Australia’s Melbourne is one of my favourite long-weekend-or-short-stay cities. It is full of great art and an abundance of drool-worthy-yet-affordable eateries. Many don’t know that a short drive out of the concrete CBD jungle will lead you to an array of nature’s best autumn foliage and floral blooms. With mid-Autumn just around the corner, here are some of my favourite spots and seasonal festivals that showcase the most stunning Autumn colours.
TESSELAAR FLOWER FARM – KABLOOM FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS
Once a year, row after row of sunflowers, marigolds, salvias, cleomes, petunias, geraniums, wildflowers, and many more flowers blooms in a grand romantic display on a hillside field in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. The bright array of colours is a welcomed addition to the surrounding Autumn foliages and makes a stunning backdrop for those who are after an iconic Instagram photo. Visitors can either explore the field on foot or enjoy a full tour on the tractor train that drives around the farm. There are also food stalls, shops, face painting and even a circus for those who want something other than flowers. For photo lovers and those trying to get the perfect Instagram shot, there are small paths set out amongst the flowerbeds for you to explore (don’t step on the flowers or beyond the ropes onto the soil bed unless they give you permission). There are also hidden flower frames and photo props around the field to find and use if you want to get creative.
Festival Dates & Opening Hours: April 2nd – 22nd 2022, 10:00 – 17:00 daily.
Price: Tickets are required for entry. Adult tickets are $29, concession $26, groups of ten or more $26 per person and children 16 and under are free. Ticket is are available at the gate or online at this link.
Getting there by public transport: Take a train to Lilydale or Belgrave Station and then board Route 663 Bus from the station to Tesselaar Kabloom
Tip: If you prefer to take photos with minimal wait time and relatively people-free background I recommend going there as soon as it opens. It will also make finding parking easier. If it has rained the day before for in the day, wearing waterproof shoes or shoes that you do not mind getting muddy is recommended.
Address: Tesselaar Flower Farm 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan
VICTORIA STATE ROSE GARDEN – WERRIBEE
This one is a must-see for the rose enthusiasts and lovers out there. The garden holds an estimated 5500 roses, which bloom predominantly in Spring and Autumn. There are roses of every colour, shape and size for visitors to explore, and it makes for some stunning photos. If you are looking to plant roses in your garden, this is a great place to learn about the species and colours of the rose family. The rose garden is located inside the Werribee Precinct next to the Werribee Mansion and Park. Close to it is also Werribee Zoo. I recommend putting aside a day to explore everything together when you are already there.
Opening Hours: April to September 9:30 – 17:00, October to March 9:30 – 18:00. Garden can sometimes be close after weather damage or maintenance
Price: Entry is free. There is a donation tube at the front entrance where I recommend contributing at least a gold coin to as it will help fund for new roses, equipment, tools ect that the volunteer gardeners use to upkeep the garden.
Getting there by public transport: Take a train to Werribee Station and then board Route 439 Bus from the station to Werribee Park Tourism Precinct. The garden is right next to The Mansion at Werribee Park.
Tip: The two best time to visit is; November for the flush of spring blooms and the once-a-year flowering roses. March-early April for the autumn flush of modern roses.
Address: Gate 2, K Road, Werribee South
THE LAKE HOUSE AT LAKE DAYLESFORD – DAYLESFORD
Daylesford is known for its natural mineral springs as a town that sits on an extinct volcano—also known as Hepburn Springs is one of my favourite relaxation spots when visiting Melbourne. Here, there is a tranquil lake surrounded by trees that transform into hues of red and gold in Autumn called Lake Daylesford. You will find different accommodations, spas, and restaurants to explore along the lake’s edges. One of my go-to choices is The Lake House. They have a delicious two-chefs-hat restaurant with an award-winning cellar and a pampering spa. I recommend trying their lunch and spa package deal for those not staying overnight. After lunch, take a walk down to the lake and see the different Autumn foliages along the lake.
Restaurant Opening Hours: Lunch service available Friday – Monday. Dinner service available 7 days. Bookings required. You can book via this link.
Spa Opening Hours: Available via bookings only. You can book via this link.
Price: Meals are approximately $185pp for a 4 course a la carte menu, 60-90 minutes full body spa treatments usually costs from $250 (tip: it is cheaper to go Monday to Friday than on weekends).
Tip: Take a walk down to the lake from the Lake House Restaurant and you will be surrounded by stunning Autumn foliage. If you catch the sunlight just right near one of the many wooden jetties and the water is calm, you will get some stunning water reflection shots.
Address: 4 King St, Daylesford
LAVANDULAR SWISS ITALIAN FARM – SHEPHERDS FLAT
While it is a lavender farm, there is more to it. Once the fragrant sea of purple flowers has taken their bloom by end of summer, a sea of cherry and amber tones starts to take over. It will roll out its golden leafy carpet to visitors and welcome them to explore the farm, the veggie and herb gardens, and the flowerless lavender bushes. If you are into picnics, this is one of those dreamy places to have one in the sunshine and autumn breeze. Just make sure you see everything before deciding on the best spot to prevent missing out on the most picturesque place to put down your rug. The onsite cafe is a must if you want fresh-from-the-farm, homely dishes such as antipasti board, woodfired pizza, and house-made scones. Before you leave, drop by the old barn that is now a gift shop and pick up some lavender gifts, essential oils and more.
Opening Hours: Every Friday to Tuesday 10:30 to 17:00
Price: Gate fee is $5 per adult and $1 per school-aged child.
Tip: In case you want to see the Lavenders in full bloom, December and January are the best time to view the fields. However April is when the autumn foliage start to come to life.
Address: 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat
YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES
There is never a bad season for wine or wine hopping tours as far as I’m concerned. Yarra Valley is well-known for its award-winning wines. In Autumn, the lush green vineyards transform into stunning colours of burgundy rose and gold. Organise a day with some close friends (and a designated driver) and explore away with more than a glass of wine. If you are a lover of Moët and Chandon champagne, then Domaine Chandon is a winery stop you need to make. They have a delicious range of Australian sparkling wines, which perfectly complement the ruby red Autumn vines on the vineyard.
The Dandenong Ranges is also full of beautiful gardens and flower farms that change colours each season. The lush mountains are highlighted with red and gold Autumn foliages, making it a stunning place to explore every Autumn. There are notable gardens like Cloudhill Garden, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Gardens, George Tindale Memorial Garden and RJ Hamer Arboretum, which are hailed as sites to see for Autumn foliage chasers. For those who love flowers, Tesselaar Kabloom Festival is a must-see.
Domaine Chandon Winery Opening Hours: 7 days, 10:30 – 16:30
Domaine Chandon Winery Address: 727 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
Cloudhill Garden Opening Hours: 7 days, 9:00 – 17:00
Cloudhill Garden Address: 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Opening Hours: 7 days, 10:00 – 17:00.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Address: The Georgian Rd, Olinda
Alfred Nicholas Gardens Opening Hours: 7 days, 10:00 – 17:00.
Alfred Nicholas Gardens Address: Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke
George Tindale Memorial Garden Opening Hours: 7 days, 10:00 – 17:00.
George Tindale Memorial Garden Address: 33 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
RJ Hamer Arboretum Opening Hours: 7 Days, 24 hours.
RJ Hamer Arboretum Address: 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda
Tip: The Tesselaar Flower festival is part of the Dandenong Ranges. I highly recommend starting the day there and then exploring the rest of the area. The valley is full of different wineries and gardens, if you are wanting to explore in depth I would highly recommend staying for a night or two. If you are planning to explore predominantly the wineries, consider getting a designated driver or joining one of those hop-on-hop-off buses to avoid driving under the influence and getting fined.
MOUNT MACEDON & HANGING ROCK
Autumn colours are everywhere in Mount Macedon. The area celebrates it with Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival across nine villages in the region. There are famous and iconic spots like Honour Avenue, Gardens of Tieve Tara and Forest Glade Garden for Instagram-worthy Autumn colours, but the whole region is breathtaking. The Hanging Rock area offers some of the most delicious cool-climate wines for wine lovers who want to enjoy a glass while taking in the scenery. One my favourite vineyards is Hanging Rock, they have a great selection of wines and a very pretty view of the rolling grape vines.
Opening Hours: Varies depending on the winery and garden.
Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival Dates: 26th March – 25th April 2022
Honour Avenue Opening Hours: 7 days, 24 hours
Honour Avenue Address: Honour Avenue, Mount Macedon (start at Mount Macedon road end)
Gardens of Tieve Tara Opening Hours: Bookings needed as public opening dates vary. For more in formation see website here.
Gardens of Tieve Tara Address: 751 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon
Forest Glade Garden Opening Hours: 7 days, 10:00 – 16:30
Forest Glade Garden Address: 816 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon
Hanging Rock Winery Opening Hours: 7 days, 10:00 – 17:00
Hanging Rock Winery Address: 88 Jim Rd, Newham
Tip: The Autumn foliage is scattered all around the region. If you are exploring Honour Avenue, there is no offical foot path along this road. Best to find a spot in Centennial park and explore the surrounds on foot. Just be careful when crossing the road from the park and look out for approaching traffic when you are taking photos.
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