The best places to see autumn leaves in Melbourne and regional Victoria in 2025

When can you see autumn leaves in Victoria? 

The autumn season in Victoria, which includes March, April and May, sees foliage turn to rich hues of golden browns and yellows, warm greens, crisp oranges, and rich reds across the state.

Typically, the ‘peak’ season to see autumn leaves, when they're at their most vibrant, will fall in the middle of the period, from late March to early May, although the colours may still be vibrant into early June.

Best places to see autumn leaves in Melbourne 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

With its wide green spaces, manicured gardens and abundance of trees, a crisp autumn day is best enjoyed at the Royal Botanic Gardens with a camera, good company and maybe even a picnic.

The gardens showcase a beautiful display of fall foliage, with various trees, particularly maples, oaks, and elms, turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. The contrast against the lush green landscape and tranquil lakes makes it a picturesque location for autumn walks and photography.

Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne

Fitzroy Gardens is a good place for those who want to see autumn leaves in the Melbourne CBD, but can only spare their lunchbreak to do so. The gardens' mix of mature trees and well-maintained landscapes makes it a great place to experience Melbourne's autumn season.

Located near the State Parliament and Treasury Buildings, construction of these Victorian-era gardens started in 1859. Plantings included many deciduous northern hemisphere trees such as elms, maidenhairs and lindens, which put on a golden display come autumn.

Central Park, Malvern East

Malvern East’s Central Park is one of the few Edwardian gardens in Victoria. In addition to its wide paved walking trails and conservatory (one of the oldest in the state), Central Park also boasts some photogenic scenery come autumn, all thanks to its large and leafy deciduous trees.

The display might not be as expansive or dramatic as in larger gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens or Fitzroy Gardens, but Central Park does have a variety of oaks and maples, so you can still enjoy the seasonal transformation of the foliage.

Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

Located at the northern edge of Melbourne’s CBD, locals and tourists alike enjoy the autumnal glory in the Carlton Gardens. Against the glorious backdrop of the Royal Exhibition Building, it’s a beautiful place to catch up with friends on the lawn or steal a few moments to yourself.

The gardens are home to several tree species that display beautiful autumn colours, such as oaks, maples, and elms. From late March to May, the trees in Carlton Gardens transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making it a lovely spot to enjoy Melbourne's autumn season.

Best places to see autumn leaves in Victoria

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Dandenong Ranges

The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, located in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, are stunning throughout the year, but autumn is particularly showstopping. Its winding garden paths are lined by both towering native gums (namely the spectacular mountain ash) and exotic tree species like maples and oaks, the latter of which burst into yellows, oranges and reds when autumn hits.

Head down to the garden’s ornamental lakes to see the water, bridges and gazebo framed in warm colours.

Cloudehill Gardens, Dandenong Ranges

Head for the hills in the Dandenong Ranges for a glimpse of some serious autumnal magic at Cloudehill Gardens near Olinda. At an altitude of 580m, lose yourself in an oasis of 25 garden compartments divided by stone walls and hedges.

Growing on the property since 1928, each garden displays something different, from peonies to bluebells to stunning weeping Japanese maples. Deciduous species like maples, oaks and redgums put on a spectacular show of red, orange, and yellow hues in late March to May in a serene setting.

Drop into the nursery and take some beautiful plants home, or catch the Puffing Billy for an iconic Dandenong Ranges experience.

Bright, High Country

There’s nowhere quite like Bright in autumn. This is the place for marvelling at tree-lined streets transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and enjoying cosy evenings in front of an open fire, sampling some of the state’s best local produce.

This must-see location for autumn lovers offers charming streets and gorgeous nearby landscapes. Hire a bike and take in the autumnal hues on a gentle bike ride along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail - or take a drive through Victoria’s High Country  along the Great Alpine Road.

Daylesford, Great Dividing Range

With the abundance of scenic walks and waterfalls throughout the area, there’s no shortage of spots to catch the autumnal change in Daylesford. From late March to May, Daylesford’s parks, gardens, and surrounding countryside come alive with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow as deciduous trees, including maples and oaks, change color.

The Lake House is always a beautiful spot for fine dining, with views over a rust-hued landscape adding seasonal drama. Follow an indulgent lunch with a ramble through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, which offers panoramic views and a peaceful environment filled with autumnal colours. It’s a wonderful place for a leisurely walk or photography during the autumn season.

Mansfield, High Country

While this charming town at the base of Mount Buller buzzes with life each winter, don’t discount Mansfield in autumn. Watch the town change from green to red to white as you explore the natural beauty of the lake and local walking tracks, all lined by oaks, maples and willows.

If you're there on a Saturday, check to see if the monthly farmers' market is on. Mansfield's proximity to the alpine regions also means that the surrounding forests and national parks offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy more autumn colors.

The Yarra Valley

It’s always a good time for a day exploring wineries, and autumn is no exception. Head to the Yarra Valley as row upon row of grapevines turn various shades of copper, gold and amber. There’s an abundance of wineries to choose from, each offering its own sliver of beauty. Make a day trip out of it and soak up the cosy, crisp atmosphere only autumn can offer.

In addition to the vineyards, the Yarra Valley features a variety of deciduous trees, such as maples, oaks, and elms, that also showcase beautiful autumn foliage. Whether you’re visiting wineries, taking a scenic drive, or exploring the countryside, the Yarra Valley offers a picturesque autumn experience.

Valley of Liquid Ambers, Heathcote

Heathcote might be the shiraz capital of Victoria, but it's also rich in natural beauty and breathtaking countryside. It's a half-hour drive from Bendigo to the Valley of Liquid Ambers, known for its striking display of liquidambar trees, which are famous for their vibrant fall colors, including deep reds to fiery oranges and yellows, making the valley a spectacular sight during autumn.

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view, before meandering across the swinging bridge that leads back to the main street. The Valley of Liquid Ambers is also a popular spot for photography and scenic drives.

Avenue of Honour, Ballarat

Stretching for around 22km, the tree-lined Avenue of Honour in Ballarat is one the longest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Incorporating the Ballarat Arch of Victory, the avenue was planted to represent the 3,912 local men and women who served in World War I.

In autumn, its oak, elm and other deciduous tree leaves turn myriad shades of red and gold. Ballarat's Avenue of Honour is worthy of a road trip and is just one of many great free things to do in the region.

The Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges is one of the best places in Victoria to experience the vibrant colors of autumn. From late March to May, the deciduous trees in the area—such as oaks, maples, and liquidambars—transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Popular spots to enjoy the autumn foliage include Hanging Rock, Forest Glade Gardens, and the famous Macedon Botanic Gardens. The region’s charming towns, such as Woodend and Kyneton, also showcase beautiful autumn displays, making it a fantastic destination for scenic drives, walks, or photography during the fall season.

Alternatively, simply enjoy a Sunday drive through the wineries that make up the Macedon Ranges, as you watch the foliage turn for another autumn season.