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We love Australia Day!
There’s just something about January 26 that makes you feel a part of something – in fact, we can’t think of a better time to come together with friends and family to salute our big, ol’ island.
And of course what better way to do that than with a picnic and BBQ?
Featured menu item
BBQ package – The Get Together BBQ from $31
Portuguese chicken skewer (gf, df) (1pp)
Beef sausages (gf) (1pp)
Black Angus beef burger patty 100g (1pp) Black bean, pumpkin & red lentil patty
So in recognition of Australia Day, here are our top tips for taking your party on location. Whether it’s on Jan 26 (or any other sunny afternoon), we’re spoilt for choice with beaches and parks that are perfect for a family picnic. Use these tips and ideas to make it unforgettable:
1. Check The Weather And Have A Back Up
Obvious we know, but not to be overlooked! Considering Melbourne’s crazy climate, best that you double check the forecast on the day you’re leaving so that you can be as prepared as possible. And don’t forget to always have a Plan B
in case of extreme heat or wet conditions.
2. Slip Slop Slap
The Aussie sun can have quite a bite to it, so don’t forget sunscreen, hats and sunnies. If your destination won’t have a lot of shade, consider packing an umbrella or a tent too. This will help you to avoid burning (as well as for catering staff if you’ve got them) and you’ll have somewhere cool and secure to put your food and drinks.
3.Consider Catering
We’re a little biased, but for us, food is the centre point of any good picnic. However, not all meals were made to travel, so choosing the right things to bring is important! To save time and heartache, consider ordering gourmet platters from us for your day away. From delicious cold meats and cheeses, to salads, fruits and hot foods we’ve got a mouth-watering range of delicious picnic foods to pick from. Best of all, with enough notice we can deliver them straight to your door before you go.
Featured menu item
BBQ Package – Burger Bar from $31
Build your own burger creation:
50% BBQ Beef Burger Wagyu Patties 150g (GF, DF)
50% Chicken Schnitzel – Free Range (DF)Shortcut Bacon (GF, DF)
4. Coins For The BBQ Or Hire One Yourself
Dreaming of a BBQ? First, make sure the park you’re going to has BBQ facilities and then don’t forget to bring loose change to get them going. Or even better, simply hire a BBQ and gas bottle from Your Private Chef, rather than worrying about queuing up and cleaning the public ones at the park.
5. (Pack) Ice Ice Baby
An esky and a bag of ice are picnic essentials for keeping your food fresh and your drinks cool – don’t leave home without them. And don’t forget to pre-chill your drinks the day before you arrive so that they stay cool all day in the esky.
6. Tablecloth, picnic rug, bottle opener
These easy-to-forget items are also very much appreciated when they’re brought along to your outside adventure. Tablecloths help maintain the hygiene of your picnic table, picnic rugs provide the perfect opportunity to nap after you’ve eaten too much and bottle openers… well, need we say more?
Featured menu item
Platter – Black bean, pumpkin & red lentil patties (vegan, gf) (12 piece) from $78
A wholesome platter of 12 hearty patties made with black beans, pumpkin, and red lentils. Gluten-free and entirely plant-based, these patties are pack
Note: If you’re after a more formal park setting, you can hire tableware and picnic furniture from us!
7. Get A Permit
Having a big gathering? Make sure to check that your council doesn’t require a permit or a booking of space. Many councils require both for parties of 50 people or more and when a structure like a marquee is going to be used. So, if you’re having an extra big shindig, it pays to check first.
We Deliver Across Melbourne
From our Caulfield kitchen, we deliver catering to suburbs all across Melbourne — including Glen Huntly · Bulleen · Templestowe · Templestowe Lower · Kurunjang · Lyndhurst and dozens more.
8. Fun and Games
Perhaps the greatest joy of Aussie picnics are the epic games that test your knowledge, sporting prowess and push family ties to the limit. We’re talking of course about classics like beach cricket, cards, bocce or even charades. Whatever you do, make it fun and make sure you capture it on camera!
So on behalf of the Your Private Chef team – happy picnicking!
YPC
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Full menu, packages, and pricing — cooked fresh in our Caulfield kitchen and delivered ready to serve.
How Your Private Chef Helps You with BBQ Catering
If you’re planning BBQ Catering in Melbourne and want it handled properly, we make it straightforward. You tell us about your event — guest count, date, location, dietary needs — and we design a custom menu around your guests. Our chefs cook everything in our Caulfield commercial kitchen and we deliver it beautifully presented in eco-friendly platters, ready to serve.
You don’t need to source ingredients, hire a chef, or worry about cleanup. You take the lid off, use your own tongs, and serve. For larger events (typically 80+), we can also arrange chafing dishes, grazing styling, and service staff — quoted separately based on your event.
We’ve spent fourteen years catering Melbourne events — corporate functions, weddings, milestone celebrations, family dinners, and everything in between. Over two thousand events served, four hundred verified customer reviews, full public liability and food safety compliance. The food is the same restaurant-grade craft every time, because our chefs stay in the kitchen rather than getting shipped to events one at a time.
Get in Touch with Your Private Chef
Ready to discuss your event? Get a custom menu and quote in one business day — no obligation. We’ll ask about your guests, your venue, your dietary needs, and your preferences, and we’ll come back with a tailored plan.
Call or text: 0497 333 100
Email: info@yourprivatechef.com.au
Caulfield kitchen pickup or delivery across Melbourne.
