From natural landscapes to intricate botanical gardens, there’s a lot worth visiting this autumn.
While the weather shifts once more as we enter the crisp autumn months, what better way to enjoy the cool air and changing trees than on a relaxing stroll through the great outdoors? Whatever your interest, from native plants to exotic specimens, from easy city paths to rocky treks, there’s plenty to visit throughout Victoria— here are just a few that make great autumn walks.
Canyon Walk
Located in the small town of Bright in the Alpine Shire area, Canyon Walk is a loop that leads visitors on a scenic journey through the natural and historical landscapes that surround the Ovens River, including a canyon carved by natural water flow and water races dug by early miners.
The full track is 3.36 km and will take just around an hour for most, but for those with less time on their hands, or concerns about the rocks and stairs in the latter half, they can cross the first suspension bridge for a shorter loop, and enjoy the autumn flora without worrying about the later uneven terrain.
For one week from Friday, April 28 to Sunday, May 7 in 2023, Bright will also be hosting their annual Autumn Festival, complete with beautiful open gardens, historical tours, and an art exhibition among other festivities, which might be a great stop for some fun before or after a scenic walk, or a trip of its own.
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Pirianda Gardens
Tucked in the Dandenong Ranges, Pirianda Gardens is one of the lesser-known but most beautiful gardens in the area.
With a total 2 km of stonewall paths to wander, the garden is home to a fantastic collection of vegetation that could capture the eye any time of year, but it’s particularly special when its autumn colours come out— Pirianda Gardens houses 28 species of maple tree, as well as the rare Franklinia alatamaha, also known as the Franklin tree, which sprouts flowers on leafless branches in the early autumn weeks.
The garden is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm most days and is also a wonderful location for bird watchers.
Emerald Lake Park Stroll
After a delightful ride from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park on the old-school steam train, Puffing Billy, visitors can set off right away through the beautiful waterside landscape, populated with both exotic ornamental trees and native bushland.
Emerald Lake Park has a number of walking trails to choose from, but a simple trip will take travelers from Lake Treganowan, where paddleboats may be available, down to Lake Nobelius and the ampitheatres nearby. Trees of all colours fill the area at the right time of year, and while many of the local animals are nocturnal, birds such as purple swamphens, rosellas, or lyrebirds have been known to make an appearance.
When you’re ready for a rest, Emerald Lake Park also has a charming cafe that serves both hot and cold meals, as well as the largest model railway in the entire southern hemisphere.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is a classic and beloved Melbourne attraction, and as a Victorian-era style garden, it’s especially lovely in the autumn months.
With extensive pathways from the trees and flowers to the fountains and statues and the semi-wild stream in the southern section, the gardens could easily make an entire afternoon, especially for someone already in the city.
On cold or rainy days, or any day for that matter, visitors can also find breathtaking floral exhibitions entirely indoors in the Conservatory. These displays are changed five times a year with seasonal shifts, so there’s frequently something fresh in store.
Fitzroy Gardens is special as well for being entirely wheelchair accessible.
Forest Glade Gardens
On the southern slopes of Mount Macedon, Forest Glade Gardens is a magical sight, a carefully landscaped garden with four themed sections: the English section, the Japanese section, the woodland area, and the fern gully.
While the intricate gardening and beautiful sculptures make it an impressive destination year-round, this season it becomes a premier example of vibrant autumn colours, truly something of fairytales, and it has plenty of walking paths with which to explore it.
Forest Glade Gardens is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week, and comes with a $10 admission fee, although children under sixteen and both disabled visitors and their carers can enter for free.
Dunkeld Arboretum
In contrast with the highly-structured gardens, Dunkeld Arboretum offers peaceful natural beauty without visible end.
At the base of Grampians National Park, Dunkeld Arboretum is a living collection of the world’s trees. Visitors can enjoy a winding walk along the tracks here as they take in the lake, the giant red gums, and the distant mountains.
Visiting the labyrinth or the Old Sawmill, picnicking by the waterside, or just listening to the sounds of nature as you walk, this outdoor sanctuary might be the perfect place to enjoy a comfortable autumn day.
