Day Trips and Weekend Getaways From Melbourne to See Autumn Leaves in Victoria
There's no time like the autumn season to escape the city and take in Victoria's most colourful time of year.
With dozens of options for day trips or more extended weekends away from Melbourne, you'll find fiery foliage, charming country towns, and some of the best places to see autumn leaves in the southern hemisphere. Whether you're up for a solo mission or packing the boot for a mates' weekend, GoGet carshare makes it easy to zip out of town, with hundreds of cars and vans across Melbourne ready when you are.
Here's your guide to the top day trips and weekend getaways from Melbourne to experience the beauty of autumn, with crisp air, golden leaves, and just the right amount of road trip vibes.
Mount Macedon: A Quick Hour Hop to Autumn Magic
Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, Mount Macedon is Victoria's undisputed autumn colour champion. As soon as you hit Honour Avenue, you'll see why. Towering oak trees line the road in a golden arch planted to honour local men and women who served in WWI. It's a stunning show in autumn and one of the most iconic sights around Victoria.
While you're there, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens at the base of the mount are pure magic. It's a dreamy spot for a slow wander with an ornamental lake, cute little bridges, and never-ending deciduous trees. And if you time your visit right, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival brings even more charm—local food, music, and colour for days. A true beauty of autumn, all within a short drive from Melbourne.
Dandenong Ranges: Lush Leaves and Lattes
Fancy some ferny forests and a side of autumn foliage? The Dandenong Ranges are less than an hour east of Melbourne and bursting with seasonal colour. The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a top-tier spot for autumn lovers, where the landscape shifts to blazing red, orange, and gold hues. With crisp autumn air and winding paths through European trees and deciduous leaves, it's the perfect place to stretch your legs and soak it all in.
While you're up there, swing by a cosy café in Olinda or Sassafras to warm up with a cuppa and explore dozens of local artisan shops. It's not just a leaf-peeping paradise—it's a complete autumnal experience. Don't forget your camera; this region puts on a truly stunning show.
Daylesford and Wombat Hill: Spa Country Splendour
An easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Daylesford is known for spas and mineral springs—but come autumn, it's all about the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Perched atop an extinct volcano, these gardens are packed with oaks, elms and maples that explode in a glorious Autumn display. Climb the Pioneers Lookout Tower for panoramic views of tree tops and rolling hills beyond.
Afterwards, spend a day (or two) wandering the streets, which boast some of the best shopping in the region. Have a leisurely lunch made with the best local produce—the perfect way to savour a day trip that delivers charm, colour, and country hospitality.
Ballarat and the Arch of Victory: History Meets Hue
Just over an hour from Melbourne, Ballarat offers both history and some of the most impressive autumn foliage in Victoria. The Arch of Victory and the tree-lined drive that follows is one of the longest avenues of honour in the southern hemisphere. Lined with thousands of trees, it's a living tribute and a glorious place to see the leaves now falling.
While you're in town, take a stroll through the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. This regional beauty is ideal for a crisp autumn day trip—there are plenty of parks and gardens, great food, and that classic country town feel.
Castlemaine and Bendigo: Underrated Autumn Gems
Castlemaine and Bendigo deliver the goods for those up for a slightly longer drive (around 90 minutes). Castlemaine Botanic Gardens, designed by the same landscape genius behind Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, is a picturesque spot full of colour and peaceful tranquillity. With ornamental lakes, huge old oaks and elm trees, it's a serene slice of autumn in regional Victoria.
Head a little further to Bendigo and check out Rosalind Park, where you can see beautiful autumn colours among sandstone buildings and heritage charm. These two towns are underrated gems for a day trip from Melbourne.
South Gippsland: Colourful Country Vibes
If you're craving rolling hills and that postcard-perfect scenery, head southeast for a weekend to South Gippsland. Towns like Mirboo North are wrapped in deciduous trees that turn fiery during fall in Victoria. It's the kind of area where you can pull over anywhere and find yourself surrounded by colour. Make a pit stop at a local vineyard (we recommend Dirty Three Wines) in autumn and enjoy the view as the grapevines turn shades of gold and amber-- just drink responsibly when driving a GoGet!
This pocket of regional Victoria is all about easy drives, peaceful, picturesque views, and delicious detours. Pack a picnic and a jumper—it's a lovely time to visit.
Tips for Catching Peak Colour
To see the best of Victoria's autumn splendour, aim for mid-April to early May. That's when the colours hit their peak, from the botanic gardens in Melbourne to the gold-drenched streets of regional towns. If you're planning a spontaneous weekend trip or even a cheeky weekday getaway, the beauty of using GoGet is that you can grab a car anytime—no long waits or booking headaches.
Also, don't forget to layer up. The mornings can be brisk, but as the sun comes out, it's prime leaf-watching weather, complete with mist like a Jane Austen movie. And always pack snacks! Pulling over for a roadside picnic under a canopy of gold is basically a Victorian autumn rite of passage.
Go Now, Leaf Later: The Best Weekend Getaways in Victoria Are Calling
Autumn in Victoria is short, sweet, and completely stunning. Whether you're chasing the golden oaks of Mount Macedon, the cool forest paths of the Dandenongs, or the quiet beauty of country towns like Castlemaine and Mirboo North, these day trips from Melbourne are your ticket to experience Melbourne's autumn.
With GoGet carshare, getting there is easy—no booking fees, fuel included, and cars ready when you are across Melbourne. So rally the crew, chuck your cosiest jumper in the boot, and prepare for a crisp, colourful, classic Victorian autumn adventure.
Hit the Road, Not Your Wallet with GoGet
Wherever you’re headed, GoGet carshare gives you the freedom to hit the road without the hassle. Book by the hour or day and only pay for what you use—autumn road trips just got easier.
