There are countless places to go for your picnic, whether you prefer the ocean, fresh water, metropolitan parks or national parks and bush areas. Most parks have free cooking facilities so it is up to you whether you take a picnic basket with barbeque ingredients which you have to cook, or you can take cold and snack foods.

Expect the local bird life to visit you, as they too like a good picnic, and of course the obligatory insects such as ants and flies. It is all part of the good old Aussie picnic experience.

On weekends many picnic spots are in demand, and there will be relative crowding, but there are so many picnic spots that you can get away from the crowds if you want to. If you are cooking meat, you will need barbecue tools: tongs or a spatula.

If you aren't cooking meat, the options are endless; cold cuts of meat from your local deli, cooked meat from one of the fast food chain restaurants or even sushi from your local Japanese outlet. A table cloth is a good idea as most picnic spots will offer tables and benches. A rug and pillow will enable you to sleep off all that lovely food.

The traditional picnic drink is tea, made in a billy, but it is more common to take a flask of tea or coffee. Cold drinks can be kept cool in the esky (don't forget plenty of ice).

Hats and sunblock are essential, even in winter. If you are planning to light a fire, take some water with you in a bottle, so you can put the fire out when you are finished with it.

Generally it is against the law to consume alcohol in a public place but the enforcement of this law is laid back in designated picnic areas. As long as you are quiet about it, no one will trouble you if you enjoy a glass or two of wine or beer.

So why don't you get out this weekend to your favourite picnic spot. Invite your family and friends to congregate there and enjoy a relaxing, no fuss get-together.