Victoria’s Prettiest Autumn Towns

Autumn is my favourite time of year in Victoria. There is something so special about the early days of the season, when the air gets really crisp and still and the leaves are just starting to turn their warm reds and golds. It’s the best time of year to head out of Melbourne, pop into picturesque towns and frolic in the leaves.

COLDSTREAM

Coldstream is a foodie’s delight, and the kick off point for a roadtrip through the Yarra Valley. Plan plenty of delicious stops along the way, and sample some of Victoria’s best seasonal produce. There’s the Yarra Valley Dairy, where the dill goat’s cheese on a slice of pear will just make your tastebuds sing. Stop in at Coombe Farm Estate Cellar Door, or St Huberts Vineyard for a wine tasting. At the end of the road, enjoy your spoils with a picnic at Punt Road Wines.

MOUNT MACEDON

Revel in autumnal splendour in Mount Macedon, a town filled with glorious gardens and award-winning wineries. The maples, birches and beeches at Forest Glade Gardens display a riot of colour, and you can sip on cool-climate wines at Mount Macedon Winery and my personal favourite, Hanging Rock Wines. There is also some phenomenal views on offer if you’re into hiking up big hills.

DAYLESFORD

I got to visit Daylesford last year, and indulged in the most relaxing spa weekend of my life. Daylesford is made for the cooler months, you can soak in rejuvenating mineral springs, admire the autumn scenery from a fireside seat, or wander through town discovering unique and antique local designers. Daylesford is also a food lover’s paradise, a tiny town filled with cosy cafes and refined dining options. Check out Frank & Connie’s Kitchen in nearby Hepburn Springs, or Bistro Terroir in downtown Daylesford.

WARBURTON

An easy drive from Melbourne, Warburton is famous for it’s Californian Redwood Forest, but it’s also a very popular destination for viewing the autumn colours in all their splendour. Take a riverside walk along the Yarra River as it winds through the picturesque Warburton Valley, or cycle the Lilydale to Warburton rail trail. Pick seasonal produce at Rayner’s Orchard, and stand beneath the towering redwoods. I would recommend an overnight stay here, there is so much to see and do!

MARYSVILLE

Marysville has to be one of my favourite places come autumn time. There are elm trees lining Murchison Street, and the leaves turn a blaze of deep organe shades. Stop by the quirky sculpture garden in town, and tuck into a hearty homecooked meal at Fraga’s Cafe. Nature lovers can hike the nearby Cathedral Ranges, or if you’re more like me a gentle stroll along the Steavenson Falls Trail will bring you to one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls.

CASTLEMAINE

I adore Castlemaine. In Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Castlemaine is affectionately referred to as North Northcote, for all the Northcote folks who have relocated to Castlemaine over the years. A charming gold rush town situated between Ballarat and Bendigo, there is heaps to see and do here. Castlemaine has a huge artsy vibe, with local makers setting up studios and galleries throughout the town. There are plenty of bookstores and boutique stores to explore, plus antique shopping and local produce to try. Pop into Long Paddock Cheese for a sample, take in a flick at the historic Theatre Royal, or sit under the red and gold leaves at the Railway Hotel, and sip on a frothy beer.

BRIGHT

Historic Bright is one of the most picturesque villages in High Country, offering gentle strolls, epic mountain biking and a first-rate food scene. In the summer, it overflows with the mountain biking crowds, and come winter it transforms into the perfect base for the ski bunnies. But autumn is Bright’s shining star. There are galleries and speciality stores to browse through, cafes and fine dining on offer. I strongly recommend a dinner at Sir Loin’s for meatlovers, but there are options for all preferences. Plan your visit around the annual Bright Autumn Festival and get ready for markets, music in the streets and a grand parade.