Professionals Serendipity 
Surrounded by the beautiful greenery and breathtaking views of Tamborine Mountain, there’s no better place for a picnic. Similarly, there’s no reason your next big event has to be limited to the same old meeting halls and function rooms— at least, Natachia Jansen of Mt Tamborine Picnics doesn’t think so. She’s been helping put together picnics great and small for people wishing to set their special moments against the stunning mountain backdrop, and the memories she’s witnessed be made are nothing short of magical. We’re blessed enough for her to share some with us today.
by Kyle Hitchmough
How did you get started with Mt Tamborine Picnics?
It was quite interesting! I had a full-time position in business development and marketing for a Melbourne-based company that closed down, and then I found a job in the same field with a company up here three days a week. I found myself coffeeing and lunching four days a week, which got a bit tedious. I was having a chat with a friend of mine down the coast who does pop-up picnics and she asked me “Why don’t you start doing picnics?” Then COVID hit and the borders closed, and the mountain was packed! The business really took off, which was amazing. It is a part-time business, weekends only, but I love it.
For those who might not be familiar, can you explain what it is you do?
It is for special occasions, not just everyday picnics. We’re a small business, but we do things with big heart. You arrive and there’s a really beautiful romantic setup— or whatever the theme and need is of the guest— and you bring your own drinks and enjoy! Most of our guests are from off the mountain, so they contact me on social media, mostly, and I ask a few questions: What’s the occasion? Do they know where they want it? Are they staying over? I often encourage people to come not just for the day, but for the weekend, collaborating with some accommodations on the mountain. They spend time here, go to the wineries, the restaurants… it’s a win-win! So I give them a quote with pictures for them to say yea or nay.
Are there packages people can choose from or do you mainly do custom orders? What are some most popular options you provide?
I normally do custom. Most of my picnics are romance-based, so I do a lot of proposals, loved-up couples, that sort of thing. I try and make it tailored to them. We’ve got six different colour schemes to choose from: we’ve got the blue and white, the pink, the pink and mint, the Africa safari, the autumn garden and the boho luxe in neutrals. I’ve got a proposal coming up on Friday, and he wanted blue and white. I suggested that girls usually like the pastel colours with the pinks, so I referred him to Instagram and he was sold on the light colours. I often give advice like that based on the situation. There was a time where everybody wanted the Africa safari to the point I was like “Come on, can anybody do another one? All my photos are the same!” I suppose the pinks are the most popular because there’s a lot of romance. The neutrals are big too.
What kind of setup is involved in a picnic for you?
I start with rugs and then custom-made tables. I often put overhead banners, and little poles with either little decorations or lights if it’s evening. There’s flowers, lots of flowers, lanterns, plates, glasses, cutlery if they want, serviettes… and lots of cushions! I see picnics where they have one cushion per person, and I have about five per person.
Are there any particular locations you often set up in?
I do some Airbnbs and other accommodations up here, as well as the parks. People come to Mt Tamborine for the beauty and the nature. We do utilise the parks and the Botanical Gardens. If they want something more private, there’s places for that too.
Are there any particular trends in your clientele, any notable demographics?
It is a little bit of a spread, but the majority is proposals. Romance is what we specialise in. We do hens’ parties, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, girls’ days out… I haven’t done a buck’s, not yet!
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
Yes! We live in paradise, there’s no doubt. Location, location, location. Where we are, we have 180 degree views of the coast, which is only 35 minutes away. We’ve got the rainforest, the cafés, distilleries, wineries… and the community! I know my neighbours, and the people on the street. It’s beautiful up here.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the mountain?
I love the Botanical Gardens, and every now and again when we get time we go for a walk in the forest. Palm Grove on the eastern side is beautiful.
What do you think Mt Tamborine Picnics really provides to the area?
Our slogan is “Create magical memories,” and I believe that we enhance the guests’ experiences. For instance, if they’re staying at a bed and breakfast or a guest house, we enhance their experience here. Because of the nature of the business, people come here for memorable experiences like a proposal or an anniversary, and we help make it memorable. And of course, we collaborate with other businesses on the mountain.
What do you have in the way of food options for your picnics?
I’ve got suppliers that do grazing boxes, depending on if they want a luxe box or a nice antipasto box or a breakfast box, I have different suppliers that I use. If a client wants specific fresh flowers I work with a florist on the mountain, and the different accommodations that I recommend.
What do you enjoy most about doing this?
I get to be part of people’s special moments. When I say special moments, I’m talking big moments in their life. I can video when he’s asking her to spend the rest of his life with him. Baby showers, gender reveals, it’s big moments in people’s lives and it’s private, but I get to be part of it.
What’s been your most memorable moment in your time doing this?
One of the most memorable picnics I did was for 6 or 7 friends who hired a house on a property on the mountain and wanted a surprise for their dying friend. They had been schoolfriends for 25 years and she was in the last weeks of cancer. At the time, I was going through the same thing, my sister had been diagnosed as well. I put so much extra time into this picnic without any need for compensation because it wasn’t about the money, it was about creating the perfect day, not just for her but for the friends who were setting it up. I cried with these girls, for their friend. I’ll never forget that day.
Mt Tamborine Picnics
16 SUMATRA CT, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN, QLD 4270
We are always looking for new topics for our blog. If there’s something you like to see more of, send your suggestions to: social@professionalsserendipity.com.au, or email the writer at kyle.hitchmough@hotmail.com
