The best places to see autumn leaves in Melbourne in 2023

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. 

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. 

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.

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

Just 15km from Castlemaine is Australia's first national heritage park, which includes remains of gold rush house sites and machines that were used to dig up the precious substance. The park is perfect for bushwalking, cycling and gold fossicking, if you'd like to try your hand. The Goldfields Track is perfect for a stroll, and the deciduous trees are a delight in autumn. 

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.

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.

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.