Happy slightly more freedom day! We have about four hours til the rain hits so if you’re a vaccinated socialite ready to get your baguette on here are the rules.
From today (13 September), you may “undertake recreation in a group of up to five people so long as you comply with vaccination requirements.”
That means each adult has had both jabs. In recent days the rules were relaxed to allow children under twelve to be in attendance (unvaccinated) as well, and not count toward the five limit.
We’ve had a thorough look at the health orders this morning and think more big announcements/relaxations could be on the way – but we need to check we have correctly interpreted them before we make big claims. So for now, let’s focus on what’s definitely allowed from today:
What are the picnic rules?
The new health orders stipulate that up to five people can gather for outdoor recreation if they are fully vaccinated, “not including persons who are 12 years of age and under.” If you are unvaccinated the limited is two persons.
There is no clarification for 12-16 year olds; it could be assumed they are included as adults and do not yet require full vaccination to participate.
It is mandatory for anyone 16 and over to carry evidence of their vaccination status and produce to a police officer if requested.
I have forgotten how to picnic
Our lifestyle editor Faye James had a poke around for some local offerings to celebrate the occasion. Here’s a taste….
HARBORD HOTEL
Harbord Hotel is offering ‘Freedom Picnic Hampers’ for customers to pre-order and enjoy outdoors on the Northern Beaches. Launching today in line with the Government-approved five-person picnics.
Head Chef Adam Rust has curated a selection of delicious bites best shared between mates. From lobster sliders to Sth Coast rock oysters, QLD tiger prawns, tuna tostadas, to a cold cut rotisserie chook with mini sourdough baguettes, LP’s salami, mushroom & spinach frittata as well as seasonal fruit and a choc brownie.
Harbord Hotel has even got the tunes sorted with a Spotify playlist to accompany ensuring endless hours of relaxed cracking beats. Plus, you can also add on drinks with Harbord Hotel’s signature Margarita or bottles of Vinteloper Rosé. Order before 6pm the day prior for next day collection from 11.30am.
PRICE: Traditional Picnic is $35 per person, Seafood Picnic is $50 per person (minimum two people to order). Drinks add on is $60
For more information and to book, visit https://harbordhotel.com.au/whats-on/
MANLY Q STATION
Manly’s Q Station has announced the launch of its new picnic hamper offering to help local Sydney-siders celebrate upcoming eased restrictions.
From today, guests can pre-book their picnic hampers on the Q Station website. Picnic packs will be available to enjoy on Q Station’s sprawling grounds every weekend, starting next weekend (18 September). Bookings can be made up until midday on Friday for the weekend ahead.
Picnic selections include a Cheese & Charcuterie hamper, boasting a selection of Blue, brie and pecorino cheeses, ham, prosciutto and salami alongside pickles, olives and a selection of dips including hummus, roast beetroot and confit garlic and taramasalata, served with a selection of crackers.
Guests can also indulge in a Seafood & Dips picnic which includes Sydney Rock oysters, cured salmon with dill and prawns accompanying pickles, olives a selection of dips including hummus, roast beetroot and confit garlic and taramasalata, served with a selection of crackers and lemon.
Finally, the Afternoon Tea hamper offers the perfect alfresco tea experience, with a fine selection of petit cakes, sweet and savoury pastries, gourmet sandwiches, scones and preserves, as well as coffee or tea.
For the ultimate luxurious post-lockdown picnic experience, you can also choose to add a bottle of De Beaurepaire wine to each hamper package, or a pre-mixed gin and tonic libation from Manly Spirits, cheersing to new freedoms and enjoying the emerging spring weather.
Picnic goers can collect their hampers between 11am and 2pm from Q Station’s G&Tea House, and set up for an afternoon of delight on the sprawling lawns, or head down to Quarantine Beach. Pick from the beach, Manly or Cityscape views on offer, and pair your picnic with a swim, bushwalk or some wildlife watching. Each hamper also includes bottled water, cutlery, plates, napkins and reusable glassware as well as a picnic rug (to be returned at G&Tea House on departure).
PRICE:
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$89.00 for two including a bottle of De Beaurepaire “Billet Doux” SSB or “Le Marquis” Cabernet Sauvignon
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$139.00 for four including a bottle of De Beaurepaire “Billet Doux” SSB or “Le Marquis” Cabernet Sauvignon
OR
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$99.00 for two including a bottle of De Beaurepaire ” Blanchefleure” Blanc de Blanc
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$149.00 for four including a bottle of De Beaurepaire ” Blanchefleure” Blanc de Blanc
For more information and to book, visit www.qstation.com.au
KAZZI BEACH
To celebrate the upcoming eased restrictions, Kazzi Beach Greek restaurant offer their Meat and Seafood platters with free Bakalava (five portions). Add an element of tantalising joy to your first outing to the park or beach with one of their large platters which will include a Greek delight to enjoy.
Platters include a selection of fine meats or seafood. In the meat hamper, choose from spit-roasted pork, lamb, chicken, or a combination of them all. In the seafood, enjoy baby school prawns, flash-fried calamari, fish fillet, char-grilled octopus, and more. The platters come with pita bread and dips and their fresh salads including Greek village salad, and fetta with tomato and cappers.
There is no better way to enjoy your first taste of freedom than with a luxurious platter from Kazzi Beach Greek restaurant. They know how tough you’ve all been doing it, and they want to treat you and your loved ones to a gastronomic platter of happiness.
PRICE:
Large Kazzi Meat Platter – $165
Large Kazzi Seafood Platter – $185
For more information, or to place an order visit https://kazzibeachgreek.com.au/
Is your business offering something special? Let us know on this story thread on social media.