Autumn Postcards from the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Autumn in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is nothing short of spectacular, bringing new beauty to the region every day. Wander the wineries, gardens and forests this season, enjoy the crisp fresh air and admire the gold, red and orange leaves.

We call it picturesque for a reason. So take a stroll, take a photograph, take it all in.

AVENUE OF GOLDEN LEAVES IN MARYSVILLE

Just 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Marysville offers a riot of coloured leaves in autumn. A beautiful line of poplar trees creates this golden avenue on both sides of Buxton to Marysville Road, roughly 5 km outside of Marysville.

A popular destination for nature lovers, take the time to explore this region and its accommodation, cafes, shopping and more. Tie up your hiking shoes and venture out to explore Marysville's incredible walking trails and scenic lookouts, all bursting with colour. Taking the Keppel Falls walk offers magnificent views you won't soon forget.

On your way to the falls, Lady Talbot Drive, part of the incredibly scenic Black Spur Drive, is a highlight for many as well.

Photo: Poplar Trees on the Gould Memorial Drive

ANIMAL FUN AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Just over an hour from Melbourne, Healesville Sanctuary is the best place to see our iconic Australian animals. Wander the tranquil tracks and meet beautiful animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus and more. Discover majestic birds of prey and magnificent parrots in the spectacular Spirits of The Sky bird presentation. Plus, visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre to meet the vets and nurses as they care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in need of care.

Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays and on Victorian public holidays.

How gorgeous is this Tasmanian Devil playing in the autumn leaves at Healesville Sanctuary?

Photo: Tasmanian Devil at Healesville Sanctuary

COLOURFUL YARRA VALLEY VINEYARDS

It is a stunning sight when autumn comes to the Yarra Valley and the vineyards change colours into vibrant orange, red and yellow.

A must-do activity in our region is stopping by a cellar door for a wine tasting and lunch. There are so many wineries with amazing views to explore that we guarantee you'll be back time and again

You might even spot some local wildlife like the kangaroos in this image from Tokar Estate!

Photo: Tokar Estate Winery

AUTUMN SIGHTS FROM ABOVE

One of the best ways to see the autumn foliage is to soar above the clouds with a hot air ballooning flight with Go Wild Ballooning and Global Ballooning Australia.

This unforgettable experience gives you another perspective on how beautiful our region is. Watch the sunrise over the vineyards, see the Yarra River below and be amazed by the surrounding mountains.

Photo: Global Ballooning Australia

CALIFORNIAN REDWOOD FOREST IN WARBURTON

Ready to charm, the historic township of Warburton is packed with places to explore and stay and the views as you wander, the 5km Riverside Walk are especially lovely in autumn.

Make sure to visit the nearby Californian Redwood Forest for an amazing experience and stunning photos of these enormous red-barked trees. Towering into the sky, some trees are 55 metres high!

Photo: Californian Redwood Forest

AMAZING ACCOMMODATION

Autumn is a fantastic time to explore our amazing accommodation options. With vineyard stays, resorts, cottages, bed and breakfast, farm stays and more to explore. Why not extend your adventure by staying a couple of nights and make the most of this spectacular season.

Photo: SOUMAH of Yarra Valley

THE FORESTED TRACKS OF BADGER WEIR

Enjoy fresh mountain air and a scenic stroll through the ancient fern gullies, step over crystal clear mountain streams and marvel at the mighty Mountain Ash trees. Don't forget to look up as the birdlife here is quite active!

The Badger Weir track starts and finishes at the Badger Weir picnic grounds in Healesville. In the autumn months, the park is open from 8 am to 5 pm (from May to August - check Parks Victoria for opening hours throughout the year). The walk is reasonably easy and particularly lovely after the rain when Badger Creek is full and flowing. This walk is popular during summer as the tree canopy provides a cool cover and in the cooler season, it's an ideal spot for the quiet and crisp fresh air.

Photo: Badger Weir

STUNNING GARDENS

If you thought gardens were only beautifully in bloom during the warmer months, you haven’t experienced the incredibly vibrant cool climate gardens found in the Dandenong Ranges. Check out these spectacular gardens and experience their autumnal beauty.

Photo: Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

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