The Ultimate Guide To Chasing Autumn Leaves In Melbourne And Victoria

The wide pathways, the dramatic backdrop of the Royal Exhibition Building, and towering, shady trees of Carlton Gardens are beautiful at any time of year. But in autumn, this corner of Melbourne is particularly resplendent.

Head to one of Australia’s best tourist attractions, and wander around the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. Stretching out over 38 hectares, there’s plenty of spots for you to take in the striking autumn hues.

Fitzroy Gardens has plenty of attractions, including the floral displays in the Conservatory and the historic Cooks’ Cottage. But, the picturesque avenues and brilliant elm trees are an attraction of their own during the autumn months.

Feel like you’ve left Melbourne for Europe with a visit to Montsalvat this autumn. Located in Eltham, this heritage-listed arts centre was heavily inspired by the architecture of medieval villages in France, as well as Gothic cathedrals in France and Spain. Wander around the property, take in stunning views of the autumn foliage and check out some of the galleries while you’re there.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is breath-taking all year round. It features a mixture of native and exotic trees, that transform into gorgeous hues in autumn. On top of that, there’s plenty of bright rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and more interesting plants to admire.

Famous for its ornamental lake and quaint boathouse, the autumn foliage at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is truly stunning. See the maples and beeches transform into bright hues of red and gold.

With an altitude of 580 metres, deep volcanic loam soil and 1.25 metres of rainfall throughout the year, the gardens at Cloudehill flourish. During autumn, the weeping maples and beech trees transform into crimson and gold.

Also located in the Dandenong Ranges, you’ll find stunning autumn views at RJ Hamer Arboretum. This arboretum has over 150 species of both native and exotic trees, including plantings from the northern hemisphere, such as China and the USA. This large variety creates a spectacular display of colour during the autumn months. When you’re not looking at the trees, gaze out at views of the Yarra Valley and the Great Dividing Range.

The pretty Pirianda Garden is also located in the Dandenong Ranges. This 11-hectare woodland retreat is filled with maples, birches and other exotic trees and shrubs that put on a fiery display in autumn. Wander along the terraced paths, and see the rare Franklinia alatamaha, which flowers on leafless branches in autumn.

Drive up to the summit of Arthurs Seat, and wander through 34 hectares at Seawinds Gardens. With plenty of walking tracks and deciduous trees, this is a great spot outside of Melbourne to admire autumn leaves, without having to stray too far from the ocean.

This historic private garden covers 14 acres on Mount Macedon. There are many magnificent maples, birches, beeches and other exotic trees that transform the gardens with rich hues of red and gold. Forest Glade Gardens is open every day, but if you’re visiting on any weekend or public holiday in April, you must book in advance due to limited numbers. As part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, there is a complimentary shuttle bus on weekends and public holidays in April.

The Macedon Ranges are filled with an abundance of amazing spots to see the autumn leaves, and one of the most popular spots is the scenic Honour Avenue. Each year, tourists flock to this road in search of dazzling colours. It’s framed by 154 pin oak trees, which transform into fiery hues from late March to late April. These striking trees were planted in honour of the 154 men and women from Macedon and Mount Macedon who enlisted during World War 1. 

While you’re in the Macedon Ranges, take a moment to explore the picturesque town of Malmsbury. Head to the Botanic Gardens, where you’ll find radiant autumn leaves, a family of geese and an ornamental lake. Keep exploring, and check out the historic viaduct nearby.

Whisk yourself away to the lovely town of Daylesford, and take in the bright seasonal colours from a number of spots. Head up to the summit of an extinct volcano, and explore the wonders of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. When you’re not looking at the leaves, pop into the begonia house for a striking display. For more nature, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Daylesford or Jubilee Lake.

Check out the Avenue of Honour, which stretches out 22 kilometres and is lined with 3771 trees. These deciduous trees, including ash, maple, poplar and elm, transform into bright hues during the autumn months.

While you’re in Ballarat, take a stroll past Lake Wendouree, and see the colours of the heritage oak trees and gorgeous elms reflected in the tranquil waters. Then swing by the Ballarat Botanical Gardens or Buninyong Botanic Gardens for even more autumn views. If you’d like to really immerse yourself in nature, head a little further out to Creswick to try La Gerche Forest Walk.

Settle down for a peaceful picnic surrounded by lush views at The Valley of Liquid Ambers. Close to the centre of Heathcote, this area is full of picturesque views and autumn leaves.

During April, the leaves fall from the poplar trees, creating a vibrant golden carpet. Take some pictures, and warm up with a glass of wine from the cellar door. Then head to the TarraWarra Museum of Art for an extra bit of culture.

These dreamy gardens in Jindivick are glorious in autumn. The space is divided up into 14 key parts that unite into a seamless flow. See it for yourself when they open to the public for the autumn season from Thursdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm. Learn more here.

Wander beneath the elms on Murchison Street in Marysville, and get out into nature in search of cheerful waterfalls and native wildlife. In autumn, take a drive along the Buxton to Marysville Road, and see a golden line of towering poplar trees on both sides of the avenue.

Walk around the picturesque town of Jamieson in the High Country, and admire the vast range of trees in autumn. You’ll see beautiful and historic trees, such as maples, elms and poplars. While you’re there, don’t miss the Jamieson Autumn Festival for market stalls and more on April 18 and 19.

It’s all in the name. Every year, the picturesque town of Bright and the surrounding areas become ablaze with colour. For a full celebration of the season, check out the Bright Autumn Festival, which cherishes the splendour of the autumn leaves from April 24 to May 3, 2026.

Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by trees is the goldrush town of Walhalla. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, as you take in the heritage buildings surrounded by autumn splendour.

Buchan in Gippsland might be known for its caves, but it’s got plenty of stuff happening above the ground in autumn. Wander around the heritage town, and admire the autumn splendour of the deciduous trees. Head to Buchan Caves Reserve and have a picnic under a bright canopy of maple and golden ash trees.