Perth's Best Picnic Locations
+ Picnic Tips & Tricks
Welcome to Yellow Lemon Party Hire's Picnic Idea's Hub
Grab some amazing tips and tricks to turn your picnic event into a showstopper!
Do you need to book a location to enjoy a Picnic outdoors in Perth...?
Read on to find out!
🌸Perth is home to some of the most incredibly beautiful outdoor venue's NOR, City Centre and SOR. Each venue / location is looked after by a different council, and therefore has different rules, regulations and booking requirements depending on where you choose to enjoy your picnic.
🌸 In most circumstances, if you are hiring a commercial vendor, such as myself, to setup and pack-down the picnic for you, then you are required to make a booking or secure a permit. Some parks do not permit a booking if you are setting up as a DIY, but they may still require you to complete a 'event application' form or alike. It's always very important to check the rules of the specific location you are planning to host your event, to ensure things run smoothly. C
🌸 It is your responsibility as the person hosting the event, to ensure you have met any booking requirements that are required, and to inform the me, as the commercial vendor, of any specific rules & regulations for that specific location (eg. if glassware or teepees are permitted). Some councils require a copy of the public liability insurance & this can be provided to you - you just need to ask for a copy to be emailed to you!
🌸 Kings Park : You can find their booking requirements here:
https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/parties-and-picnics
I highly recommend the 'Rotary-Wishing-Well' area located on the riverside of Fraser Ave. You get some gorgeous afternoon shade from the gum trees in the afternoon. It overlooks the city and it is next to a set-down-zone for ease of unloading & closes to toilets/parking. The Victoria-Lawn is a superb sunny spot overlooking the city skyline, sitting high on Fraser Ave. If you need an undercover option, you can hire out the Old Tea Pavilion at the end of Victoria-lawn for an additional fee. It is near a set-down-zone for ease of unloading & closes to toilets/parking.
🌸South Perth Foreshore / Sir James Mitchell Park: . You can find their booking requirements here: https://southperth.wa.gov.au/community/facilities/hire-a-park-or-reserve
🌸Hyde Park: The City of Vincent advised that it requires a booking for various situations, however a booking for a small picnic is usually unnecessary. Get in touch with them to discuss your unique situation or visit: https://www.spacetoco.com/space/hyde-park-perth-western-australia
🌸Mullaloo Beach Foreshore / Tom Simpson Park: Check with the City of Joondalup https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/place/tom-simpson-park-no-s-1-2
🌸 Civic Centre Grounds, Sunken Lawn & Secret Garden: Public Space: https://www.cottesloe.wa.gov.au/civic-centre-grounds.aspx
(The Civic Centre grounds is public space and therefore no booking needs to be made for family BBQ's or picnics.)
🌸 Woodlake Park, Ellenbrook: Public Park, as far as I am aware no booking is required, but please triple check this with the City of Swan
🌸 Mawson Park, Hillarys: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/place/mawson-park-3
🌸 Nodes Park, Hillary's: Check booking requirements with the City of Joondalup
🌸 Jeff Joseph Reserve , Applecross - You can find their booking requirements here:: https://www.melvillecity.com.au/things-to-do/find-parks-and-reserves/jeff-joseph-reserve
🌸 Jackadder Lake Reserve, Woodlands: https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/leisure-and-culture/venue-and-facility-hire/reserves/jackadder-lake-reserve
🌸Broadbeach Park, Hillary's: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/place/broadbeach-park-2-2
🌸Neil Hawkins Park, Joondalup: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/place/neil-hawkins-park-3
🌸Iluka Beach Park Foreshore: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/place/iluka-foreshore-2
🌸Geneff Park, Sorrento - Check with the City of Joondalup
🌸Sir James McCuster Park, Iluka: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/place/sir-james-mccusker-park-3
🌸 Western Australia’s national parks and other conservation reserves such as Matilda Bay, Yellagonga NP, Herdsman Lake, Yanchep NP, Lesmurdie Falls etc require a Commercial Operator License to operate in these areas. If you are wanting one of these locations, additional setup fees will apply to absorb some of the cost for me to obtain the required license to do so. You would still then be required to make any reservations that are required.
*Please note that while I've curated this guide to the best picnic locations in Perth with care, it's essential to conduct your own research to confirm any specific council regulations or booking requirements. Regulations can change, so double-checking ensures your picnic plans go off without a hitch. Happy picnicking!
Where are some of the
Top Picnic Spots in Perth (in my opinion!)
How to Step-Up Your Picnic Game
The Ultimate Picnic
🌸 Think about the location of your picnic - will you have it outdoors, indoors or undercover? 🌸 Will you have it at the beach, a public park, a local park, a hall, a venue, a backyard, a lounge room?
🌸 If you decide on an outdoor venue, always check the parks local council requirements to see if you need to make a booking/reservation or send a notification. Make sure you also check out their particular requirements, such as: do they permit glassware? are you allowed to bring food/drinks? can you bring fresh/artificial/dried florals? do they permit teepees/umbrella's/signage?
🌸Think about parking for your guests (and access to a set-down-zone for the unloading/reloading of the picnic items) - as well as things such as shade, light, bathroom facilities, bins.
🌸 What time will you have your event? What time do you want guests to arrive? How long do you want your picnic to go for? (on average 2-2.5 hours is an ideal duration).
🌸Take in consideration when booking an area/park the time it takes to set up and pack down the picnic. This needs to be included in your reservation.
🌸Think about the types of food you'll like to serve and closeness to breakfast/lunch/dinner. Are you needing to arrange someone to organise the grazing? (you know I can help with that right?! even if you're doing DIY, I can get grazing delivered to your picnic!); or are you arranging this yourself?
🌸 If the food won't be placed on the picnic tables themselves, have you organised/thought about another 'zone/area' for the food/drinks?
🌸 Do you need ice-buckets/wine coolers/an esky for your drinks?
🌸Have you chosen your preferred picnic colour? At the time of booking, don't forget to advise your preferred colour palette for your cushions/vases (as they will be subject to availability).
🌸Consider hiring ottomans for guests who may need them (good for people who battle to sit on the floor/cushions)
🌸 Have a Solid Plan B for Weather and Location: As much as we'd love for the sun to shine bright on our special day, weather can be unpredictable. That's why it's essential to have a backup plan ready. To prepare for unforeseen conditions, always make sure you have a Plan B in place encase the weather doctor decides it's not giving you the sunshine calm day that you requested. This means, have an indoor or undercover location in mind right from the start of your planning, so that it doesn't catch you off-guard. This could be at a beautiful home or an indoor venue.
🌸Same with wind, if it's forecasted to be very windy, have some handy items to weigh things down and try find an area that is a bit more sheltered
🌸 Setup a sanitizing/bug spray/sunscreen station depending on the location/time of the event
🌸 Hosting at night? Hang some solar fairy lights in the trees nearby, or scatter them on the cushions or tables
🌸 Prefer fresh flowers? Get in touch as this can certainly be arranged!
🌸 Why not add a set of wooden lawn garden games? They are a little bit of fun, and add some healthy competition to your picnic - eg giant jenga/connect4
🌸 Always plan for the pack-up afterwards. Who is helping you out, have you allowed for clean-up time? What time do you have to return the items?
Most of all, HAVE FUN, remember to be in the Moment & enjoy the company of the guests around you 💕🌸
Indoor Picnic Ideas
The Perfect Plan B for Wet Weather
Okay, so sometimes the weather doesn't want to play nice, it happens. I'm here to show you how to make your indoor picnic more than just your backup plan!
🌸 Firstly think about the location of your picnic - lounge room, covered alfresco area?
🌸Think about the view, lighting & space. You want somewhere with minimal furniture (or furniture you can move out)
🌸What time is the picnic, who is coming & what catering are you doing
🌸 Advise your preferred colour palette for package cushions/vases/napkins (they will be subject to availability & depend on which package option you’ve chosen).
🌸 Make it comfy and warm - Consider hiring ottomans & extra comfy throw blankets for guests
🌸 Do you need more grazing board stands? Have you got an idea of where the food/drinks will be placed?
🌸 What drinks are you doing? Make space in your fridge
🌸 Warmth and coziness is key if its rainy. Do you have a fireplace? Heater available or extra cushy blankets?
🌸Hosting at night? Hang some solar fairy lights over curtains, or scatter them on the cushions or tables
🌸Prefer fresh flowers? Get in touch as this can be arranged using a local florist.
🌸 Is it for a special occasion? Have you organised any signage? Are people bringing gifts? Where will these be placed?
🌸 Consider a game to play or watching a favourite big screen movie - have you seen how awesome indoor cinemas are?
🌸 Pop on some cool tunes (yay you have power points) and cover any eye-sore furniture with colour-coordinated blankets. Add more candles wherever possible
Most of all, HAVE FUN, remember to be in the Moment & enjoy the company of the guests around you 💕🌸 and take lots of photos!
3 Top Tops to Hosting a Boho Picnic Event in Perth
Boho picnics aren't just the latest trend; they've been weaving their charm for ages. They are a timeless way to infuse joy into any event, be it birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, or a casual gathering of friends. With its captivating charm and laid-back vibe, a boho picnic sparks conversations and sets the stage for laughter and relaxation. Whether you choose to host it indoors or bask in the beauty of nature, a boho picnic promises a truly magical experience. Let's dive into the secrets of planning an awe-inspiring boho picnic celebration!
🌸 Tip 1: Have a Solid Plan B for Weather and Location: As much as we'd love for the sun to shine bright on our special day, weather can be unpredictable. That's why it's essential to have a backup plan ready. To prepare for unforeseen conditions, always make sure you have a Plan B in place encase the weather doctor decides it's not giving you the sunshine calm day that you requested. This means, have an indoor or undercover location in mind right from the start of your planning, so that it doesn't catch you off-guard. This could be at a beautiful home or an indoor venue. In the vibrant city of Perth, there are many enchanting spaces that offer the perfect boho ambiance for your celebration, you can check out some cool venues based on what's near your suburb from sites like 'Space to Co" and "Tag Venue", or even jump onto your local council page and check if they have any indoor venues recommendations. Just know that having a Plan B ensures that your joyous occasion can continue, rain or shine.
🌸 Tip 2: Familiarize Yourself with Local Council Rules for Public Parks: When planning a boho picnic in public parks, familiarize yourself with your local council's guidelines. Different parks may have specific rules regarding reserving a site, doing a DIY picnic vs using a contractor to set-up, rules for different group sizes, and restrictions on certain items like balloons or glass containers. Be sure to check these guidelines well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. By being aware of and adhering to these rules, you can create a hassle-free celebration that harmonizes with nature and park regulations.
🌸 Tip 3: Be Mindful of Surrounding Facilities for Convenience: To ensure everyone's comfort and convenience during the celebration, thoughtful planning is key. When choosing your picnic spot, opt for locations with ample parking and easy access for carrying your picnic essentials. While it's essential to embrace the sun-kissed outdoors, it's equally important to provide adequate shade for your guests to stay cool and comfortable. Before laying down your picnic blankets, double-check the area for ant nests, ensuring a delightful picnic free from unwanted guests. For summer evening picnics, have bug spray handy to keep those pesky insects at bay.
As the festivities wind down, ease the clean-up process by bringing a set of bin bags and a crate for collecting dirty plates and glasses. Consider creating a quick 'wash/rinse' station or utilize nearby taps for a more eco-friendly approach to post-picnic clean-up. Don't forget to pack spray and wipe for quick table and grazing board clean-ups, and a laundry bag for any washable items to be taken care of later.
I'd love to hear about your boho picnic experiences and any additional tips you'd like to share! Drop your thoughts in the comments below. If you're looking to host a boho picnic celebration in Perth and need some assistance, I am here to help you create the perfect setting for your special day, alongside many more tips and tricks to ensure you have a hassle-free event. Check out my picnic offerings and let's bring this dreamy picnic experience to life!
Share this post with someone who has an upcoming picnic x
Frequently Asked Questions:
🌸Where are you located? - Based in Hillary's, Perth, WA
🌸 When can I collect/return the items for DIY - If your event is over a weekend, then there will be a pickup time offered on the Friday and the Saturday; and a return time offered on the Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Times however, are only sent out the week of your event (on the Tuesday) as I need to work around a number of event setups, deliveries and other commitments, so these times often change week by week. If your hire is for during the week, a custom time will be arranged directly with you closer to your booking date. If you can't make the times offered, get in touch and we can make a plan!
🌸 How big are the picnic tables? They are approximately 1m x 63cm x 15cm each when folded flat. They should easily fit in a standard vehicle.
🌸 I need to cancel or amend my booking! Please see the Terms & Conditions where these policies are clearly defined.
🌸 I've ordered a Custom Personalised Sign, can I keep this? Yes, if your sign has been customised on one of my MDF sign boards, then you can choose to keep this or return it. However, if it has been designed on one of the Acrylic sign boards, this does need to be returned.
🌸 I've ordered a Balloon Garland, can I keep this? Yes, certainly, the balloons are all yours!
🌸 I've ordered a DIY picnic set, do I have to clean the items before I return them? Yes, these items are to be returned in the same condition as you have hired them. Which means, things like your plates, glasses, napkins need to be washed. If the rugs are heavily soiled, they will be required to be placed in the washing machine (wash at max 40degree cycle), otherwise just spot clean marks & shake off dirt/grass. Napkins are washed on a gentle cold cycle only & returned clean. The cushions will need to be brushed off from any grass/dirt. All food / sticky residue to be removed from any hire items & tables to be wiped down. Acrylic glassware can not be placed in the dishwasher and will need to be handwashed. This is the same for any melamine plates (handwash). Grazing boards are not to have meat placed directly onto them (use something underneath) & are to be wiped down. Please see more re cleaning on the terms and conditions page.
🌸 I want to bring my own flowers and extra table decorations, can I do that? Certainly you can!
🌸 Can I setup on the beach? Depending on the items/set you've hired, you can setup on the beach, however, I need to be notified so that I can swap out particular items and there will be an additional clean-up fee for any beach-picnics.
🌸 When do I get my bond back? The bond payments are processed on the Thursday following the event, after a vigorous cleaning process.
🌸 I've booked a picnic and now I have reduced numbers, can I change? Unfortunately, this is not an easy answer and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. There is no guarantee of reduction in your hire. If it is within 14 days of your booking, there will be no reduction.
🌸 I've booked a picnic and now have more guests attending that I thought, can I change? Depending on availability, yes, this is possible!