Autumn is a season that always leaves me feeling a little conflicted. On one hand, it's a beautiful time of year in Melbourne, with the leaves turning golden and the air getting cooler. On the other hand, it's just one step closer to the dreaded Melbourne winter, with its near-endless gloom and piercing cold winds. I, for one, am dreaming of the day I can relocate somewhere with a little more warmth and sunshine, but until that day comes, making the most of every season that isn’t winter keeps me going.
At this time of year, Melbourne and Victoria’s regional towns begin to awaken with seasonal colour and life, and there's no shortage of beautiful locations to explore. So before we have to break out our winter coats, grab your camera and come along with me to hunt down some of the best locations to embrace the season and take some seriously stunning autumn Instagram shots along the way.
Without Leaving Melbourne
Victoria Barracks
If you’re looking for a convenient photo location that doesn’t require a day trip out of the city, Victoria Barracks offers a unique photo opportunity for capturing the essence of autumn in the heart of Melbourne. Originally built in the 1850s, this historic site served as the administrative centre for the British army in Victoria and is currently still used by Victoria’s Department of Defence as an administrative centre.
Despite being a lifelong Melbourne local, somehow, this spot has never made it onto my radar. You’ll be hard-pressed to find it on lists of Melbourne's best autumn photo locations, which is a surprise to me seeing as the floor-to-ceiling Boston Ivy covering the exterior of the building creates a stunning contrast from its surroundings at this time of year.
It’s a perfect location for a quick photo, and while my companion may look unimpressed, I’m chalking that up to the fact that he’s colourblind.
South Melbourne Market
While you’re still in Melbourne, stop in at South Melbourne market, just 10 minutes down the road from Victoria Barracks. With a variety of seasonal produce and flowers, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the colours and flavours of autumn.
Figs, strawberries, blackberries and chestnuts are all in season and are perfect additions to an autumn charcuterie board. If you’re anything like me and don’t believe in saving flowers for special occasions, there’s also an incredible selection of fresh blooms. Dahlias and Easter daisies are two of my seasonal favourites.
Day Trips From Melbourne
Honour Avenue, Macedon
Distance From Melbourne: 62.7kms / 51min drive
If you’re ready to dive deeper and make a day of your search for autumn, Honour Avenue in the Macedon Ranges is a must-visit destination at this time of year. This stunning avenue is lined with over 154 Pin Oaks, and when autumn arrives, the leaves slowly transition from a vibrant yellow to a beautiful shade of red creating a breathtaking canopy over the road.
I’ve visited the Macedon Ranges many times throughout the years, most recently on an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic, and I love taking my time to explore the op shops and second-hand bookstores sprinkled throughout the region.
The best time to visit Honour Avenue is late March to late April each year when the leaves are at their most vibrant.
🍁🍂 Autumn Activity 🍂🍁
While you’re there, check out one of the Shire's autumn farmer's markets and take home some of the region's best seasonal produce. Weekend farmer’s markets are one of my favourite ways to set myself up for a great week ahead. I grab as much seasonal fruit and veg as I can directly from the growers before heading to the supermarket for the rest of the weekly grocery shop.
Riddells Creek - Main Road, Sat, 15 Apr 2023 9:00am - 01:00pm
Malmsbury - Mollison Street, Sun, 16 Apr 2023 9:00am - 01:00pm
Lancefield - High Street, Sat, 22 Apr 2023 9:00am - 01:00pm
Macedon - Macedon Primary School, 67 Smith St, Sat, 29 Apr 2023 9:00am - 01:00pm
Gould Memorial Drive, Marysville
Distance From Melbourne: 102kms / 1hr 49 min drive
A little further out, located just outside of Marysville town centre, Gould Memorial Drive is an enchanting destination that truly comes alive during the autumn season. As you wind your way down this idyllic country road, you'll be surrounded by a mesmerizing display of rich yellows and radiant golds.
For the most impressive display of foliage, it's best to visit during the earlier autumn months before the trees begin to shed their leaves.
🍁🍂 Autumn Activity 🍂🍁
If you’re already feeling the cold like I am, there are plenty of scenic trails and hikes in and around Marysville to keep you moving (and warm). If you’d instead prefer to take it easy, Fraga's Cafe is the perfect cafe lunch setting amidst the stunning autumn leaves.
If you’re travelling from Melbourne and have a little extra time up your sleeve, I highly recommend making a few extra stops along the way, as you’ll be passing through one of Australia’s most stunning wine and produce regions, the Yarra Valley. Coldstream Brewery and Badger Creek Blueberry Hill are two of my dog-friendly must-visits when passing through.
Weekend Trip From Melbourne
Bright
Distance From Melbourne: 330km / 3hr 47min drive
This list, of course, wouldn’t be complete without mentioning arguably the most famous destination to experience autumn in Victoria - Bright. If you’re serious about taking in autumn at its best and are up for the drive, it’s well worth a visit.
At this time of year, this country town becomes a kaleidoscope of colour that's simply mesmerizing. The town and its surrounds are, in fact, so well known for their iconic photograph opportunities, that the local council has mapped the best places to snap a pic, depending on the time of the year you’re visiting.
The leaves usually start changing their colour in early March, and the colour can be seen until late May or sometimes even early June. The most intense period of autumn colour is typically from mid-April to early May, but this can change from year to year.
🍁🍂 Autumn Activity 🍂🍁
While you’re there, check out the Bright Autumn Festival, an annual celebration of cultural and seasonal culinary events, including art exhibitions, live music performances, food and wine tastings, and more.
If you’re a Melbourne apartment dweller like myself and missing a little greenery in your life (if you can call it that in autumn), you may also be interested in visiting some of the open gardens on display as part of the festival.
All in all, autumn is a beautiful season in Melbourne and regional Victoria, despite being a reminder of the cold winter that follows. Whether you're up for a quick photo stop, a day trip or a weekend getaway to take it all in, pockets of colour are all around, you just have to do a little searching.
