AmazingCo organises Mystery Picnics throughout the country, and they are a perfect way to explore both new cities and new food destinations.
Mystery Picnics are part scavenger hunt, part foodie adventure, and are offered as experiences for couples, families or a group of friends. In Brisbane, adventurers can choose between either South Brisbane or New Farm Park, both gourmet destinations in the River City.
The adventure begins with an email containing the first clue and a starting location. Participants are advised to bring a picnic blanket and comfortable walking shoes, as the journey involves a fair amount of strolling.
The clues are not too difficult, and have both a prompt to help you, and then just a 'tell me' option if you’re really hungry and need to get the show on the road. At most stops, you will pick up a food item for your picnic hamper, but some take you to an area of interest or particular beauty. As Brisbane natives, even our group found a new nook with historic significance we had no idea existed.
The clues guide participants to local bakeries, delis, and specialty stores, each offering a piece of the picnic. One of the early stops might be a charming bakery where participants collect fresh artisanal bread. The clue might be a riddle about the bakery's history or a play on words related to its name. The stops are well-chosen, highlighting some of the area's iconic eateries. The trail ended at New Farm Park, where we enjoyed the winter sunshine and a blissfully clear Brisbane day.
The picnic is a complete meal, with snacks, mains, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink all taken care off. You can upgrade your package to include wine, and dietary requirements are catered for. The journey is self-paced, with AmazingCo recommending you plan for about three hours. While walking around the city in summer might take some planning, in winter it was quite delightful, and we saw many other groups with their picnic baskets loading up along the same trail. One couple had completed several Mystery Picnics in different cities, and this was one of their favourite ways to explore new places.
Heading out on a Mystery Picnic is perfect for couples, families, or friends looking for a fun and interactive way to explore Brisbane's scenic beauty while enjoying delicious food. For locals, the foods and businesses chosen will not come as a surprise, and it’s highly likely you’ve eaten there many times before. But the journey and detective work along the way is very cool.
A mystery picnic would be especially on point if entertaining out of town visitors, or when wanting to explore a new city yourself.
