Best events, places and things to see and do in Victoria in autumn

The days may be getting shorter and milder, but there are still plenty of ways to make the most of Victoria before winter sets in. We uncover the best sights to see and adventures to have in autumn.

As the days become shorter and the scent of wood fires drifts by on the breeze, deciduous trees and plants prepare for seasonal change.

Explore regional Victoria’s hiking trails and bike paths, visit farm gates and indulge in the best food and wine as autumn foliage unfolds in an eye-catching display.

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BEST VICTORIAN TOWNS AND REGIONS TO VISIT IN AUTUMN

BRIGHT

The changing of the seasons is a sight to behold as an extensive planting of deciduous trees turns the Ovens Valley township into a glowing jewel.

The evergreen Himalayan cedars, pines and eucalypts form the perfect backdrop for poplars, elms, oaks and Japanese maples as they colour Bright in shades of yellow, gold, orange, red and crimson.

This display is celebrated with the 10-day Bright Autumn Festival (April 26-May 5), which includes open gardens, art show and parade, and also highlights the season’s produce.

Trees in autumn colors in Bright, northeastern Victoria.

STANLEY

This tiny village, 10km south of Beechworth, sets the scene with fruit and nut-laden orchards resplendent in their autumn finery.

Enjoy the short walk through town then head to Murmungee Lookout for a panoramic, and spectacular, view of the surrounding farmland, river flats and mountain ranges – on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mt Buffalo.

Make sure to buy some apples, walnuts and hazelnuts from farm gates on the way home.

MACEDON AND MT MACEDON

The 154 pin oaks standing tall and true in memory of the men and women of Macedon and Mt Macedon who enlisted for World War I shrug off their summer greenery and explode in a blaze of colour, creating a breathtaking canopy of red, orange and yellow on the heritage-listed Honour Avenue.

The display is at its most vibrant during April. The Gardens of Tieve Tara at Mt Macedon are also a magnificent sight to behold, as the foliage of maples, aspens, liquid ambers, silver birches, gold and claret ash, copper beeches and pin oaks takes on the glorious hues of autumn.

Artist Rone has transformed derelict mansion Burnham Beeches in his 'Empire' work.

DANDENONG RANGES

Set in picturesque surrounds, the mountain ash, golden ginkos, maples and soaring liquid amber trees in Alfred Nicholas Gardens create an autumnal vista that is most pleasing to the eye.

Add the ornamental lake, boathouse and waterfalls, and it’s easy to see why the Burnham Beeches Estate memorial gardens attract visitors from far and wide.

WALHALLA

Founded in 1862 as a gold mining community, this historic Gippsland town is located on the southern edge of the Victorian Alps.

Nestled in national parkland, surrounded by mountains and with an impressive plantings of deciduous trees and old-world gardens, the Walhalla and Mountain Rivers region is a nature lover’s paradise.

Book a spot on the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail fully guided walk, visit Baw Baw National Park, hike the Australian Alps walking track and stay the weekend to experience autumn in all its glory.

A Brim silo painted by artist Guido Van Helten.

WIMMERA MALLEE SILO PROJECT

The humble hamlet of Brim went from “drive-through” town to tourist drawcard thanks to the soaring, spellbinding artwork of Brisbane artist Guido van Helten – on grain silos.

Guido’s Farmer Quarter (2015) silo became the inspiration for the Silo Art Trail – a collection of six painted silos stretching about 170km from Rupanyup in the south to Patchewollock, via the settlements of Sheep Hills, Brim, Rosebery and Lascelles.

The silos are an ideal springboard to explore the unique Wimmera Mallee landscape, with its many reserves, wilderness areas and national parks, or even as an entree to the Murray River.

BEST PLACES TO TAKE A HIKE

MT OBERON SUMMIT WALK

Panoramic views over Tidal River, the coast and offshore islands wait at the end of this hike at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

The dramatic and beautiful meeting of land and sea at the southernmost point of Australia’s mainland will take your breath away.

Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, the 6.8km return trip starting and finishing at Telegraph Saddle carpark takes about two hours.

MT ABRUPT (MUD-DADJUG) WALK

The steep track winds its way through woodland and over rock slabs, rising gradually as it heads north towards nearby Signal Peak.

It then swings to the southwest and follows an escarpment rim towards Mt Abrupt. When you’ve reached your destination, take in the wonderful views of Dunkeld to the south and the Serra Range to the north.

Keep your eyes open for peregrine falcons, nankeen kestrels and wedge-tailed eagles. It will take about three hours to complete the 6.5km walk.

THE HORN

The highest point in Mt Buffalo National Park will leave you feeling on top of the world with its sweeping 360-degree views of the Victorian Alps.

It stands 1723m above the park’s natural wonders, and getting there is easy by road from Porepunkah.

Park your car at the picnic area then walk the 750m The Horn Track to the lookout.

The return journey takes less than an hour by foot but expect the spectacular scenery to keep you spellbound for some time.

MT ARAPILES

Rising 230m from the Wimmera Plains to form part of the Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park, visitors can drive, walk, climb or cycle to the summit of this quartz and sandstone landmark.

There are two short but steep walking tracks from Centenary Park at the base, with plenty to see on the way to the Bluff picnic area and lookout or the Summit picnic area.

The low, open forests of box, white cypress pine and buloke on the Arapiles plateau and yellow gum woodland are a sight to behold.

More than 109 bird species have been recorded in the area and there are about 500 species of native plants, including rare and endangered species.

The Pinnacle lookout in the Grampians. Picture: Julian Kingma

MT ROSEA LOOP WALK

From a gentle stroll to a multi-day trail hike, the Grampians has it all for those who want to explore the area’s spectacular natural beauty on foot.

Not sure where to start? Ask a local.

Chris Thomson’s family has run Best’s Great Western winery, located in the shadows of the Grampians National Park, for almost a century.

Her pick is the Mt Rosea Loop Walk, a 12-km hike that offers stunning, 360-degree views from the summit.

Chris says Mt Rosea has the tallest and longest cliffs in the Grampians, while the track itself features giant sandstone boulders fringed with native shrubs, ferns and wildflowers.

It’s challenging, she says, so allow four to five hours.

BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Take the water for an eco-wilderness boat toar at Wilsons Promontory.

ECO-WILDERNESS TOUR, WILSONS PROMONTORY

Multi-award-winning Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is bringing its eco-expertise to Wilsons Promontory with tours of the national park by amphibious boat.

Melinda Anderson, marketing manager of the Tasmania-based company, says the tours will launch from the beach at Norman Bay and wind their way around the Glennie islands group, Skull Rock down to Anser Island in the south.

Visitors will have the chance to see a stunning array of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, penguins and whales (season-dependent), as well as the wonderful coves and caves around the coastline during the two-and-a-half-hour tour.

BRIGHT-POREPUNKAH

From the accessible to the adrenalin-charged, the number of outdoor activity options in and around Bright and the nearby village of Porepunkah are many.

Swim, kayak or float down the Ovens and Buckland rivers, or ride the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail’s extensive network of bike paths.

If you any energy left, have a crack at cycling up Mt Buffalo – or drive – to enjoy stunning views and walks, and take a dip in the Ladies Bath Falls along the way.

If it all sounds too sedate, there’s always skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing and caving, mountain biking, hang gliding and skydiving for adventure seekers.

There is plenty of outdoor adventure to be had in Victoria’s High Country. Picture: Emily Godfrey

GIPPSLAND LAKES DISCOVERY CYCLING TRAIL

You have several options: tackle the longer, more challenging 58km Bairnsdale to Orbost route, or try one of the many smaller stages such as Nicholson to Bruthen (20km) or the family-friendly Bairnsdale to Nicholson section (8km).

Gary Jackson, of Bairnsdale’s Riviera Cycles, reckons it’s impossible to pick a winner because it’s all so good, winding through farmland and forest and featuring old timber bridges, railway cuttings and embankments.

Gary says the best feature of the trail is its remoteness and relative lack of contact with civilisation, allowing riders to feel like they’re truly getting away from it all.

KAYAK TOURS, MURRAY AND GOULBURN RIVERS

Rob Asplin has been running canoe and kayak tours on the Murray and Goulburn rivers for 25 years and reckons it’s “all really great”.

But his particular favourite is the serpentine section of the Goulburn between Wyuna and Yambuna where he says you can see a wealth of wildlife, such as wedge-tailed eagles, sea eagles and platypus.

Rob’s River Country Adventures offers several options to take in the stunning landscape from the water, from multi-day safaris, to self-guided tours, including a two-day, 50km paddle that ends up at Tahbilk Winery, near Nagambie.

Glamp under the stars in Phillip Island.

GLAMPING UNDER STARS, PHILLIP ISLAND

The Sheltered Glamping Co proves sustainability and luxury can co-exist harmoniously.

The 4ha resort’s cotton canvas tents are powered by renewable energy to ensure minimal impact on the land but maximum comfort for glampers, with bespoke furniture made on Phillip Island and luxurious queen, king or even four-poster beds.

Whether you seek a hideaway among the trees, easy access to a pristine beach, rolling hills or wide expanses of ocean, privacy is all important — and the star-studded night sky, complete with Milky Way galaxy, comes standard with every site.

Pets are welcome, but must be tent trained and nature friendly.

BEST PLACES TO PICK YOUR OWN PRODUCE

THE STRAWBERRY PICK

Let the fragrance of ripening fruit, and your taste buds, lead you by the nose as you drive along Lady August Drive to the Echuca Village farm where fields of the sweet, succulent heart-shaped strawberries await.

Dive into the pick your own experience, fill your punnets full of the many delicious varieties on offer – and maybe eat a few along the way!

You may want to stop for a scone with jam and cream, or try The Strawberry Pick’s tempting strawberry ice cream or sorbets after all the hard work.

Hannah, 8, with lots of fresh apricots at Rayner's Orchard in Woori Yallock. Picture: David Caird

RAYNER’S ORCHARDS

Hop on a trailer ride and take an orchard tour complete with guide and tastings for a “U Pick” fruit experience with a difference at Woori Yallock.

You’ll learn about the wide range of fruit varieties, the characteristics of the different tree species and you’ll be taken to fruit that is ripe for the picking.

Autumn is the perfect time to harvest plums, feijoas, quince, lemons and limes, pomegranate and persimmon.

Or take home some strawberry or yellow strawberry guava, tamarillo, pepino or Dutch medlars for a fruity treat with a difference.

KINGLAKE RASPBERRIES

Pick your own raspberries in scenic surrounds at Pheasant Creek in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just north-east of Melbourne.

You’ll be given a ‘pick your own’ basket that holds about 1kg of fruit – that’s seven punnets – before being directed to rows and rows of delicious ripe raspberries, which means there is plenty for everyone.

Visit Kinglake National Park, with its stunning views of the Melbourne skyline, explore the area’s nurseries and craft shops or the Yarra Valley’s award-winning wineries on the way home.

OTWAY BLUEBERRIES

The beautiful blue-purple colour of succulent and highly nutritious ripe blueberries stretches as far as the eye can see on the 6ha farm located at Gellibrand, in the beautiful Otway Ranges.

Open seven days a week when fruit is in season, a day out the farm is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get the whole family out into the fresh air.

It’s an hour from Apollo Bay and less than the 30 minutes from Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, so why not make a weekend of it.

WILD MUSHROOM FORAGING TOURS

Join Reade Smith, of Reade’s Weeds, as he leads wild mushroom foraging tours through Mornington Peninsula’s pine forests.

You will also learn to differentiate good fungi from the bad along the way, and you may even find some of the exotic and native weeds making their way into the kitchens of our top chefs.

Once the tour is over, foragers will be able to share the day’s harvest as part of a barbecue picnic lunch cooked on site.

AUTUMN FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

SWAN HILL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

March 8-10

Festivities, tastings and entertainment include a stunning sunset cruise along the Murray River and a produce and design market.

TASTES OF RUTHERGLEN

March 9-10

The flavours of the region’s incredible produce and wine are showcased in a gourmet progressive feast.

Taste and sip your way through 19 of Rutherglen’s best wineries at this family-friendly gathering.

THE VILLAGE FEAST – JINDIVICK, GIPPSLAND

March 16

The tiny Gippsland town transforms itself into a one-off gourmet destination with Australia’s biggest names in food, including Matt Moran and Shannon Martinez.

It is part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival’s Regional Weekend (March 15-17), which includes the world’s longest lunches.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK AT MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

BENDIGO CRAFT BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL

March 23

More than 100 brews are on offer as food trucks serve local produce, while live acts provide the musical soundtrack to your sampling ways.

Stomp on it at Grampians Grape Escape. Picture: Kerri Kingston

GRAMPIANS GRAPE ESCAPE

May 4-5

The state’s longest-running food and wine festival is back, with the finest regional offerings and music flowing at Halls Gap.

Indulge in a pop-up village of 120 stalls with wine masterclasses and chef demonstrations.

PLATE UP BALLARAT

May 1-31

Ballarat’s talented chefs, restaurant and cafe owners join local producers to showcase the region’s burgeoning dining scene. There is even a gourmet festival pie competition to tantalise the taste buds.

FEAST HIGH COUNTRY FESTIVAL

May 3-19

This is the perfect excuse for a road trip, with the High Country’s chefs, winemakers and brewers set to tempt and tantalise the taste buds.

This year’s packed program of more than 40 events takes the intrepid foodie across the region — from Mansfield to the King Valley, Beechworth to Bright, Rutherglen to Mt Beauty and Corryong to Falls Creek.

Highlights include —

• Grand Opening Dinner: Start festivities with a five-course dinner and matched Brown Brothers vintages — served in the historic shed where the first wines were made 130 years ago.

May 3, Brown Brothers, 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa

• High Country Dreaming: A proud Gunditjmara and Palawa man, chef Zach Green entwines his culture through every aspect of his work.

He celebrates local produce, talent and storytelling with a six-course degustation dinner matched with Mansfield wine and craft beer.

May 4, Sheepyard Flat, Merrijig

• Tweed Ride: Dress up in your best vintage tweed outfit and get ready to cycle and sip your way through some of Rutherglen’s amazing fortifieds.

Tasty stops along the 20km ride include The Wicked Virgin (165 Hopetoun Rd), Stanton & Killeen (440 Jacks Rd) and Chambers Rosewood Winery (Barkly St).

May 5, Rutherglen

For more inspiration go to Visit Victoria’s Your Happy Space website.