One of the joys of welcoming the changing season is watching the leaves transform into a burst of fiery yellows, oranges and reds.
The autumnal display is more majestic in certain areas, depending on the local climate and abundance of deciduous trees. Known for their colour transformation before those leaves fall one-by-one, certain varietys put on a more dramatic show.
In Australia, there are hardly any native deciduous trees given the climate, but in certain areas there are plenty of introduced European, American and Asian species that contribute to creating blankets of beautiful colour – and plenty of fallen leaves to play in.
Here are some of the best spots to wrap up warm and wander amongst the autumn foliage in Australia’s New South Wales.
Bowral
The stunning countryside is on epic display in the southern highlands, so take a jaunt to explore some of the picturesque villages lined with heritage trees. Bowral, 90 mins south of Sydney, has charm in spades, in particular the 1887 home and estate Retford Park, and the Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa.
Blue Mountains
The cool climate and charming towns of the Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive west of Sydney, make a stunning weekend escape. Sitting on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, the town of Leura is a must-visit, with tree-lined streets, historic buildings and welcoming cafes. The Everglades Gardens offers majestic views of the transitioning foliage and bush-clad ranges in the distance.
Tumut
Nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, the town comes alive with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change, inspiring the annual Falling Leaf Festival, a tradition since 1954. The Tumut River, lined with poplars and willows is especially picturesque, with a walk along the 3.3km Tumut River Walk the best place to take in the cosy seasonal vibes.
Orange
The name says it all really! Less than four hours’ drive northwest of Sydney, Orange has plentiful deciduous trees that really light up the region, rich in local food producers and wineries. Orange FOOD (Food Of Orange District) Week festival is perfectly timed to make the most of the colourful display and the bountiful local harvests at this time of year.
Tenterfield
Nestled in the New England region, about a five-hour drive north of Sydney, Tenterfield’s tree-lined streets and parks are a restful escape, but if you’re seeking a little more hustle and bustle, visit over the Easter long weekend, when the town hosts a four-day Autumn Festival, featuring open gardens, country markets and and Easter egg hunt.
Armidale
The almost 200-year-old town of Armidale has well-established trees lining the town’s parks and walkways, like Central Park and the Curtis Park & Dumaresq Creek Walkway, but its worth delving into the local arts scene too, like at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) showcasing Australian masterpieces. The Armidale Autumn Festival takes place in early April.
