Autumn is one of the best seasons for travel. The air is cooler and the light is golden, making it an ideal time for hiking and cycling. At night, cosy weather invites blankets on laps, glasses of red wine and plates piled high with seasonal produce, and charming country pubs are happy to oblige.
Autumn is a visual feast, too. And while Australia isn’t exactly known for its autumn leaves, that doesn’t mean we don’t have them. It’s easy to lose yourself among the red, orange and gold foliage—you just need to know where to find it.
Here’s where to see the best displays of autumn leaves in Australia.
Victoria
Daylesford
In Victoria, you’re almost spoilt for choice for where to experience autumn at its most vibrant. Daylesford is a popular choice for holidaymakers year-round, but March through to May is an especially picturesque time to visit. Take in the autumn air on a stroll around Lake Daylesford , or admire the patchwork of colours from the top of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Don’t forget to pack a picnic so you can savour the view.
The Yarra Valley
In the Yarra Valley, autumn means harvest time. Many of the valley’s renowned vineyards grow even more colourful in autumn, allowing you to enjoy the views of the leaves on the grapevines from the comfort of a cellar door or restaurant.
Bright and Beechworth
Victoria’s high country is where the real magic happens. Towns like Beechworth and Bright are the definition of picture-perfect autumn in Australia. Just driving along the tree-lined, vineyard-speckled country roads can feel like entering another world. Once you’ve had your fair share of leaf-chasing, there are plenty of bike trails, wineries and restaurants to keep you occupied. You’ll want to set aside at least a weekend if you’re driving from Melbourne; Beechworth takes a little more than three hours to reach, while Bright is closer to three and a half.
New South Wales
Armidale
About halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, autumn gets into full swing in Armidale. Autumn foliage awaits around almost every corner of this historic town.
Beyond Armidale, national parks resplendent with autumn hues beckon to hikers and bushwalkers. The New England National Park, the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, the Cunnawarra National Park and the Werrikimbe National Park are all excellent options for appreciating the autumn foliage away from the crowds.
The Hunter Valley
Don’t forget your appetite: leaf-chasing is hungry work, and the Hunter Valley has plenty of farmers’ markets to keep you fed on your travels. If you’ve got the budget (and the sense of adventure), hot air balloons are a popular way to take in the valley in all of autumn’s glory.
South Australia
The Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills knows how to celebrate autumn. From March to May, its orchards and vineyards are draped in vibrant hues of crimson, gold and amber. Visit the ever-popular townships of Stirling and Hahndorf and you’ll find handsome avenues bursting with colour, and plenty of small-town charm to explore as well. Make time for a visit to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, a sprawling, 97 hectare parkland with more autumn leaves than you’ll know what to do with.
The Barrosa Valley
Arrive in late autumn to catch the Barossa Valley at its most colourful. As the colder weather sets in, the region’s famous vineyards turn from green to gold, painting the Barossa Ranges with a storybook glow. You won’t run out of things to do in the Barossa either, from winemaking (and drinking) to cooking classes. Come for the leaves, stay for everything else.
Tasmania
Derwent Valley
An autumn drive through the Derwent Valley could easily have you stopping your car to take photos every time you come around another bend in the road. Picture mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and historic villages, all festooned with the fiery reds and oranges of autumn leaves. The scenic valley is about a two hour drive from Hobart, and well worth exploring.
Ross
The riverside village of Ross is charming all year round, but autumn somehow manages to bring out the old worldliness of the place more than the other seasons. Autumn leaves blow down cobblestone streets lined with elm trees and sandstone buildings, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. A weekend in Ross is just long enough to savour the autumn foliage and discover some of the town’s history, too.
Western Australia
Blackwood Valley
Most holidaymakers visit Western Australia for its golden beaches, not its golden leaves. But if you know where to look, you can find little hints of autumn dotted around the state. The trees you’re looking for are deciduous trees, and the temperate climate of Blackwood Valley allows them to put on a colourful show in April and May. Visit the townships of Balingup, Bridgetown and Nannup to catch a glimpse. Then save the best for last: Golden Valley Tree Park in Balingup is the region’s pièce de résistance. The heritage-listed, 60-acre arboretum is autumn at its finest.
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