Sherbrooke’s much-loved picnic ground cafe is now closed, as Parks Victoria work behind the scenes to find a new operator to take the reins.
The Grants Picnic Ground, nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and long favoured by locals and tourists alike, shut its doors earlier this year.
Parks Victoria confirmed the closure is temporary and that the cafe will reopen once a new tenant has been selected through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, which is already underway.
The EOI period for a long-term lease closed on 18 June.
While interest from potential operators was reportedly strong, Parks Victoria said no applications were deemed suitable to move forward to the next stage.
In the meantime, a mobile trader began operating at the site in July, offering visitors light refreshments and coffee until a more permanent arrangement is in place.
Parks Victoria director of commercial, Elise Armitage, said the agency remains focused on delivering an experience that aligns with the values of the park.
“Parks Victoria is committed to reactivating the cafe at Grants Picnic Ground to provide a high-quality visitor experience that complements the site’s natural and cultural values,” Ms Armitage said.
“We are now considering alternative approaches for securing a new operator, with the aim of delivering a sustainable, community-focused offering that meets the needs of visitors and the local community.”
The temporary closure comes as Parks Victoria undergoes a broader organisational review ordered by the state government, examining the agency’s operations, finances, and service delivery.
Despite this, the agency said it is continuing its focus on visitor services, including supporting popular locations like Grants Picnic Ground.
Parks Victoria has not yet confirmed a timeline for the cafe’s reopening but assured the community that assessments of EOI submissions are ongoing.
