Although we love our long summer days here in Australia, the start of March typically means a change towards cooler weather and we can enjoy possibly the most underrated season we have.
Autumn brings leaf-lined streets and footpaths filled with golden leaves. There is debatably no better time to get out and about exploring than our most beautiful and romantic season before the winter blues set in.
Following are some of our favourite things to do in Australia in autumn.
Victoria
Take a walk along the Walhalla Tramline
Location: Walhalla, Victoria
If you’re looking for a true autumn experience, then this is the place for you.
The Valley Of The Gods is known for its picturesque scenery, history, flora, fauna, and breathtaking views. Part of this, the Walhalla Tramline Walk winds its way through scenery encapsulating the autumn leaves and historic architecture. Choose between an easy fifteen-minute loop or a one-and-a-half-hour walk. Regardless of which you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
To top off a great day, finish with a late lunch at the Sardine Eatery + Bar with its completely local produce menu.
Explore the Gardens of Tieve Tara
Location: Mount Macedon, Victoria
The Macedon area in Victoria is known for its impeccable scenic beauty and is the perfect place to experience this Autumn.
Tucked away on the slopes of Mount Macedon, the Tieve Tara Gardens began their story in the 1800s, known back then as ‘Christians Orchards’.
The Gardens are often described as the ‘Jewel of the Mountain’ and are simply nothing short of that. Wander through 7.5 acres of weeping trees, lakes, and sweeping hills. It’s an ideal destination for a picnic lunch or romantic stroll, with no expenses necessary, given the free entry. Although great to visit at all times of the year, when the trees turn into an amber oasis, there is simply no place better than this.
Hot air balloon in the Yarra Valley
Location: Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
You can fill your picnic basket with all of your favourite fresh local produce from this famous region, grab a great bottle of wine and you’ll have the perfect afternoon planned in the Yarra Valley.
However, if you’re looking to go above and beyond this autumn and really immerse yourself in all this region has to offer, then Hot Air Ballooning is the answer. With prices ranging from $190 — $500 depending on the flight length and what’s included, you’ll be able to find yourself a reasonable deal.
Hot Air Ballooning is undoubtedly the best way to see the Yarra Valley wine region with its sweeping hills and valleys. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and it’s waiting to be had this autumn.
New South Wales
Book a stay at Rosedale Farm
Location: Orange, NSW (3.5 hours from Sydney)
Step back in time when booking yourself a getaway at the Rosedale Farm.
Looking like the set location of a European rom-com movie with its French chateau-inspired look, the homestead was originally built in 1877 by William Dale and is the ultimate luxurious autumn country destination.
Nestled away in the outskirts of the picturesque town of Orange, also known for its beauty, culture, wine, and food, this area has all you need for a perfect retreat. Roam the beautiful Rosedale gardens boasting a one-acre veggie garden, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks, camels, and pigs, or drive into town and explore the local produce that the region has to offer.
Road trip through the Blue Mountains
Location: Black Heath, Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains speak for themselves, especially in autumn when the air is getting crisp and the paths are covered in leaves. However, when choosing where to go, we recommend looking no further than the charming town of Black Heath.
The town is famous for its Rhododendron Festival held in November each year. The small village is filled with culture, history, and great food, making it the ultimate destination point when road-tripping through the mountains.
Whether you’re going for a bush walk, visiting an art gallery, or dining at some of the nation’s best restaurants — including Leura Garage, Ates, or The Station Bar — you’ll be well looked after in this beautiful area.
Discover the Hunter Valley wineries
Location: Hunter Valley, NSW
Looking for a few things to make those crisp autumn days more bearable? As one of the most famous wine regions Australia has to offer; the Hunter Valley definitely fits the bill.
Made up of a number of different villages and winding hills upon which the beautiful wineries are situated, the Hunter Valley is perfect for a girl’s weekend or a romantic getaway.
Autumn means new menus boasting fresh gourmet produce from the likes of Muse Kitchen, Restaurant Botanica, and Hunters Quarter followed by wine from some of the best in the world including Pepper Wines, Tyrell’s Wines, Broken Wood Wines, Vinden Wines and Bimbadgen.
Western Australia
Whale watching in Australia’s South West
Location: Busselton-Esperance coastline
Although whale watching doesn’t technically start until June, you’re more than likely to see a humpback or two when travelling to Australia’s South West this Autumn. Take a tour ranging from $100-$300 or simply get your binoculars out and head to one of the many lookout points along the beautiful southern coastline.
The whales come up to warmer waters in the middle of the year to feed on krill, and seeing one of these gentle giants up close and personal not only makes for an amazing photo but is an experience that we can guarantee you won’t forget anytime soon.
Book a getaway to the Margaret River wine region
Location: Margaret River, Western Australia
With Autumn comes crisp mornings, wandering through forests, lighting a fire, eating gourmet local food, and getting cosy inside. No place could be better to experience the true essence of this than the Margaret River wine region.
Spoilt for choice in this wonderful pocket of Western Australia, you can pick from places like Vasse Felix and Juniper Estate to Fishbone and Deep Woods for your autumn needs of robust red wines and cheese boards.
Wander through the vineyards, book a magical cave tour, go for a hike in the Karri forests, or simply sit back and relax in the cool afternoon sun with a drink in hand.
Visit the Raeburn Orchards
Location: Perth Hills
In autumn, the Raeburn Orchards turn into a wonderland scene of auburn when their fruit tree leaves start to fall — making it a must-have for our list of things to do in Australia in autumn. The orchard boasts peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, mandarins, apples, cherries, and pears — making for a very sweet experience.
Stroll through the fruit trees on a brisk afternoon with your family whilst picking an apple or two to experience true local produce from the Perth Hills.
Tasmania
Get nostalgic in Richmond
Location: Richmond, Tasmania
Located 24 kms northeast of Hobart, you’ll find the charming town of Richmond. It’s rich with history and culture with buildings dating back to the 1820s.
Whether a foodie, wine lover, or history buff, there is an unlimited number of things to do. For a dose of good old nostalgia, we’d suggest exploring the Richmond Bridge — which was built in the 1820s by convicts — hiking the Point Assist mountain trail, or visiting the Richmond Gaol which also happens to be the oldest gaol in Australia.
Take a paddle in Lake St Claire below Cradle Mountain
Location: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Nothing screams autumn more than a paddle through the deciduous trees on a lake below cradle mountain.
Lake St Claire is situated at the southernmost point of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. The deepest lake in Australia, it flows freely out into the sea just near Hobart.
If you’re keen on spotting wildlife, Lake St Claire is the perfect place to do so. Especially in autumn when you can book a nighttime tour, taking you to see all of the best nocturnal animals that are native to this beautiful area. Our recommendation is the Cradle Mountain Night Spotting Tour.
Packing some local wine and cheese and heading out on the canoes downriver to the perfect picnic spot would make for possibly the most perfect autumn afternoon tea that you’ll ever have.
Feast at Bruny Island Food Trail
Location: Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a food lover’s paradise. It sits off the coast of Hobart and is filled with all of the best fresh local produce that you could ever want. Perfect for a day trip, overnighter, or week-long stay, there are few autumn getaways better than this, especially if you’re in search of good food.
So, where to eat?
Bruny Island Cruises and Sea Food has not only great cruises, but some of the best local seafood that the island has to offer. If you’re after cheese, then look no further than the Bruny Island Cheese Co‘s Easter Cheese Box, or head to the Bruny Island Berry Farm in March and April to pick your own berries that all grow in surplus thanks to the island’s cool climate.
South Australia
Wander in the Adelaide Hills
Location: Adelaide Hills
Want to feel like you’re on the set of a New York City romantic comedy movie? The Adelaide Hills has you covered.
Fairytale living is put to practice as you wind your way through tiny villages, small tea shops, leafy lanes, and little boutiques; the Adelaide Hills encapsulates the essence of autumn as a season and is simply the ultimate destination.
This place really is dreamlike. Mount Lofty is at the centre of the hills and is the go-to place to see red and yellow autumn leaves everywhere.
Speaking of, the Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens are world-renowned, and being only an hour from Adelaide makes for the perfect autumn day trip to kick up some leaves and really get amongst nature.
Shop local produce at the Stirling Laneways Markets
Location: Stirling, South Australia
Breathe in a breath of fresh autumn air whilst strolling through the Stirling Laneway Markets to round out our list of the best things to do in Australia during autumn.
They are held monthly on Druid Avenue in Stirling and have stalls with all of Adelaide’s different local food, wines, pastries, flowers, and clothing.
During this season, the markets turn into an oasis of orange leaves showering the stores and paths, making for a very beautiful day trip destination. Celebrating more than just food and products, the markets bring people together for a cosy and exciting day in the hills; the perfect escape from the city hustle and bustle.
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Lead Image: kwest
