Why you should travel Australia with your partner
There’s something truly special about travelling with your partner across Australia. The country’s stunning landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Outback to the serene coastal views, set the stage for unforgettable adventures. As you explore, the shared experiences—whether it's a hike in a national park, a swim at a secluded beach, or a starlit dinner under the night sky—have a way of bringing couples closer.
Moreover, travelling at your own pace, with no fixed agenda, lets you savour every moment. And with maui motorhomes, you have everything you need to turn these stops into spontaneous celebrations, whether you're exploring the best Aussie destinations in spring or taking a detour to a quiet lookout during peak summer.
The best way to travel Australia with your partner
Exploring Australia in a motorhome is undoubtedly the best way to experience the country as a couple. The freedom of having your accommodation, kitchen, and transportation all in one allows you the flexibility to go where the road takes you.
Instead of rushing from one hotel to the next, you can wake up to the sound of waves on one of the many coastal routes or find yourself parked in the heart of wine country, ready to enjoy a romantic picnic. This kind of travel gives you the flexibility to explore Australia’s most scenic spots without the hassle of rigid schedules.
Moreover, with a campervan, you can stock up on fresh local produce from one of Australia’s vibrant farmers’ markets and whip up your own meals on the go. Whether you’re heading to the Outback or staying near the coast, the convenience of a motorhome (and the ability to keep your food cool with an on board fridge) ensures you’re always ready for the next stop on your adventure.
Essentials for a motorhome picnic
To make the most of your motorhome picnic, it’s essential to have the right equipment and easy picnic food ideas that can be prepared ahead of time. Below, we’ll cover the must-haves for your outdoor meals, from gear to storage tips:
Picnic basket equipment
At maui, we provide all the essential equipment you need. From a fridge to keep things cool to cutlery, we have you covered. And if you’re looking to elevate your picnic experience, maui motorhome hire offers a range of add-ons, including outdoor chairs, a cooler and extra kitchen equipment, ensuring you have everything you need for a picnic on your road trip.
TOP TIP: Check out what is included in your camper as well as the add-ons available to customise your camper with all the picnic essentials.
Storage tips
One of the biggest perks of travelling in a motorhome is having access to proper refrigeration and ample storage, making it easy to keep your food fresh. Whether you’re packing a simple picnic idea or planning a full spread, it can be helpful to use stackable containers to save space and airtight boxes to keep fruits and salads crisp.
We also recommend bringing an airtight container to keep your bread fresh—there is nothing worse than crusty bread in a picnic spread (crackers excluded, of course). For everything else, like your meats, cheeses, and dips can be stored in the fridge, ready to serve.
It can also be helpful to pack a small cooler to help keep things cool when carrying food from your camper to your picnic spot, especially on a hot summer's day.
TOP TIP: For ease on the go, keep lighter, more delicate items—like sandwiches or wraps—at the top of your picnic basket to avoid them being squashed.
Image: Tourism Australia
Planning the perfect picnic
Planning the perfect picnic involves more than just packing delicious food. Things like choosing the right location and ensuring food safety goes a long way in making your motorhome picnic a memorable event. Here are our top tips for planning the perfect picnic in your motorhome.
Choosing a picnic location
When searching for a picnic spot, look for locations that offer stunning views, whether it’s a secluded beach, a lush forest clearing, or a mountaintop with panoramic vistas. Apps like WikiCamps can be incredibly helpful in finding nearby parks, beaches, and scenic lookouts. Additionally, visitor centres often have insider tips on hidden gems that aren’t widely known.
Consider the accessibility of the location—ensure it’s easy to reach with your motorhome and has enough space for you to set up comfortably (for example, do you want to be able to eat near your motorhome? Or would you prefer to walk to your picnic spot?). Amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and shade can add to the convenience.
Picnic food ideas
No motorhome picnic is complete without a variety of tasty, easy-to-prepare dishes. From fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches to crowd-pleasing cheese boards and grilled skewers, the options are endless. Below are some delicious picnic food ideas to inspire your next outing, with a few recipes that are as practical as they are delicious. Whether you’re after easy picnic recipes or looking to elevate your picnic with romantic picnic food, we’ve got you covered.
Salads
Salads are an excellent choice for a motorhome picnic—they’re fresh, light, and easy to pack. Best of all, a refreshing salad can add a touch of summer to your meal. A classic picnic season option is a Greek salad loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, topped with fresh herbs like oregano or parsley.
Another great choice is a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables such as pumpkin, zucchini, and bell peppers. Quinoa can be prepared ahead of time and holds up well during travel and pairs beautifully with a tangy lemon dressing. A grain salad is another versatile option, allowing you to customize with various vegetables, herbs, and proteins like hard-boiled eggs or tuna. Or if you really want to taste summer, you can opt for a watermelon salad.
Salads are not only simple to prepare, but they also travel well in airtight containers, making them perfect for long road trips. They are versatile and can be adapted based on what you find at local farmers’ markets.
Sandwiches/wraps
When thinking about picnic food ideas, gourmet sandwiches and wraps are always a winner. They’re easy to assemble, pack, and eat on the go. A crowd-pleaser is the smoked salmon sandwich layered with cream cheese, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice on a crusty baguette. Alternatively, a grilled chicken wrap with creamy avocado, aioli, and a sprinkle of rocket offers a more filling, protein-packed option.
These sandwiches and wraps are great because they can be customised to your tastes, and they stay fresh when packed in the motorhome’s fridge. Plus, they’re easy to eat while enjoying a scenic view or on a quick stop during your road trip. They add a gourmet touch to a picnic, elevating the experience beyond basic sandwich fare, and are a perfect answer to the question, “What can I take on a picnic instead of sandwiches?”
TOP TIP: Consider adding chicken salad and egg salad to your menu for versatile and flavourful sandwich fillings.
Cheese and charcuterie board
A cheese and charcuterie board is the ultimate in romantic picnic food. Pairing local Australian cheeses like a sharp cheddar cheese or creamy brie with cured meats such as prosciutto or salami creates a spread that’s easy to pack and enjoy. Add in fresh fruits like figs and grapes, crunchy nuts, and artisanal bread, and you’ve got a sophisticated meal that’s sure to impress.
The beauty of a cheese and charcuterie board is that it requires minimal preparation and can be tailored to what’s in season. To take it up a notch, you can pair the cheeses with a bottle of wine or craft beer, both of which are stored easily in your motorhome’s fridge. It’s the perfect picnic option for couples looking to indulge while on a road trip.
Grilled skewers
Grilled skewers with fresh veggies are another fantastic motorhome picnic idea—they can be pre-marinated, stored in the fridge, and quickly grilled when you reach your destination. Choose from a variety of options like tender chicken, beef, or colourful veggie skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
The beauty of skewers is that they can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile addition to your picnic spread. They’re also easy to pack in a cooler or fridge and grill on a portable barbecue, making them a fun and practical picnic classic for couples on a road trip.
Frittata
A frittata is the ideal motorhome picnic food—it’s easy to make, can be enjoyed hot or cold, and is packed with flavour. A frittata filled with seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms makes for a nutritious and hearty meal before a big day of adventuring. It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies or meats you’ve brought along on your trip.
The versatility of frittatas makes them a standout choice for couples seeking an easy picnic recipe. They’re portable, sliceable, and can be packed in a container without taking up much space in the motorhome fridge. Best of all, they can be enjoyed as breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner, making them a great all-around option for your picnic.
TOP TIP: Adding a splash of red wine vinegar can enhance the dish's flavour, giving it a tangy lift.
Fruit tartlets
For a sweet ending to your motorhome picnic, nothing beats fruit tartlets made with fresh fruit. These bite-sized desserts are easy to prepare with fresh seasonal berries and a light cream filling.
You can make the tart shells ahead of time and fill them just before your picnic to ensure they stay crisp. A selection of mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of colour and flavour.
Wine pairings
No romantic picnic is complete without a great wine to accompany your food. Whether it's a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Margaret River or a rich Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, these local wines are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to make your picnic feel more like a luxurious dining experience.
Non-alcoholic drinks
If you’re looking for something refreshing without the alcohol, homemade drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water infused with fruit are perfect for a motorhome picnic. Lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemons and a touch of honey is both hydrating and refreshing, especially on a hot day. Iced tea, brewed with fragrant herbs or fruit teas, can also add a burst of flavour to your meal.
For a lighter, bubbly option, consider packing sparkling water and adding slices of citrus or berries for a fruit-infused drink. These drinks not only complement the best picnic foods but are also easy to prepare ahead of time and store in your motorhome’s fridge, making them a hassle-free option for your road trip.
Packing and preparation tips
Preparation is key when it comes to making your motorhome picnic stress-free. One of the best tips is to prepare as much food as possible ahead of time. Chop vegetables, marinate meats for grilled skewers, and pre-make frittatas so that all you need to do is pack and go. Store foods in airtight containers to keep them fresh, and consider using stackable containers to maximise fridge space.
Organisation is another important aspect of travelling in a campervan. Keep picnic essentials like cutlery, napkins, and plates in a designated space so you can quickly grab them when you arrive at your picnic spot. Additionally, bring reusable containers and bags to minimise waste, and always clean up after your meal to ensure the beauty of the environment remains untouched.
Top scenic picnic spots in Australia
Australia is home to some of the most romantic and scenic picnic spots in the world. If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, the Blue Mountains offer stunning views of eucalyptus forests and waterfalls, providing the ideal backdrop for your picnic.
Then, along the Great Ocean Road, you can find numerous secluded beaches and lookouts where you can enjoy a meal while listening to the crashing waves. For a laid-back coastal vibe, Byron Bay offers plenty of grassy knolls with views of the ocean, where you can enjoy your road trip picnic.
Finding the perfect picnic spot can be as simple as using apps like WikiCamps to locate nearby parks or beaches or relying on local knowledge from visitors’ centres. If you have the time, we highly recommend adding various picnic ideas and experiences to your itinerary so you can experience the diversity of the beauty on offer in the Aussie outdoors.
TOP TIP: Wondering what else to do on your road trip? Don’t forget to explore Australia's bucket list travel experiences to add even more adventure to your journey.
Ready to find the best picnic spots in Australia?
Ready to find the best picnic spots in Australia? You can book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from any maui branch location to begin your picnic-filled road trip adventure.