For generations, tourists have seen a special picnic ground in the Dandenongs as the place to have a close encounter with Australia's native birds.

Tourists at Grants Picnic Ground on Tuesday were thrilled at the dozens of sulphur-crested cockatoos flying around them and perching on their shoulders and arms.

Tourists at Grants Picnic Ground, enjoying the cockatoos. Credit:Eddie Jim

Cheryl and Geoff Campbell have run the flourishing, much-loved tourist diner and souvenir shop Grants on Sherbrooke at the Kallista picnic spot for 21 years.

But the couple are getting a double dose of misfortune.