So you’ve grabbed the picnic blanket, packed the hamper with the essentials and wrangled the kids into the car. Now let’s fill that picnic hamper with Lockyer Valley produce!
Bakery Goods
Grab some freshly-made bread or rolls from a local bakery. Starting in the east, there’s the Plainland Bakery; in Laidley, Sweet Valley Bakery or Golden Harvest; in Gatton try Gatton Bakehouse or Sweet Treats Bakery; at Helidon Spa, the German Bake & Wurst House.
Ghost Gully Produce
Your go to farm gate for delicious leafy greens, herbs and edible flowers.
Farmgate Cheesery
Need gourmet cheeses to go with your crackers? Make sure you drop into Awassi Cheesery for some delicious sheep's cheese. Select from a boutique range of continental gluten free smallgoods at Schulte’s at Plainland.
Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre
If you want a shortcut to condiments, zip into the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre in Gatton, for Dunlop Apiaries honey and Kitchen Kreations pickles and chutneys.
So your picnic is packed!
Where are the best picnic spots in the Lockyer Valley?
For a scenic outlook…
Lakeside Picnic
Lake Apex in Gatton was established on natural wetlands which support a wide range of plant and animal life. Wander through the Dry Rainforest Arboretum east of the bird hide and see if you can spot some of the 153 species of birds.
Lake Dyer
It has a picturesque water outlook and shaded facilities, including a children’s playground and free BBQs. It can be found off Gatton Laidley Road, Laidley and is the only fishing spot available to the public within the Lockyer Valley. A permit is required. Further information is available at www.daff.qld.gov.au.
For an elevated outlook…
Gorman’s Gap
It is located at Preston Peak offers stunning views of the Lockyer Valley, is a beautiful place to stop and enjoy a picnic.
Cunningham’s Crest Lookout
It is situated on the knoll where explorer Allan Cunningham and his party crossed in 1829. It was on this spot that he stood and named the plains below, ‘Laidley Plains’. Visitors today are rewarded with panoramic views from viewing platforms. The lookout features murals, poetry, sculptures and mosaics that celebrate the European and Aboriginal history of the site and reflect on Laidley’s early pioneering men and women. The lookout is located off Mountain Road, Laidley.
