The weather’s cool, but not too cold yet, and landscapes are coloured with the brilliant gold, rusty red and burnt orange hues of autumn. So if you want to hit the road before the chilliest months are upon us, when you’d rather be rugged up inside with a hot chocolate, now’s the time to get the van out and squeeze in a trip (or start planning next year’s). Here are our top five autumn drives and destinations.
This one probably comes as no surprise. Bright is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Australia when it comes to autumn time. In fact, every year this Alpine High Country town hosts the Bright Autumn Festival for 10 days to celebrate the vibrant hues and delicious produce that this season brings. Chilly mornings turn into mild sunny days and cool evenings, perfect for a variety of family-friendly activities, including walks, picnics, scenic drives (Delaney Avenue is a must), open campfires, and, of course, indulging in great food and wine. For a fun day out, why not explore the nearby villages of Porepunkah, Wandiligong and Harrietville.
During your stay, you can camp among the autumn trees at Alpine National Park. There are a few camping areas with toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces, including JB Plain between Hotham Village and Dinner Plain, as well as Buckety Plain, Raspberry Hill and Langsfords West on the Bogong High Plains east of Fall Creek. There’s also an assortment of holiday parks in Bright, whether you’re after the luxury of a BIG4 or a more budget-friendly park, like Bright Cabin & Caravan Park. Bright is a beautiful tourist destination all year round, but it truly becomes something spectacular in autumn … so start packing!
They don’t call Orange “colour city” for nothing – it really is a sight to behold when autumn sets in, becoming a canvas of fiery red, magenta and yellow. There’s plenty to see and do in this central west city while you enjoy the colourful landscape, but be sure to bring plenty of warm jumpers, as temperatures can get quite low in the later half of autumn. Why not start your day off by visiting one of the excellent wineries like Patina Wines, set among beautiful grounds in south-west Orange, or Bloodwood Wines, which is said to have spectacular sparkling.
After indulging in some of the best wines in the region, enjoy a pub feed at the family-friendly Hotel Canobolas, or pack a picnic and go down to the picturesque Lake Canobolas, which has playgrounds, barbecue facilities and walking tracks.
If you’re craving a sugar hit, The Sugar Mill Café has delicious pastries on offer, while coffee lovers can find a great brew at one of several coffee shops, including The Good Eddy, Factory Espresso and Bills Beans. Save some money on accommodation by staying at a free campsite, like the Federal Falls Campground in Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area or Macquarie Woods (off Cashens Lane).
Adelaide Hills is home to some of the most impressive autumn foliage in Australia. The deciduous trees, orchards and vineyards put on the most colourful displays from March to May, and is particularly striking in the townships of Stirling and Hahndorf – great places to base yourself while you are here. Hahndorf, a quaint, picture-perfect village, is Australia’s oldest German settlement. The main street is filled with old-fashioned lolly shops, sprawling playgrounds and places to eat. Stirling is an equally pretty town, lined with beautiful gardens, book and gift shops, cafes and restaurants.
A day trip to Stirling should entail a visit to the Steamroller Park, great fun for the ankle biters, while mum and dad can grab a coffee from one of the surrounding cafes. Be sure to also take the kids to the Fairy Garden in Deanery Reserve, Bridgewater (just 15 minutes’ drive from Hahndorf and right near the famous Heysen Trail) – it’s a miniature village that’s been built up by visitors over time; everyone will love marvelling over all the little details. A scenic drive through the nearby Piccadilly Valley is unmissable, too. From cosy cottages to luxury hotels, there’s many great accommodation options in Adelaide Hills.
Blackwood River Valley is the gem of south-west WA, loved by tourists and locals alike for its lush green farmlands, amazing bush trails, historical towns, scrumptious food and wines, and the wide, meandering river. In autumn, the region is simply bursting with colour, and the air is crisp and cool. Whether you want your holiday to be an adventure of the outdoors or simply a relaxing retreat, there’s a long list of natural and man-made attractions to take advantage of. Bridgetown, Nannup and Balingup are the three historic towns you must visit, each one with a unique culture and heritage.
Wander through the streets of Nannup and into arts, crafts and antique galleries to check out some of the local treasures or go mountain biking, trout fishing, kayaking or bushwalking. Foodies will love seeing what’s on offer on the Blackwood River Valley Food Trail, where you can taste sweet chestnuts, local honey, local cider, ales and wines, and more. Driving anywhere in this region will provide you with one-of-a-kind views, but the 41km journey along the Blackwood River from Balingup to Nannup is truly special. It provides ample opportunity to stop at the cheese factory and wineries along the way, where you can soak in the stunning scenery as you stretch your legs.
It’s hard to pick just one place when it comes to Tasmania, which is pretty much beautiful everywhere, all year round. However, when it comes to seeing the rich and vibrant colours of autumn, Cascade Gardens in South Hobart is an unbeatable location. The majestic Mt Wellington provides a stunning backdrop, while the sweeping green lawns of the park offer barbecue facilities, a playground that the kids can enjoy, and a running creek … all surrounded by a gorgeous woodland setting. And only a 10-minute drive from the CBD – perfect for a day trip as well as extended stays.
When you arrive, take a leisurely stroll down Cascade Road, framed by the beautifully manicured gardens, or sprawl out and enjoy a picnic among the autumn foliage in the huge park, which encompasses both sides of Macquarie Street. A visit to the iconic Cascade Brewery is entirely necessary; you can tour and admire the Gothic building, which has been around since 1832, and quench your thirst with one (or a few) of their exceptional brews, like the award-winning Cascade Stout. Treat yourself to lunch in the Brewhouse, which overlooks three acres of heritage gardens, and grab some cool souvenirs from the Cascade store before you head off.
