Autumn is a truly beautiful time of the year, and Australia can put on quite the show. There are so many destinations to experience the magical colours of this season… So, pack your van with your fave Van Go Autumn Collection goodies and hit the road!
Here are 5 of our favourite places to take in all the shades of red, orange and gold…
Bright VIC. Image Credit: Bright Autumn Festival
1. Alpine Country, Victoria
We love towns such as Beechworth, Harrietville, Myrtleford, and Mount Beauty (the name speaks for itself!), although Bright tends to steal the show with its famous European trees, magnificent gardens (all 17 of them…) and the Bright Autumn Festival. Although it isn’t going ahead this year, you can still head to the hills and delight in everything this gorgeous area has to offer.
Take advantage of the many walking trails, and of course, the amazing local food and wine – it would be rude not to! Oh, and don’t forget to pick some chestnuts to roast over an open fire, while you’re there.
Hahndorf SA. Image Credit: Visit Adelaide Hills
2. Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Stunning at anytime of the year, the Adelaide Hills really put on a show from March to May. One of the best places to see the leaves turn is Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. All 97 hectares of it! A sea of colour, this is something you can’t miss if you’re passing through SA.
Another must-see is the beautiful German town of Hahndorf, which is lined with spectacular elm trees and is unique in that many shops and businesses are housed in German style buildings.
Autumn is when the region’s produce is harvested, including apples, figs, pears and grapes, so it’s great for foodies. Speaking of grapes, why not see the sights on a gourmet food and wine bicycle tour?
And if you’re planning to take your fur babies, Hahndorf is officially SA’s most pet-friendly destination!
Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup, Western Australia. Image Credit: Festival of Country Gardens.
3. Blackwood River Valley, Western Australia
Three hours’ drive south of Perth, you’ll discover historic towns, unique public artworks, cafes, antique stores, as well as impressive panoramas. This region has it all!
Known locally as the Golden Triangle, the 114km drive linking Balingup, Nannup and Bridgetown is one of the prettiest drives in the state. Take a picnic basket to the Golden Valley Tree Park near Balingup and enjoy the sight of hectares of exotic trees from all over the world doing their autumnal thing.
There is so much to do here - wander through one of the many Monet-inspired gardens, float down the Blackwood River in a canoe, drive the art trail… but whatever you do, don’t forget to look up at the stars, the night sky there is something to behold!
Southern Highlands, NSW Image Credit: Trip Advisor
4. Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Only 90 minutes from Sydney, the Southern Highlands offer tourists a plethora of Things To Do, including bushwalking, cycling, eating, drinking and…looking.
Bowral, the largest city in this region has attracted well-to-do Sydneysiders for over 100 years. Over this time, they brought deciduous trees with them to make the area appear more English, so we have them to thank for the incredible autumn colours!
Impeccable gardens are dotted around this elegant town, and Moidart is one of the best. Five acres of plants and trees that you won’t find anywhere else - definitely one for the bucket list.
Dandenong Ranges National Park. Image Credit: Van Go Collections
5. Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Misty vistas and winding roads form the backdrop en route to the Dandenongs, located only one hour from the city of Melbourne. It’s beautifully eerie, inspiring the artists and writers who have gathered there for decades.
The village shops are full of vintage treasures and local artisan products, there are walking trails, day spas, wineries, fine dining restaurants, wildlife, markets…the list is endless!
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden explodes with colour during autumn, and there is even an entire garden dedicated to this very season at the Cloudehill Gardens in Olinda. Don’t miss it!
And you need to try the famous Devonshire Tea – milk tea with a scone topped with whipped cream and strawberry jam… OK, you may need to try more than one…
Of course, don’t go anywhere without your Van Go Autumn Collection bamboo tableware. Perfect for your picnics, afternoon cuppas and brekkies in the van, they are inspired by our beautiful country and this most beautiful of seasons.
Happy travels!
