About Our Team

Our Story

PicnicBlanket.au was born from a simple frustration that many Australian outdoor lovers know all too well. It was a beautiful Saturday morning at Centennial Park in Sydney when our founder, Sarah Mitchell, spread out her brand-new "waterproof" picnic blanket for a family gathering—only to find herself sitting on soggy grass within thirty minutes. That morning dew had completely soaked through what was supposed to be a premium product, leaving everyone uncomfortable and her young children complaining about wet clothes.

That frustrating experience sparked a mission. Sarah, along with her husband James (a textile engineer) and their close friend Marcus Chen (an avid camper who has explored everything from the Blue Mountains to the Kimberley), decided that Australian families deserved better information about outdoor blankets. Too many people were wasting money on products that didn't live up to their claims, especially given Australia's unique conditions—from the sticky sand at Bondi to the morning dew in Victorian wine country to the harsh UV exposure in Queensland.

What started as a simple comparison blog in 2024 has grown into Australia's most trusted resource for picnic blanket advice. Our team has personally tested over 50 different picnic blankets, rugs, and outdoor mats across diverse Australian conditions. We've taken them to Noosa's beaches to test sand-proof claims, spread them on the dewy lawns of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens at dawn, and even used them during camping trips in the Grampians to assess durability and insulation.

We understand that a picnic blanket isn't just a piece of fabric—it's the foundation for family memories, romantic sunsets, birthday celebrations, and quiet moments of connection with nature. That's why we take our testing seriously. Each product undergoes a rigorous evaluation process that examines waterproof integrity, sand resistance, UV durability, portability, washing resilience, and overall comfort. We test them in real Australian conditions, not in a laboratory.

Our team brings together expertise in textile manufacturing, outdoor recreation, and consumer advocacy. We're not paid by manufacturers to promote products—our recommendations are based purely on performance and value. When we recommend a blanket, it's because we'd genuinely use it for our own family picnics. When we identify a product's weaknesses, we're honest about them, because we believe you deserve the full picture before making a purchase.

Today, PicnicBlanket.au serves over 50,000 Australian outdoor enthusiasts each month. Beyond product recommendations, we've expanded to offer comprehensive guides on picnic planning, outdoor safety, maintenance tips, and destination guides for the best picnic spots across Australia. Our community of readers shares their own experiences, helping us continuously improve our recommendations and discover new products worth testing.

Whether you're planning a simple backyard picnic with the kids, a romantic sunset dinner at your local beach, or an adventurous camping trip into the Australian bush, we're here to help you find the perfect blanket that won't let you down. Because we know that when you spread out that blanket, you're not just sitting on fabric—you're creating the setting for memories that will last a lifetime.