Best Spots to See Autumn Leaves in Melbourne (2025 Guide for International Students)
If you’re an international student in Melbourne or Sydney, there’s one thing you don’t want to miss during autumn in Australia — the magical golden-red leaves that take over the city! From March to May, these cities turn into a real-life painting, giving you the perfect excuse to take a break from your studies and explore.
Whether you're looking for the most Instagrammable autumn spots, planning a weekend picnic, or just want to clear your head after class, here’s your ultimate list of best places to see and take photos of autumn leaves in Melbourne and Sydney.
TOP 10 Melbourne’s Most Instagram-Worthy Autumn Leaf Spots
Fitzroy Gardens (East Melbourne)
Historic park with elm-lined avenues and Cooks' Cottage.
Location: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Highlights: Elm-lined paths, Cook’s Cottage, quiet reading corners
By Car: ~10 mins from Melbourne CBD
By Tram: Take Tram Route 48 or 75 from Flinders Street Station → Stop 10 (Wellington Parade) → 2-min walk
2. Royal Botanic Gardens
Expansive gardens with diverse plant species; vibrant autumn foliage.
Location: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
Highlights: Ornamental lakes, vivid red and gold leaves, native and exotic trees
By Car: ~12 mins from CBD
By Public Transport: Walk ~20 mins from Flinders Street Station OR take Bus Route 605 towards Gardenvale
3. Carlton Gardens
UNESCO-listed, next to Melbourne Museum
Location: 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton
Highlights: UNESCO site, Royal Exhibition Building, peaceful tree lines
By Car: ~7 mins from CBD
By Tram: Take Tram Route 86 or 96 from Bourke Street Mall → Stop 9 (Melbourne Museum)
4. Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (Olinda)
Over 50,000 plants including maples and oaks; stunning autumn colors.
Location: The Georgian Rd, Olinda
Highlights: Japanese maples, panoramic views, perfect weekend escape
By Car: ~1 hour from CBD via M3
By Train + Bus: Take Lilydale Line to Upper Ferntree Gully → Bus Route 688 to Olinda → 10-min walk
5. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Serene gardens with waterfalls and vibrant foliage.
Location: 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
By Car: ~1 hour via M1 and Burwood Hwy.
By Public Transport: Train to Upper Ferntree Gully, then Bus 694 to Sherbrooke.
6. Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Historic seaside gardens with diverse tree species.
Location: Williamstown Botanical Gardens, Giffard St &, Osborne St, Williamstown VIC 3016
By Car: ~25 mins via West Gate Fwy.
By Public Transport: Williamstown Line to Williamstown Station, then a short walk.
7. Mount Macedon
Avenue of Honour lined with pin oaks; picturesque autumn scenery.
By Car: ~1 hour via Calder Fwy.
By Public Transport: V/Line to Macedon Station, then a taxi or local bus.
8. Bright - Bright Free Autumn Festival 2025 (from 24th April to 4th May 2025)
Renowned for its autumn festival and colorful tree-lined streets.
Location: Bright and Surrounds of the High Country, Ireland Street, Bright, Victoria, 3741
By Car: ~3.5 hours via Hume Fwy.
By Public Transport: Train to Wangaratta, then bus to Bright.
9. Daylesford (Raglan Street and Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens)
Spa town with beautiful parks and gardens showcasing autumn hues.
Location: Central Springs Rd, Daylesford VIC 3460
By Car: ~1.5 hours via M79 and C141.
By Public Transport: Train to Woodend, then bus to Daylesford.
10. Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Heritage-listed gardens with a variety of deciduous trees.
Location: 401-405 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
By Car: ~1.5 hours via M8
By Public Transport: V/Line to Ballarat Station, then local bus to the gardens.