The best ideas often come from solving your own challenges. That’s how we ended up creating Australia’s first large, waterproof, designer picnic rug.
Few things compare to the joy of being outdoors —whether it’s a sun-soaked beach day, a cozy camping trip, or a picnic with the gang. For us, those moments mean everything, but one thing was always missing: a picnic rug that could keep up with it all.
We were always let down by the classic red plaid picnic rugs—you know the ones? Think red and black flanno.... Barely big enough for two people. It wasn't just the size and the design that let these rugs down either, if the grass was dewy, you couldn't use it without getting a wet bum. If the grass was dry, you would have hours of entertainment afterward trying to get the grass seeds or sand that was determined to stick off it before packing it away.
For what felt like forever, we searched for a rug that could handle the outdoors the way we love it—whether it was a beach day, a backyard read, or a camping trip. We needed something practical that wouldn’t soak through on wet grass, wouldn’t drag half the beach home, and could be cleaned easily after all of our adventures. Bonus points if it actually looked good, too.
After years of searching, we realized the perfect rug simply didn’t exist.....
We envisioned a picnic rug that checked every box:
- Made from fabric sourced from recycled plastic bottles, helping to keep waste out of landfills and waterways.
- Created to be water, sand, and stain-proof, but still soft and luxurious to the touch.
- Machine washable, because life (and picnics) can get messy.
- Made from a single piece of material—no awkward seams breaking up its beauty or function.
- Lightweight, durable, and designed to turn heads with bold, beautiful patterns.
It took time and dedication, but we turned that vision into reality with Saltwater Picnic Co.
Our mission was to create large, beautiful, sustainable picnic rugs that blend luxury with practicality for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
As people who love spending time outdoors, we know the joy of sunny days— whether it’s a beach day with games, a park picnic with friends, relaxing with a good book in the backyard or or spending a peaceful evening camping under the stars. Those moments are priceless, and we want to help others create memories like these, too.
Saltwater Picnic Co. is more than just rugs; it’s about bringing people together , celebrating the beauty of the outdoors while keeping sustainability at the heart of what we do.
Here’s to more picnics, more adventures, and more unforgettable memories where the only screen in sight is sunscreen.
- Chris and Penny