Get us in your inbox

Search
Walhalla
Visit Victoria

The best places to see autumn leaves in Melbourne in 2024

Here's where to see a riot of red, orange and yellow leaves this autumn

Written by
Cassidy Knowlton
Contributors
Adena Maier
&
Eliza Campbell
Advertising

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons, with deciduous leaves changing colour to warm, crackly hues before dropping to the ground. If you're keen to make the most of this fleeting season, here are the best parks and gardens in Victoria to visit to see the changing leaves.

Want more outdoor adventures? Here are the best day hikes in Melbourne. And if you want to see the gorgeous waterfalls of our state at their absolute peak, we've compiled a list of absolute stunners.

Places to find beautiful autumn colours in Melbourne

Just 90-minutes drive from Melbourne, the pristine natural environment of Marysville make it the perfect place to indulge in autumnal delights. From lush forests with impressive waterfalls – including natural wonders like the 85-metre Big Tree – to the quaint streets of the main village, this mountain town is awash with reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Oh, and keep an eye out for wallabies and lyrebirds. 

Eliza Campbell
Editor, Time Out Melbourne
  • Things to do
  • Upper Ferntree Gully

These low mountain ranges are just 35 kilometres east of Melbourne. There are seven gorgeous gardens that make up Dandenong Ranges National Park, and autumn is the perfect time to visit them to enjoy their gorgeous changing leaves. The most spectacular in autumn are Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Gardens, George Tindale Memorial Garden and RJ Hamer Arboretum. The park is free to enter and open every day. 

Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Melbourne

If there’s anywhere you can escape the madness of the city CBD without actually leaving it, the Royal Botanic Gardens is the place. And in autumn it transforms into a sepia-hued paradise, with crunchy rust-coloured leaves blanketing the manicured lawns and gravel walking paths. We suggest rugging up, grabbing a coffee and going for a crisp walk to properly soak up the seasonal glory – which includes 8,500 different plant species, zen lakes and large green spaces.

  • Attractions

Researchers have dated these jaw-dropping caves back to the Devonian period, which was about 300-400 million years ago. The caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through layers and layers of limestone rock. The formations inside the caves were created by rainwater seeping through cracks in the roof depositing calcite and crystallising in the form of stalactites and stalagmites. The valley surrounding the caves is full of huge European trees, which make for a stunning show in autumn.

Advertising

This sweet, South Gippsland country town just so happens to be surrounded by the famed hills of the Strzelecki Ranges – meaning it's bathed in autumnal colour and the seasons change. Wander down the Mirboo main drag through an ocean of orange, to take a walk around Baromi Park for impressive golden ash trees that live up to their names. Just along the highway (towards Leongatha) is Mossvale Park, which is transformed into an oasis of colour thanks to some mighty towering European trees

Eliza Campbell
Editor, Time Out Melbourne
Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens
  • Things to do
  • Carlton

Are you even a Melburnian if you haven't ran through the Carlton Gardens snapping pictures as you kick up the fallen leaves? If you have no idea what we're talking about, consider this your official sign to get down to this picturesque spot as soon as the temperatures set to drop. Trust us, the Royal Exhibition Building provides the perfect backdrop to admire the rows and rows of deciduous trees such as English oaks, white poplar, elms and conifers.

 

Advertising

Head to the stunning Macedon Ranges, just one hour's drive from Melbourne, to the picturesque township of Kyneton. This gold rush village is surrounded by renowned cool-climate wineries and features plenty of gourmet dining options. The Kyneton Botanic Gardens are situated in the heart of the town and make for a beautiful picnic spot surrounded by autumn leaves.

Eliza Campbell
Editor, Time Out Melbourne
Advertising
  • Travel

Taste award-winning craft beer, wine, spirits and produce, explore the rich history of the area or go cycling along hundreds of kilometres of breathtaking terrain. Bright and the High Country are particularly gorgeous in autumn, attracting people from all over Victoria to see the changing colours. 

Buckle in for a road trip and plan to stay the night in this beautiful township located in Victoria's Gippsland region. At just under three hour's drive from the CBD, this 19th century town is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Wander the heritage-facade dotted streets, pan for gold or revel in the surrounding vibrant autumn trees and gorges.

Eliza Campbell
Editor, Time Out Melbourne
Advertising

At 314 metres, Arthurs Seat is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula, and the views are panoramic, reaching all the way to Melbourne’s skyline. Arthurs Seat State Park has a range of walks of varying levels of difficulty, and the park is only an hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne. The Seawinds Gardens are particularly pretty in autumn, with native plants and sculptures making for a gorgeous backdrop for your rambles. 

More reasons to get out of town

Recommended

    More on Autumn

      You may also like
      You may also like
      Advertising