10 stunning locations to visit this autumn
Combine some annual leave with the Easter and Anzac holidays to take an extra-long break from work and give yourself an opportunity to see one (or two) of these 10 beautiful autumn destinations.
1. The Snowy Mountains, NSW
Breathe in crisp mountain air, take in the view of the Snowy Mountains, and put your feet up at Jindabyne Holiday Park, which overlooks Lake Jindabyne’s calm and scenic foreshore.
If you love the idea of spending your day fly fishing, hiking to the highest point in Australia, or spending an afternoon on a long walk around Lake Jindabyne, this is the place for you.
Sun setting over Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains. Credit: DNSW
2. Wentworth Falls, NSW
Hop on the train from Sydney and let the colours of the season pass you by on the short journey to this quaint paradise.
Enjoy the splendour of the Blue Mountains’ most picturesque village and act out your favourite small-town Hallmark movie scenes as you stroll between boutique stores, cross historical stone bridges, and take in the invigorating autumn vibes.
If you’re up for an adventure, hike to the spectacular waterfall that gives this town its name and refresh your lungs in the clean mountain air.
Wentworth Falls Gallery garden. Credit: Wentworth Falls Gallery
3. Macedon Ranges, Victoria
Just a short drive outside of Melbourne, you can visit Mount Macedon, sometimes called “the green heart of the Macedon Ranges”.
Wander through the regional park and marvel as that green heart turns red during the autumn months. With 30km of walking and hiking routes, you’ll be awash in nature’s most vibrant colours (and, if you’re lucky, see some wildlife along the way).
After experiencing the gorgeous scenery, while away the afternoon at one of the cellar doors here that offer award winning tipples perfectly suited to the cool, relaxing air.
Malmsbury Viaduct. Credit: Visit Victoria
4. The South Coast, NSW
If you are looking for a place to wear out the kids while you and your other half enjoy a much-needed break in the ocean air, you’ve found it at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort.
Located just three hours from Canberra (where you can stop in to see the tree-lined Grant Crescent, Canberra’s prettiest street), Merimbula offers crystal-clear waters and sandy white beaches – no wonder the locals refer to it as the ‘gem of the Sapphire Coast’!
Tathra Wharf, Merimbula. Credit: DNSW
5. Bright, Victoria
The Victorian Alps glow red and gold in autumn, and there’s no better place to see them than in Bright, Victoria.
Australians flock here every year to watch the trees shake off their summer coats and create drifts of rich earthy hues. The town even hosts its own Autumn Festival – a ten-day celebration of colour, produce, and community.
Visit in late April to also explore the Wandi Nut Festival, the Open Gardens, historical tours and the Autumn Art Exhibition at the Bright Art Gallery.
Streets of Bright. Credit: Visit Victoria
6. Barossa, SA
Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature surrounded by the ever-changing colours of the trees in one of Australia’s most famous wine countries.
When the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to pick grapes! And later you can sit back and sip a chardonnay while taking in the reds and oranges of autumn and watching the sun go down.
The Barossa is ideal for an autumn getaway, a place to relax, recharge and let your worries float into the wind.
Barossa. Credit: Tourism Australia
7. Coffs Coast, NSW
Discover pristine Arrawarra Beach just north of Coffs Harbour at Darlington Beach Holiday Resort. The park is a dream location to reconnect with family, and its eco-friendly status makes it a nature lover's paradise.
Begin your day watching the sunrise on the beach and keep an eye out for friendly native animals including kangaroos and koalas. The Coffs Coast offers endless activities, such as mountain biking, visiting the marine park, checking out the skyline from the Forest Sky Pier, or even a simple picnic.
Arrawarra near Coffs Harbour. Credit: DNSW
8. Strahan, Tasmania
Set on the banks of Macquarie Harbour and surrounded by nature, Strahan is a perfect destination for a Tasmanian wilderness holiday. And in addition to watching the leaves change colour, you can journey back in time in this historic settler’s village.
With Ocean Beach and the mighty Southern Ocean on one side, and the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on the other, you'll won’t find yourself at a loss for places to explore in Strahan.
Strahan foreshore. Credit Tourism Australia
9. Noosa, QLD
Noosa in autumn, you say? Absolutely! A visit during the cooler months will help you avoid the holiday crowds, better to appreciate its immaculate beaches, and go adventuring in a way the broiling summer sun won’t allow.
It’s the perfect time to hike through Noosa National Park or head to the nearby Glasshouse Mountains to trek their epic peaks.
If relaxation is more your thing, hire a boat, float along the Noosa River, and watch the fish swim by as you enjoy the cooling breeze.
Noosa National Park. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
10. Myall Lakes, NSW
National Parks, with their unspoiled wilderness and birdsong soundtrack, provide a unique opportunity to calm your mind, and relax and rejuvenate your body.
Myall Shores is a holiday park situated in the centre of Myall Lakes National Park, which is on the world-renowned Ramasar List of Wetlands of International Importance. There, you'll share a habitat with kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, and hundreds of bird species.
Since the park is situated next to Myall Shores Lake, there’s also the option to take part in all your favourite water-sport activities.
