A Kaleidoscope of Colour
What will the weather be like?
Most days will be warm and sunny, but autumn can bring rain to many parts of Australia. The north is likely to be wet, while the south will vary.
So, for a kaleidoscope of colour, check out this alluring line-up.
What clothes should I pack?
It may still be warm in early autumn, so pack layers and wet weather gear. As winter approaches, the temperature will drop, so bring a warm coat.
What’s the best place to visit?
Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast all host exciting festivals, while regional areas showcase the changing colours of the leaves
Get your foodie fix in Melbourne
Melbourne is well-known for its culinary scene, making it a food lover’s paradise. Lygon and Brunswick Streets are lined with restaurants and cafes. Plenty to choose whichever cuisine you prefer. Autumn is a great time to indulge with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival held in the city and the Grampians Grape Escape taking place just three hours west of Melbourne. For culture vultures, hit up the Melbourne Fashion Festival or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. If sport is more your style, the F1 Grand Prix will get your engine running while the Rip Curl Pro is held at Bells Beach along the Great Ocean Road. Head out on the Great Southern Touring Route for a six-day road trip of epic landscapes, native wildlife and charming towns. You’ll take in the 12 Apostles, Grampians National Park and historic Ballarat. Combine culinary delights with nature when you head to the Yarra Valley and north through Marysville to see the changing autumn hues.
What to do in the Grampians.
A visit to the Grampians is not complete without a trip to the region’s original winemaking pioneers at Seppelt Great Western. Open seven days a week, experience the beauty of country Victoria at the historic cellar door for a tasting or to purchase wine, coffee, a light lunch or cheese platter, and step back in time underground with a tour of the heritage-listed cellars, The Drives – first excavated in 1868 and the longest in the southern hemisphere.
In Canberra, there's Parliament House and the War Memorial.
In Canberra, autumn is marked by the changing of the leaves. Take a stroll along the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin to see the colours reflected in the water and enjoy a steamy glass of mulled wine at a pop-up wine bar (locations vary). You can also head to the National Arboretum to snap photos of the birch forest as it transitions from green to vibrant reds and oranges. See it all from on high with a hot air balloon over the city, taking in the landmarks as the sun rises over Australia’s capital city. Enlighten Festival kicks off in March with illuminations projected onto iconic buildings and signature events such as the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
Hahndorf
Each autumn, several Australian locations spring to life like at no other time of year. Hahndorf in SA’s Adelaide Hills is at its prettiest in autumn. (Pictured above in headline)
Which of these tourist attractions gets the most visitors in a single year: Westminster Abbey, the Florida Everglades, the Kremlin Museum – or the village of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills?
It’s a trick question, because they all get the same, about a million. What’s surprising is that Hahndorf, a relatively obscure town of 3000 people in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, can be mentioned in the same breath as Westminster Abbey. Moreover, a million visitors would easily put Hahndorf among Australia’s busiest attractions.
The season delivers the right ingredients that allow these destinations to be at their blooming best, bursting with beauty of gob-smacking proportions. then there’s Chocolate @ No. 5.
Producers and wholesalers of artisan chocolates in the historic township of Hahndorf, South Australia. Premium chocolate bars are supplied to a National retail customer base under the Chocolate @ No 5 label. Chocolate @ No 5 is also the home of the Sugar Diva range (launching March 2019) and the No5 Winebar which is specifically targeted to the wine and accommodation sectors. Retail products can be purchased directly from their showroom in Hahndorf.
Tasmania
The Apple Isle as a whole is irresistible in autumn as a spectacular assortment of colourful scenery dominates the landscape. Leading destinations to view enchanting colours include Ross, between Hobart and Launceston, and the Derwent Valley, easily accessible from the Tasmanian capital. Iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park bursts with colour thanks to a natural spectacle known as ‘The Turning of the Fagus’ – best viewed from late April-May. Also witness the fabulous fagus at Mt Field National Park, reachable from Hobart.
Bright
Cruise into historic Bright, a picturesque village in Victoria’s High Country. Wander along the Ovens River that meanders through town and explore the stunning forest all around. Witness the deciduous trees in their colourful autumnal splendour and return throughout the year to take advantage of the village’s proximity to Victoria’s alps, national parks and home-grown food and wine.
Have your camera handy in Bright and its surrounds because this popular High Country town is well-named. It is ablaze with colour each autumn thanks largely to its many deciduous trees. Witness this captivating sight while strolling along enticing walking or cycling tracks.
The Barossa, SA
The Barossa: One of the world’s best wine regions
Just a 50 minute drive north east of Adelaide, the Barossa is an internationally-acclaimed wine region encompassing the towns of Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa. From tasting the official best wine in the world, to sipping a local drop that’s as old as you or soaring over some of the oldest vines in the world, discover it all in the Barossa. Wander into over 80 cellar doors, tasting some of the most awarded wines in the world and digging into sumptuous local produce. For the ultimate foodie’s adventure, take the Epicurean Way road trip through the best of the Barossa, and beyond.
Wine regions are an obvious choice for autumn wonders and SA’s most famous example is a delight, too. Colourful vineyards and sparkling sunsets stand out, backed by warm days and cooler nights – the perfect ingredients for cellar-door hopping.
Celebrate in style in Sydney
As the weather begins to cool, Sydney starts to heat up with exciting events and festivals. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras culminates in its flamboyant and fabulous street parade on the first Saturday in March, while families will enjoy the animals, food and exhibits at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Vivid Sydney kicks off in May with an exciting line up of performances and talks to complement the incredible projections and light displays that transform the city.
Head one hour west to explore the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah to see the maples turn russet, copper and gold.
