Autumn Postcards from the Yarra Valley

Autumn

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.

Here are just a few of our favourite photographable spots.

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 Dive, is a highlight for many as well.

WARBURTON'S RIVERSIDE WALK

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.

Criss-crossing over the Yarra River via a variety of bridges, this walk along the aqueduct and river is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers as it suits a wide range of abilities from flat strolls to steeper terrain and the views are pretty impressive.

VINTAGE VIEWS AT DUSK

Copy of 2016 yellow vines blue mountains

Harvest is done and the grapes are pressed, not it's time for a well-earned rest.

Vintage has wound up for the year and as the vineyards change from lush green to bold yellow, it's an ideal time to relax at any one of our welcoming cellar doors with spectacular vineyard views, sip the benefits of the harvest and admire the surroundings.

A HARVEST TABLE AT ALOWYN GARDENS

Set over seven acres, the award-winning display gardens at Alowyn Gardens really turn up the charm of autumn. Featuring nine distinct garden areas with seasonal displays, enjoy a great day out wandering and exploring as well as visiting the extensive plant nursery with interesting and unusual plants.

The onsite café is also a picture-perfect spot for a warming coffee, tea and cake.

THE FORESTED TRACKS OF BADGER WEIR

Fresh mountain air and a scenic stroll through the ancient fern gullies, step over crystal clear mountain streams all under 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.

THE FRUITS OF THE SEASON - THANKS TO OUR FARMERS

Fruit picking isn't just for summer. Come autumn, the apple orchards are bursting with fruit and it's an equally amazing time to enjoy a u-pick experience.

Visit real working fruit farms, pick your own fruit, enjoy tractor tours and shop the farm gates at some of our delicious farm gates and u-pick experiences including Rayner's Orchard, or Wild About Wellbeing in Wandin North or enjoy mulled cider season at Napoleone Cider Bar.

Read more about our season U-Pick Trail and fruit-picking seasons.