Summer may be associated with the blues of the ocean, but autumn offers a vibrant display of colours that is often forgotten by those in the city. Just because our hottest months are gone for another year, doesn’t mean all fun has to go with them.
In fact, one of the most thrilling activities is just about to start; leaf peeping.
From mid-April to late May, Australia’s native forests and plants glow like a sunset spilled across the treetops.
However, you will miss out on nature’s fleeting grand gesture if you don’t know where to go.
Before you drive to your nearest forest to relish in Mother Nature’s glory, consider whether it has the necessary factors; a cool location, mild temperatures and heavy rainfall.
If these are lacking, the colour from the trees may be too. So, to save you from disappointment we have created a round-up of the best spots to leaf-peep around Australia:
Bowral, NSW
Only an hour and a half outside of Sydney, the biggest town in the Southern Highlands is filled with rolling mountains, quaint little boutiques, heritage sites and views as far as the eye can see.
If you’re planning a visit here, we recommend staying at the highly-rated Ardour Milton Park Bowral which is encompassed in a forest of pine trees… just imagine the smell!
Lake Burley Griffin, ACT
It may not feel like a positive when the cold weather hits, but Canberra is one of the lucky places in Australia that gets to experience the full four seasons.
Lake Burley Griffin is a must stop if you find yourself in the city.
A great place to stay this time of year is the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, which has the most beautiful sprawling gardens.
Mount Lofty Gardens, SA
Located in Adelaide, you’ll fall in love with the bright colours and fresh air surrounding the park.
If you want to go all out and treat yourself this fall, Sequoia Lodge is the place to stay. With an outdoor pool facing the sprawling forestry, you won’t regret this decision.
Raeburn Orchards, WA
The Perth Hills are known for their vivid nature display every autumn, and Raeburn Hills has some of the best spots to soak this all in.
Set against warm earth tones and fiery red leaves, Hidden Valley Eco Spa Lodges & Day Spa feels like stepping into a dreamy autumn escape in the middle of the bush.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Tasmania
Hobart puts on a stunning show each autumn, and the gardens are one of the best places to take it all in, with vibrant foliage, winding paths, and peaceful pockets around every corner.
Just 30 minutes from the city, a stay in Iron Creek Bay Estate pairs modern comfort with roaming farm animals and the most stunning scenery.
Toowoomba, QLD
Just two hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba’s cooler climate makes it the perfect spot for autumn’s vivid colours, complete with its own leaf trail.
Hollow Tree Farm is the perfect place to stay set on 30 peaceful acres, this farm stay is a front-row seat to autumn’s fiery orange and red leaves.
Macedon, Victoria
Just 50 minutes from Melbourne, Macedon is a top spot for autumn colour, with its famous Avenue of Honour creating a leafy cathedral of 154 pin oak trees arching over the road.
Lake House in Daylesford is nestled on the edge of a serene lake and blends luxury and nature, making it the perfect autumn escape.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, NT
While Darwin doesn’t have a traditional autumn, the early dry season does bring warm-toned foliage and the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot to soak in these stunning seasonal colours.
Just minutes from the city’s waterfront, the Hilton Garden Inn is the perfect base for exploring Darwin’s vibrant culture and tropical landscapes.
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