VISIT VICTORIA: Chasing Colour Through Melbourne's Golden Autumn
As the air turns crisp and the trees ignite in shades of red, orange and gold, Melbourne and regional Victoria transform into a breathtaking autumn canvas. From leafy laneways to scenic country roads, there's no better time to explore Victoria's towns, taste its seasonal produce and soak in the spectacle of the season.
1. KaBloom Festival of Flowers (21 March - 19 April 2026)
This autumn, the Dandenong Ranges will come alive with a breathtaking explosion of colour as the beloved KaBloom Festival of Flowers makes its glorious return. With millions of vibrant blooms in full display, visitors are invited to lose themselves in the beauty of nature, complemented by spectacular entertainment from Circus Oz and mouth-watering food - truly the perfect day out for all. Doors open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, where a freshly reimagined line-up awaits amidst the iconic flower fields. Expect to be enchanted as flower fairies, sprites and pixies emerge from the magical woods, whilst daring circus artists push the boundaries of their craft in thrilling performances that pay homage to the wonders of the natural world.
2. Great Ocean Road Running Festival (16-17 May 2026)
Lace up your shoes and head to Victoria's breathtaking South-West coast for Australia's most scenic running event. The Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns to the stunning stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay, offering eight distances for runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels. Beyond the race itself, the weekend is packed with festivities from a kite festival for the family and beachside yoga sessions to an afternoon of live music in two of Victoria's most beloved coastal towns. With panoramic ocean views at every turn, this is one finish line worth crossing.
For those looking to go a little further afield, regional Victoria beckons with its charming towns, lush gardens and spectacular autumn foliage. Wander through picturesque streets, sample the finest seasonal produce and lose yourself amongst the falling leaves in some of Victoria's most enchanting autumn destinations.
3. Olinda
One of the highest villages in the Dandenong Ranges, Olinda is home to postcard-perfect scenery and an array of beautiful public and private gardens. See the changing colours of autumn at stunning spots like RJ Hamer Arboretum, Cloudehill Gardens and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.
After a day of exploring, head to one of Olinda’s cosy cafes or quaint tea rooms and snuggle up with a hot drink. Enjoy a decadent high tea experience at Olinda Tea House or a sweet devonshire tea of freshly baked scones with lashings of jam and cream at Miss Marple's Tearoom.
4. Coldstream
Plan your ultimate foodie road trip through the Yarra Valley, with plenty of delicious stops to make and autumn scenes to see along the way. Follow the 13-kilometre Coldstream Trail and sample some of the region’s finest produce, from tasty cheese to freshly picked fruit. Join the fun at Napoleone Cider’s festival or enjoy an autumnal spread during picnic season at Punt Road Wines.
5. Bright
Take the Great Alpine Road to the town of Bright, gateway to national parks and ski slopes. Bright is renowned for its magnificent autumn display - large deciduous trees, including oaks, elms, poplars and Japanese maples, paint the town in shades of crimson and bright yellow. Every autumn in April and May, Bright is not only transformed by a sea of colour, with oranges, reds and yellows re-casting the natural landscape, it also becomes a frenzy of activity as the Bright Autumn Festival rolls into town - a celebration of the season's finest local produce, live music, markets, art exhibits and open gardens. Then take a side trip to Mount Beauty, just 30kms east of Bright, where mountain-biking trails wind through glorious autumn scenery.
6. Jamieson & Beechworth
The tiny High Country town of Jamieson is a pretty patch 40kms south of Mansfield, home to an amazing array of significant trees, many dating back to the 1800s, making autumn the perfect time to visit. Just outside the historic gold rush town of Beechworth lies tiny Stanley, known for its apple, hazelnut and walnut orchards and pretty autumn scenes. Stroll through town and pick up produce from surrounding barns and farm gates.
7. Mount Macedon
In Mount Macedon, sprawling gardens and stately homes are alive with colourful maples, liquid ambers, silver birches and pin oaks. The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival showcases the area’s many arts, crafts and farmers’ markets at this picturesque time of the year, while Forest Glade Gardens in Mount Macedon is awash with autumnal colour. Revel in autumnal splendour at glorious gardens and award-winning wineries while visiting this idyllic town.
8. Daylesford & Ballarat
Ramble the tree-laced towns of Castlemaine and Daylesford and buy some delicious seasonal apples from nearby Harcourt. Visit Lake Daylesford, where maples and weeping willows turn red and gold. Heathcote’s picnic-perfect Valley of Liquidambers is awash with orange foliage in May. Ballarat’s Avenue of Honor, the first of its kind in the country, spans a massive 22 kilometres and puts on a fiery display of crimsons, ambers and golds in autumn, incorporating the Ballarat Arch of Victory for an extra photogenic aspect.
9. Dandenong Ranges & Warburton
The towns and gardens of the Dandenong Ranges, Healesville and Warburton offer a dazzling parade of russet and yellow foliage. Maples, beech trees and a pretty lake framed by golden ginkgos paint an idyllic picture at Sherbrooke’s historic Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Nearby, George Tindale Memorial Gardens provide spectacular autumnal vistas. An easy drive from Melbourne, the town of Warburton is another popular destination for admiring autumn leaves in all their splendour.
10. Walhalla & Buchan
In Gippsland, call at the tiny town of Walhalla, which is cradled by mountains and filled with deciduous trees. Easily walkable and brimming with historic charm, this sleepy gold rush town is a top spot for seeing autumn leaves in Gippsland. Follow the Tramline Walkway for picture-perfect views of the township blanketed in golden hues. Alternatively, spend some time in the heritage town of Buchan - perhaps more known for the underground wonders of Buchan Caves, but above ground, the colours of the autumnal maples and golden ash are simply spectacular. For those who want a little more adventure, fret not as the open road is calling!
