Autumn Travel in Australia: Best Road Trips, Destinations & Experiences
Autumn is an underrated gem in Australia! As the summer heat fades, the landscape dresses up in its best with splashes of gold, red, and orange leaves. The cooler temperatures provide a whole new world of road trips, outdoor adventures, and foodie experiences.
Whether you’re keen on spotting wildlife, sipping wine in a vineyard, or chasing vibrant foliage, this guide will help you plan the ultimate Australian autumn holiday in Australia. So let’s get straight into it!
Why Travel in Australia During Autumn?
If you’ve never tried exploring Australia in autumn (March to May), here’s why it should be at the top of your to-do list:
Stunning Autumn Foliage: Regions like the Blue Mountains, Bright (Victoria), and Tasmania put on a spectacular show of colours.
Perfect Weather: Milder temperatures mean you can enjoy outdoor activities without the scorching summer heat or winter chill.
Fewer Crowds: Popular destinations are less busy, making road trips and sightseeing much more enjoyable.
Better Wildlife Encounters: Cooler weather brings more active wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and migrating whales along the coast.
Harvest Season for Food & Wine: It’s vintage time in Australia’s wine regions, meaning cellar doors are buzzing with fresh new releases and harvest festivals!
Best Autumn Road Trips In Australia
A good road trip needs scenic drives, charming stops, and plenty of photo opportunities. These 2WD-friendly road trips deliver all that and more:
The Great Alpine Road (Victoria)
Route: Wangaratta → Bright → Mount Beauty → Omeo → Bairnsdale
Best Time to Visit: Late April – Early May for peak autumn colours
Winding through Victoria’s High Country, this drive is famous for its stunning autumn foliage, especially in the town of Bright. Enjoy crisp mountain air, delicious local produce, and breathtaking valley views. Stop at the Mount Buffalo National Park for panoramic vistas and waterfalls.
The Blue Mountains & Hunter Valley (New South Wales)
Route: Sydney → Katoomba → Leura → Hunter Valley
Best Time to Visit: March – May
This road trip combines two incredible experiences: The golden hues of the Blue Mountains and the world-class wineries of the Hunter Valley. Walk through the changing leaves in Leura or admire the misty beauty of the Three Sisters before heading to the Hunter Valley for a glass of locally made Shiraz.
Adelaide Hills & Barossa Valley (South Australia)
Route: Adelaide → Stirling → Hahndorf → Barossa Valley
Best Time to Visit: Late March – April
The Adelaide Hills are packed with vibrant autumn colours, particularly in Stirling and Hahndorf, a charming German-inspired town. Continue to the Barossa Valley, where vineyards turn a brilliant shade of gold, and enjoy some of the country’s best wines paired with hearty autumn dishes.
Best Autumn Destinations in Australia
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Cradle Mountain is already stunning year-round, but in autumn, the turning of the Fagus (Australia’s only native deciduous tree) transforms the landscape into a golden wonderland. The Enchanted Walk and Dove Lake Circuit are must-dos!
Bright, Victoria
The ultimate autumn foliage hotspot, Bright is filled with vibrant tree-lined streets, cycling trails, and a relaxing countryside atmosphere. The Bright Autumn Festival (late April) is the best time to visit.
The Southern Highlands, NSW
Bowral, Berrima, and Mittagong are gorgeous in autumn, with tree-lined streets and cosy cafés. Bowral’s Tulip Time Festival in early autumn is a highlight.
Autumn Foodie & Wine Experiences In Australia
Hunter Valley (NSW): Try fresh Semillon and local cheese at cellar doors like Brokenwood and Tyrrell’s Wines.
Daylesford (VIC): The perfect spot for a cosy autumn escape with farm-to-table restaurants and the famous Wombat Hill House café.
Adelaide Hills (SA): Visit the Stirling Markets for fresh seasonal produce, and warm up with a glass of locally made Pinot Noir.
Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters In Australia
Kangaroo Island (SA): Visit Seal Bay for up-close encounters with sea lions and watch koalas lazing in eucalyptus trees.
Great Ocean Road (VIC): Autumn marks the start of whale-watching season, with southern right whales migrating along the coast.
Maria Island (TAS): A haven for wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils, plus stunning coastal hikes.
Best Autumn Nature Trips In Australia
The Turning of the Fagus – Tasmania
Every April, Tasmania’s highlands, especially Cradle Mountain and Mount Field National Park, are lit up by the golden glow of the Fagus tree. This unique autumn phenomenon is a must-see for nature lovers in Australia!
Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
A short drive from Melbourne, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and RJ Hamer Arboretum are perfect for seeing vibrant autumn leaves.
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
For a coastal escape with mild weather, head to Wilsons Promontory, where you can enjoy scenic hikes, secluded beaches, and close encounters with wombats and echidnas.
Tips & Tricks for Camping in Autumn
Pack Warm Gear: Temperatures drop at night (especially in southern states), so bring extra layers and anything you’ll need to keep yourself warm.
Bring a Portable Heater or Hot Water Bottle: Perfect for those chilly nights!
Be Prepared for Rain: Autumn can bring unpredictable showers, so pack a waterproof coat, a spare pair of sneakers, and an umbrella.
Campfires & Permits: Many campsites allow fires in autumn, but check local regulations and find a local firewood seller (many campgrounds sell firewood).
Easy Warm Meals: Pre-make soups, stews, and pasta for quick, warm meals which you can reheat in your microwave.
Wildlife Awareness: Animals like wombats and possums are more active in autumn—store food properly to avoid nighttime visitors!
Autumn is a Great Time to Explore Australia!
Autumn in Australia offers perfect weather, breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and incredible food and wine experiences—all without the crowds of peak seasons. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic road trip, chasing autumn leaves, or indulging in a vineyard escape, this season is full of magical moments waiting to be discovered.
For more tips about how to budget for an autumn road trip, check out this handy guide to the seasons in Australia!
Ready to start your Australia autumn road trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
