Words by Kate Streader and Sidonie Bird de la Coeur

Experience the magic of fall in Victoria with top spots for stunning red autumn leaves just a short drive from Melbourne. We’ll leaf you to explore!

With autumn leaves gracefully falling in the lovely parks and gardens throughout Victoria, now is the ideal time to step outside and enjoy the golden tones of this lively season.

Stay informed about happenings in and around the region here.

Gardens of Tieve Tara – Mount Macedon

Mount Macedon is renowned for its brilliant autumn leaves, and there’s no finer spot than Gardens of Tieve Tara. The grounds boast maples, pin oaks, aspens, liquid ambers, and more, each showcasing a unique hue. Tranquil lakes mirror the vibrant trees along their banks, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Find Gardens of Tieve Tara at 751 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens – Mount Dandenong

A stunning blend of ornamental lakes, Japanese-style bridges, and lush greenery, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are breathtaking throughout the year. However, come fall, the landscape ignites with striking red and orange foliage, presenting an exquisite display. While many Australian trees remain evergreen, the garden features a variety of non-native species that create a vibrant canopy.

Find Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens at 1 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

Fitzroy Gardens – East Melbourne

If you prefer to stay close to the city, Fitzroy Gardens provides a lovely escape with its array of deciduous trees. English elms, maidenhair trees, and lindens transform into a golden carpet of yellow and orange leaves. Despite being located in the inner city, Fitzroy Gardens offer a surprisingly peaceful spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.

Find Fitzroy Gardens at Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

A panoramic view of red and orange: Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens – Daylesford

Positioned atop an extinct volcano, Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In autumn, Daylesford becomes a vibrant tapestry of golden foliage that grows more enchanting with elevation. The Pioneers Lookout Tower provides unobstructed views of the town, whose colors gleam in the afternoon light.

Find Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens at Central Springs Road, Daylesford

Cloudehill Gardens – Dandenong Ranges

Each autumn, beauty abounds at Cloudehill Gardens, where the Cloudehill Festival of Flowers celebrates the array of tawny shades. Weeping maples, salvias, and beeches blanket the earth with a spectrum of colors from crimson to honey. Nestled on a slope 580 meters above sea level, these meticulously maintained gardens resemble a scene from a fairy tale.

Find Cloudehill Gardens at 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda

Valley of Liquidambers – Heathcote

As their name indicates, liquid ambers embody the beauty of autumn in a vibrant, towering display. Though not expansive in size, the Valley of Liquid Ambers offers a visual feast that never ceases to amaze. Enjoy a picnic amid the trees or wander along the leaf-strewn paths. For those seeking adventure, embark on a hike to Viewing Rock Lookout for breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings.

Find Valley of Liquidambers at Range Drive, Heathcote

Royal Botanic Gardens – Melbourne

Discover breathtaking autumn beauty right in Melbourne’s backyard at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Oak Lawn is the ideal spot for photos, thanks to its splendid oak trees of various kinds, making it perfect for a picnic. With beautifully landscaped lawns, vivid autumn foliage, and serene lakes teeming with birdlife, the Royal Botanic Gardens provide a tranquil escape to reconnect with nature in the heart of our bustling city.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. Open daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Yarra Valley – Victoria

As grapevines display an array of gold and amber tones, witnessing a vineyard in autumn is a stunning sight. With an abundance of wineries, the Yarra Valley is an ideal destination as the autumn leaves transition in color throughout Victoria. Just an hour’s drive away, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway amidst renowned wineries and cozy cellar doors.

The Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges are about an hour’s drive east from the Melbourne CBD.

Mansfield – High Country

With picturesque lakes and walking trails, Mansfield welcomes you to explore a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Located at the base of Mount Buller, it offers scenic walks and horseback rides through the autumnal landscape. Traverse across Mt Stirling, the Delatite River, the Howqua River, and beyond, immersing yourself in the scenery that inspired ‘The Man from Snowy River’. If you’re in the area on a Saturday, don’t miss the monthly farmer’s market, highlighting the region’s finest local produce.

Mansfield is located 190 km north-east of Melbourne. Postcode: 3722.

Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour – Ballarat

Honoring the service of local men and women in the First World War, this 22-kilometer tree-lined avenue is the longest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Each of the 3,771 trees bears a plaque commemorating an individual who served. The avenue features a grand Arch of Victory and is a stunning drive during autumn when the elm trees turn shades of copper, gold, and red.

The Avenue of Honour runs along Sturt Street in Ballarat.

Buchan Caves – East Gippsland

These incredible caves formed during the Devonian period are a result of underground rivers carving their way through limestone. The area features magnificent European trees that illuminate the valley in autumn with their fiery red and gold leaves. Explore the Buchan Caves and surrounding reserve to encounter native wildlife among these stunning natural wonders.

Visit the caves and the adjacent parklands at 98 Caves Road, Buchan, Victoria 3885, Australia

A festival of Autumn leaves: Bright – High Country

There’s no doubt that autumn is the prime time to visit the town of Bright. This picturesque town is filled with deciduous trees that explode with autumn colors, hosting an Autumn Festival that’s a must-see for any lover of seasonal changes. With charming wineries and breweries, Bright constitutes a perfect retreat nestled between the mountains.

Bright is located in the Alpine Shire local government area. Its postcode is 3741.

If you’re interested in the seasonal changes that take place during the Autumn months, click here.