 

Of course, your dietary restrictions will be covered, and everything will be prepared for you upon arrival.

Only an hour drive away from Melbourne, Macedon Ranges is renowned for its delectable artisan food and its wine region. With its striking natural landscapes and mesmerizing rock formations, Macedon is also a great escape for those who want a break from the busy city. 

You’ll also get to stop by lovely artisan shops in charming villages to sample the yummy food and collect your picnic items. Bring your friends and fam to join in on the puzzle-solving, and you’ll be dining in a lovely spot in no time. And no worries if you’re visiting from out of town, you don’t need local knowledge to crack the clues. 

Like in Melbourne and Dandenong, dietary restrictions will be covered, and everything will be prepared for you. 

Another great place to have a mystery picnic is Yarra Valley! Less than an hour away from Melbourne, the valley is filled with breathtaking scenery and romantic hideaways. Weave through all the spectacular rolling vineyards and relaxing country towns of Yarra as you solve all the clues and collect your scrumptious food.

Here you will definitely have your fill of delicious food, as Yarra is also a hotspot for fresh regional produce and a premier wine growing region! 

Cap off your adventure-filled day at a scenic spot, where you can relax with friends and family while stuffing your tummy with Yarra’s finest. You don’t have to worry about anything—everything will be pre-prepared for you, and dietary restrictions will be accommodated.