The Most Beautiful Places To See Autumn Leaves In Melbourne

Autumn is the time for smoldering open fires and hot chocolate, but it’s also the time for crunching russet leaves and spectacular golden gardens. To make the most of these seasonal changes rug up and visit one of these scenic gardens and bear witness to Mother Nature’s ever-evolving floral canvas.

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Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Memorial, Park
Named after Alfred Nicholas, the man who co-developed the Aspro painkiller, the gardens were established in 1933. Roving through the picturesque 13 acre estate you’ll discover moss coated ponds, charming bridges, sculptures, a rotunda and a mystic waterfall. The most photographed segment of the garden is the quaint boathouse and ornamental lake which reflects the vibrant foliage in autumn.

National Rhododendron Gardens

Internationally renowned the National Rhododendron Gardens are enveloped by colour all year round. Located in Olinda, the gardens boast over 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 smiling daffodils. Deep fern gullies and cherry tree groves further the array of textures and shades that garnish these gardens.

Cloudhill

From the perfumed Azalea Steps to the glorious Peony Pavilion, Cloudhill is a garden built on harmonious diversity. Located in the Dandenongs, the garden is set ablaze in autumn when the ornamental grasses erupt to amber and the Yokohama Maples blush crimson. Cloudhill is also distinguished by its hedges, meadows ornamental garden beds.

Maroondah Reservoir Park

Park
Located in the Yarra Valley, Maroondah Reservoir Park, or Maroondah Dam as it’s sometimes referred to, is an English style garden featuring both native and exotic plants. Within the autumn months the Rose Stairway is most picturesque, while in the spring the azaleas and rhododendrons are at their most spectacular. The park is also home to native Australian wildlife including wallabies, wombats and echidnas.

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Designed by renowned botanist Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, Castlemaine Botanical Gardens showcases an established collection of native and exotic trees, including an oak planted in 1867 by the Duke of Edinburgh which is listed by the National Trust. Integrated into the landscaped gardens is an ornamental lake which reflects the canary yellow foliage in autumn.

Carlton Gardens

Building, Cinema, Museum, Park, Botanical Garden
Designed for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, the Carlton Gardens house the Melbourne Museum, IMAX Cinema and the Royal Exhibition Building. The 64 acre site features two ornamental lakes and three elaborate fountains including the French Fountain and Hochgurtel Fountain as well as flowerbeds, Moreton Bay fig trees, palms and avenues lined with elms.

Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens

Sitting on site of an extinct volcano, Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens offers panoramic views of Daylesford. Brimming with 19th-century character, the gardens features sweeping open lawns shaded by mammoth conifers and elms making it one of Victoria’s most beautiful regional gardens.

Lake Daylesford

Built in 1929, Lake Daylesford is an idyllic place to unwind. Mature trees border the path which encircles the lake and throughout the autumn the trees dazzle with amber and ruby shades. Perched on the banks is the luxurious Lake House which offers tranquil views over the lake. For the best views of the lake stroll to jetty and keep a watchful eye for the areas abundant bird life.