23 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Melbourne
Melbourne's parks, gardens and streets explode with colours during the autumn period. European deciduous trees such as Elm, Ash and Maple display stunning orange, yellow and red autumn colours.
The autumn season in Melbourne starts in March and ends in May, though the autumn colours may start and end earlier or later in the season depending on the weather.
Extending from the spectacular surrounds of the Melbourne CBD to the outer suburbs, we've put together a list of the best places to experience Melbourne's autumn colours. Grab a warm jacket and explore this magical wonderland of colours.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN INNER MELBOURNE
1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of Melbourne's top places to visit in Autumn with vibrant colours of yellow and orange painting a beautiful picture across this favourite landmark. Kids can play among the fallen leaves on the Oak Lawn which is the best spot for Autumn photos and explore nature-based experiences at the delightful Ian Potter Children's Garden. With over 38 hectares to explore, there's plenty of places to admire the striking autumn hues.
2. Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens is a lovely park on the edge of the city which is a must-visit destination during Autumn. As well as avenues of tall elm trees dropping their colourful leaves, the kids will have a great time at the cafe, conservatory, Cooks' Cottage, model Tudor village, fairy tree and dragon-themed playground. The gardens are a perfect location for a family picnic. Here are some other places in our best 30 picnic spots in Melbourne.
3. Carlton Gardens, Nicholson Street, Carlton
The red, orange and purple colours of Carlton Gardens, with its flowerbeds, ornamental lakes and statues is probably one of the most instantly recognisable images of Melbourne in Autumn. Head down the Grand Allee avenue of European trees, with the Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain and Royal Exhibition Building in the background, for the perfect Insta photo.
The northern section of the gardens is also colourful and is home to the Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens Tennis Club, Carlton Gardens playground and picnic areas.
4. Kings Domain, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
The area features the Grotto, a former quarry, now transformed into a fern gully; the imposing Observatory Gate complex leading into the Royal Botanic Gardens; a statue of King George V, for whom Kings Domain is named; the Shrine of Remembrance, a moving memorial to Australia's war dead; the Sidney Myer Music Bowl; and the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden, recognising the contribution made by Victoria's female pioneers. In Autumn the addition of brightly coloured poplar trees makes the area even more beautiful and interesting.
5. Fawkner Park, Commercial Road, South Yarra
This popular park in South Yarra is just a short tram ride south of the Melbourne CBD. The pathways, avenues and lawns were first designed in 1875 and now the plantings of established Moreton Bay Figs, elms, poplars and oaks turn golden in Autumn.
The park has three different children's playgrounds - the playground in the centre of the park was designed especially for toddlers. You can also let your dog enjoy a run off-leash in the designated dog off-leash areas. On the weekend there are many sporting matches, including Quidditch! Active visitors can hire a court at the Fawkner Park Tennis Centre and afterwards enjoy a coffee in the adjacent cafe or any of the cafes in South Yarra just across the street on Toorak Road.
6. The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville
A university may not be the first place you think of about Autumn colours but it's nice to wander around the historic university checking out the buildings and the courtyards and internal roads are a mass of colour, particularly along Masson Road which runs off Swanston Street.
7. Ardrie Park, Ardrie Road, Malvern East
Ardrie Park is nestled in the leafy, tree-lined suburb of Malvern East. The elm trees are now over 100 years old and every year they drop colourful leaves making for Autumn joy for visitors. The park also features a shaded playground that's great for toddlers, a picnic area and a dog off-leash area.
8. Jells Park, Waverley Road, Wheelers Hill
Jells Park is a huge 127-hectare park which has picnic areas, two playgrounds including a fantastic Yabbie Hill playspace, nine kilometres of bike trails and Jells Lake that flows from the Dandenong Creek. Add in some autumn colours from the trees to make a delightful destination for visitors.
9. Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Esplanade, Williamstown
Williamstown Botanic Gardens opened in 1860 and are one of Victoria's first public gardens. The gardens feature shrubberies, pinetum, marble statuary, intricate path system, ornamental lake, palm walk and rare and significant trees. The gardens have a breathtaking tapestry of red and amber leaves in Autumn.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN THE DANDENONG RANGES
10. Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, 24 Georgian Road, Olinda
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden which was formerly the National Rhododendron Garden is Victoria's premier cool-climate garden. The gardens are magnificent to explore at any time of the year but are especially beautiful in Autumn due to the explosion of red, orange and gold foliage by the European trees and the rustic-coloured hydrangeas.
The gardens have a collection of 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils. Entry is free and there are scenic places on the lawns to set up a picnic basket. If you're keen to explore more, ride the 'Garden Explorer' which is a people mover which provides a 25-minute guided tour of the garden for a fee.
11. Alfred Nicholas Gardens, 1A Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke
The gardens have an ornamental lake surrounded by golden gingko leaves over the water. Colour is also provided by exotic trees including maples and liquid ambers.
12. Pirianda Garden, 9 Hacketts Road, Olinda
An 11 hectare beautiful woodland garden containing a unique collection of plants including many trees which are botanically significant and considered rare in cultivation in Australia. The garden is particularly beautiful in autumn when the trees change colour to the many hues of orange, red and yellow. Enjoy magnificent views and tranquil walks, bird watching, photography and picnicking on the lawns.
13. George Tindale Memorial Garden, 33 Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke
The gardens offer something new with each season with Autumn providing a canopy of gold, red, orange and burgundy.
14. RJ Hamer Arboretum, 10 Chalet Road, Olinda
126 hectares of breath-taking scenery plus large plantings of northern hemisphere forest species make this an Autumn wonderland. There is a rich array of autumn colours from the fiery red, oranges and crimsons of the liquid ambers and maples, to the subtle paling of the deciduous conifers.
15. Cloudehill Nursery & Garden, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
At Cloudehill Nursery & Garden the combination of weeping maples, beeches and ornamental grasses turns the whole site into an autumnal foliage masterpiece. Wander down the Gallery Walk, just east of the entrance, or through the Cool Borders further south for the best views.
Have a bite at the Seasons Restaurant or purchase some plants or gardening equipment at the Diggers Garden Shop. Entry to the gardens is $10 for adults and children are free.
Looking for more things to do in the Dandenong Ranges? See our extensive guide to the best family activities in the Dandenong Ranges.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN THE YARRA VALLEY
16. Maroondah Reservoir Park, Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Maroondah Reservoir Park is located near Healesville, about 50km from Melbourne. the park offers a wonderful variety of experiences, from colourful gardens to long and short walks, exotic and native trees, spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The scenic attraction of the reservoir and European-style gardens have made it one of the most popular parks in Victoria.
In Autumn, the park changes to a multi-coloured autumn leaf spectacle and the historic Rose Stairway is a stunning location for that Insta shot.
Looking for more things to do in the Yarra Valley? See our extensive guide to the best family activities in the Yarra Valley.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
17. Arthurs Seat State Park, Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
Arthurs Seat State Park is one of the most beautiful locations in the Mornington Peninsula during autumn. From the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula, you can see over Port Phillip Bay while admiring 84 acres of land covered in autumn leaves.
There are many winding paths that lead off the main road to explore. One of the most popular areas is Seawinds Gardens which has a playground, picnic facilities including toilets and the William Ricketts sculpture collection dotted amongst the deciduous trees.
18. Coolart Wetlands and Homestead, Lord Somers Road, Somers
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead is a 87 acre heritage estate with wetlands, bird hides, woodlands and pasture surrounding a historic Homestead. In autumn the leaves on the estate turn a golden hue.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN THE MACEDON RANGES
19. Honour Avenue, Macedon
The Avenue of Honour is a spectacular avenue of Pin Oak trees that honours the 154 men and women of Macedon and Mount Macedon who fought in World War I.
Every year, the area attracts a lot of visitors in the peak autumn season, so there are temporary traffic management measures in place during this time. Avoid weekends and go early in the morning to avoid the masses.
20. Tieve Tara Gardens, 751 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon
The Gardens undulate across 7.5 acres of sweeping lawns, lakes and trees with vibrant seasonal colours. The maples, pin oaks, aspens, liquid ambers, silver birches, golden and claret ash, copper beech, Virginia creepers all transform into a blaze of red and yellow in autumn and the ground becomes a carpet of colourful leaves.
Entry is $10 per person and 12 years and under are free.
21. Forest Glade Garden, 816 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon
A private Mount Macedon garden that is open to the public. The garden has four distinct themes and the large English section is where you'll find the best autumn colours from to the various deciduous trees. The other themes in the gardens include a Japanese garden with a bonsai house, a woodland area and a fern gully.
Adult entry is $10. Children 16 and under, and disabled visitors and their carers admitted free.
22. Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Mollison Street, Kyneton
The Kyneton Botanic Gardens were established in 1858 and the many European trees explode with colour in autumn. There is also a fun all-abilities playspace which offers nature-based play and water play.
23. Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Ellesmere Place, Malmsbury
The Malmsbury Botanic Gardens were laid out in 1863 and are one of Victoria's earliest regional botanic gardens. Centred about an ornamental lake, the gardens feature some massive examples of exotic and native trees. A short walk to the back of the gardens gives the best vista to the Malmsbury Viaduct, an incredible feat of stone engineering.
Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of the year to visit, especially in late April / early May when the leaves of the Dutch Elms turn to yellow and contrast vividly with the twigs and dark furrowed bark before falling to carpet the ground below. The Dutch Elms at the front of the lake were planted as a memorial to soldiers of the First World War, 1914-1918.
Photo Credits: @alexander_martindes, Walking Perspective, Aamer Jamal
Web Links
→ Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges
→ 13 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Victoria
