Your Guide To Having The Best Lockdown Picnic

From the people that nag and drag their partners to go on picnics with them, this is your dream, this is your life and everyone else is just living in it. But since it’s our only option right now, I can’t help but rub my fingers together and say “mwahahaha”, sorry not sorry to my boyfriend.

It’s been 12 weeks since face-to-face socialisation, so you bet every park, footy field and lake was packed with locals, gathering outside for a sit-down with mates over a few drinks, crackers and cheese.

The excitement is palpable. Picnics over brunch? Late arvo into sunset picnics? The limit does not exist. Spring has truly welcomed us with it’s warm weather (maybe not for the hay fever prone and magpie magnets) and we’re keen to rock all our new fits we impulse bought mid-lockdown.

We get it - seeing your mates after a long time can be a little… dull. You have been getting through lockdown by messaging your mates everyday so it’s not like they’ve got news to tell ya. But trust me, the electricity in the air when you’re all together is the best. So, keen to have the ultimate lockdown picnic with some mates? Follow along.

A picnic isn’t a picnic without cob

Hear me out. Cob loaves bring people together. Who would’ve thought spinach, cheese, bacon and French onion soup packet mix would get everyone so excited?

@roryeliza

BEST COB LOAF THAT WILL EVER TOUCH UR MOUTH !!🙌🏼 #cobloaf #food #foodtiktok #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #viral #recipe 

♬ Fly Me to the Moon - Joytastic Sarah

There is always one person on cob duty every gatho and it always slaps, without a doubt. They also say it’s a secret recipe from their grandma… I’ll back it. Bring it to your next picnic to be the favourite.

Pump the tunes with a portable speaker

What better way to have a little socially distanced, masked wearing boogie with your mates? Don’t crank the music too loud if you’re in a shared space but do play something that brings the good vibes.

Cocktails or mocktails

There’s nothing more Aussie than a cheeky alcoholic beveragino as the weather gets warmer (maybe just triple check that it’s all good to sink a couple in your vicinity). Whether that’s premixed cans or a way to whip out your bartending skills, it’ll be a boozy doozy. Maybe even pack some Appletiser or Grapetiser in wine tumblers for you under 18er’s.

Chips and lollies

With all the cheese, cracker assortments and grapes, the good ol’ faithful Smiths and Allens packets sometimes go astray. It may not be Instagram story worthy but bring ‘em along, they’re always a great shout!

Slip, slop and slap with sun safety

If it’s a sunny day (or not) always remember to apply sunscreen before you leave. Bring along an umbrella, beach tent or gazebo - chances are you’ll enjoy the warmth, even being in the shade. Sun safety is so important in our country!

Assign someone to bring the picnic blanket

No matter where you are - you don’t want to be sitting on Bindis or sand. Chances are, you’ll be able to find something waterproof for the clumsy and something that doesn’t fly away when the wind picks up so for ultimate comfortness, always be prepared with one of these guys.

It’s the only freedom we’ve got at the moment so why not make the most out of it? Be as extra or as little as you want. Whether it’s with family you haven’t seen in three months or some besties to kick it with, it’ll be a heartwarming and wholesome reunion! But never forget the cob - that would be sacrilege.