15 incredible things to do in Victoria this autumn

Canoeing, hikes, bike rides and leaf spotting – here are the top experiences you won’t want to miss in Victoria this autumn.

See magical Gippsland from above with Lakes Entrance Helicopters. Picture: Visit Victoria

With the weather still mild, now is the perfect time to explore Victoria’s amazing landscapes or try some fun new activities that will refresh your soul.

Here are some great ideas to make your autumn unforgettable.

FOUR AMAZING PLACES TO PADDLE

1. BRIGHT

The Ovens River winds through the spectacularly located mountain town of Bright.

Hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for a calm meander past the pretty riverbank, or tackle some tame rapids and whitewater for some pulse-starting action on a kayak tour.

Get your pulse rate up by kayaking on the Ovens River in Bright. Picture: Visit Victoria

2. THE OTWAYS

One word: platypus!

You have a very high chance of spotting the adorable, elusive monotreme on Otway Eco Tours’ dawn and dusk canoe tours at Lake Elizabeth, in Great Otway National Park.

The lake itself is also a memorable experience.

Hugged by towering ferns and with petrified tree trunks looming out of the water, it is hauntingly beautiful.

3. MURRAY RIVER

Glide past Echuca Moama’s paddlesteamers and houseboats on a SUP.

Kayak around Cohuna’s flooded Gunbower Forest, tranquil swamps and lagoons.

Explore the river around Albury Wondonga on a canoe.

There are so many beautiful places to paddle on the Murray River, and evening paddles are particularly sublime.

Experience the beauty of Echuca Moama from the water on a SUP. Picture: Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle.

4. PORT FAIRY

Looking for calm waters to test your SUP skills?

Look no further. Hire a paddleboard and explore the charming fishing village’s protected inlets and watercourses. Watch out for seals!

THREE INCREDIBLE WALKS

1. GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL

It’s the hike of a lifetime: the 160km walk extends the entire length of the Grampians, from Mt Zero to Dunkeld, treating you to dramatic mountain peaks, sweeping panoramas and shimmering waterfalls.

You don’t need to go it alone. Grampians Peaks Walking Company offers guided walks, with your choice of camping or going pack-free and staying at off-trail accommodation.

Gaze in awe at the spectacular views on the the Grampians Peaks Trail. Photo: Parks Victoria/Visit Victoria

2. CRAIG’S HUT, HIGH COUNTRY

Near Mt Buller is Craig’s Hut, a replica cattlemen’s hut that was originally built as a prop for the 1982 Australian film The Man from Snowy River.

The hut has been rebuilt a couple of times, and High Country Hiking Tours leads tours to the breathtaking mountain site, including a family-friendly 3.6km walk that takes in the beauty of a snow gum forest.

The views of peaks and valleys will blow you away.

3. CAPE WOOLAMAI, PHILLIP ISLAND

With its rugged coast and shearwater rookery, the cape is a day hiker’s favourite.

See the craggy Pinnacles rock formation and watch experienced surfers ride the waves at Woolamai surf beach.

For a full day’s island adventure, book a tour with Hike & Seek that teams a 6.8km Cape Woolamai walk and a boardwalk stroll at The Nobbies with visits to the Koala Conservation Reserve and the penguin parade.

Cape Woolamai has eye-catching natural formations. Picture: Visit Victoria

FOUR AUTUMN LEAF HOTSPOTS

1. WALHALLA

The old gold-mining village is awash with colour, quaintness and history.

Wander the historic streets and stretch your legs on the Walhalla Tramline Walk for beautiful elevated views across the town.

Immerse yourself in the history and vibrant hues of Walhalla. Picture: Visit Victoria

2. DAYLESFORD

At this popular weekend destination, stroll around pretty, tree-fringed Daylesford and Jubilee lakes and dine under vibrant vines at Hotel Frangos, Wombat Hill House and Cliffy’s Emporium.

3. BRIGHT

It’s one of the state’s most scenic towns for leaf spotting, with streets and parks glowing bright.

Celebrate the season’s hues and local produce over 10 days at the Bright Autumn Festival, from April 28-May 7.

A market, music and grand parade are highlights of the gala day (May 6).

4. YARRA VALLEY

Unending vistas of grapevines and trees reflecting the season’s splendour make a Sunday drive in this top winery region extra special.

Visit TarraWarra Estate, Yarra Glen, where a canopy of gold awaits, and Maroondah Reservoir Park, with its views from a 41m-high dam wall of formal gardens and the tranquil reservoir lake.

Golden opportunity: TarraWarra Estate is a leaf spotter’s delight. Picture: Visit Victoria

THREE SCENIC RAIL TRAILS

1. BALLARAT TO SKIPTON RAIL TRAIL

The picturesque Nimons trestle bridge is just one of the highlights of the scenic 53km route, which takes in forests, rolling hills and quaint villages.

The Nimons trestle bridge is a charming inclusion on the Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail. Picture: Visit Victoria

2. MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS RAIL TRAIL

Follow the trail from Milawa to Harrietville as it snakes more than 100km through bushland, farmland and some of Australia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery.

Pick up fresh produce, sample craft beer and wine, be awed by extraordinary views and check out the gourmet scene at towns such as Rutherglen, Beechworth and Bright, revelling in autumn’s display as you go.

3. GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL TRAIL

It’s a 109km sensory feast as you pedal from Nyora to Port Welshpool through South Gippsland’s hills and villges, rich in cafes, galleries and artisanal crafts.

Check out Loch, Korumburra, Meeniyan, Fish Creek and Foster, and tour the world’s largest underground cider cellar at Gurneys Cidery.

TAKE A SCENIC FLIGHT

Gaze in awe at Gippsland’s breathtaking scenery from above as you fly in a helicopter over photogenic wonders such as the Mitchell River Silt Jetties, Lakes Entrance and spectacular Ninety Mile Beach.

When you’re back on terra firma, take in all that this scenic part of Victoria has to offer, including the Metung Hot Springs, Gippsland Art Gallery, wild koalas on Raymond Island and Tarra Bulga National Park.

Get a bird’s-eye view of beautiful Gippsland with a Lakes Entrance Helicopters scenic flight. Picture: Visit Victoria

For more inspiration on exciting things to see and do in Victoria, check out the autumn edition of Space magazine, free inside your Sunday Herald Sun on March 5.

Originally published as 15 incredible things to do in Victoria this autumn