Ways to embrace NSW's autumn colours

The autumnal display is thanks to the temperate deciduous trees of the world. Australia has hardly any native deciduous trees (it’s too warm), but its towns and gardens are flush with European, American and Asian trees that all peacock their colours once a year like proud Carnevale dancers.  

Southern Highlands   

The bucolic countryside of the Southern Highlands is known for its old-world charm, country mansions, formal garden estates and wineries. Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit, when picturesque heritage villages come alive with colour and the grapes come off the vines for the season’s wine making.   

In Bowral, divide your time between the sculpted grounds of Retford Park Bowral, an 1887 manor dotted with artistic expression, both natural and manmade; the seasonal gardens and autumn plant fair at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens; and the town’s oldest park (and home to the Tulip Festival) Corbett Gardens. Check in to Milton Park Country House Hotel, to be treated to a spectacle of giant elms, oaks, beeches and rhododendrons – there are more than 10,000 trees and plants in total – within one of NSW’s most historically significant private gardens.  

Bowral, Southern Highlands

Near the colonial sandstone buildings of Berrima is Bendooley Estate – perfect for an autumn wine tasting or lunch overlooking the grounds, when the trees turn shades of copper and amber and the exterior of the main building is layered in rich, red leaves.  

Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Meanwhile in Mittagong, the parklands around the hand-constructed lake of the Lake Alexandra Reserve attracts all manner of birdlife and picnickers who relax under the parkland’s tinted leaves.  

Lake Alexandra Reserve, Mittagong

Blue Mountains  

In autumn, the cool-climate gardens and village streets of the Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive west of Sydney, are ablaze with colour. In the pretty village of Leura, find the boutiques and cafes reframed by a canopy of maples, liquidambars and others all coloured like an array of stone fruits. On the edge of the village, the Everglades House & Gardens is on the National Trust register – for good reason. Aside from a grand Art Deco house where you can enjoy high tea, it’s surrounded by towering trees, rolling grass carpeted with autumn leaves, and breathtaking glimpses of the Jamison Valley.

Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura

Not far from Bilpin, soak up the rich colours of North American oaks and dawn redwoods at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. At 1,000 metres above sea level, the 28-hectare estate is a botanic journey with stunning panoramic views at every turn. The Residence Garden is known for its seasonal beauty, and in autumn, the Japanese maples create a patchwork of gold, russet and merlot.   

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

Nearby, privately owned Wildwood Garden* is just as colourful in autumn, as deciduous trees and shrubs change from green to red, orange and yellow.  

The village of Mount Wilson is particularly well known for its autumn displays, with its a variety of deciduous trees (plane trees, elms, beeches), numerous public and private gardens* – over the spring and autumn months, many residents open their gates to the public so you can take in the colours of the season.

Wildwood Garden, Bilpin

Heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens* is among them. From early April, the yellow leaves of the golden elm, box elder maple, ash trees and silver birch begin to appear. Then from mid-April, Japanese maples, red maples, oak and copper beech show off their autumn orange and red leaves.  

Breenhold Gardens in Mount Tomah, Blue Mountains

Oberon  

Australia’s largest cool-climate garden, Oberon's Mayfield Garden’s, hosts 65 hectares of oaks, maples, rhododendrons and pastel-hued lilies, the latter blanketing water features throughout. Stroll over bridges and through grottoes, pausing to test your skill in the English box hedge maze or on one of the life-size interactive games. The gardens’ autumnal outfit is magical but expansive. To cover more of the grounds, check into the gardens’ glamping set-up to wake up within the garden (every booking includes a three-course meal at the gardens’ restaurant). 

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Tumut  

The Snowy Valley’s villages are dazzling in winter, but they’re just as pretty in the lead-up – see the autumn colours at Tumut , a four-hour drive southwest of Sydney. Drive down tree-lined Elm Drive, and take on the Tumut River Walk, which meanders through wetlands before reaching Rotary Pioneer Park, resplendent with European deciduous trees. Tumut’s annual Falling Leaf Festival has been celebrating seasonal hues since 1954 with two days of markets, workshops and live entertainment – expect anything from Bollywood dancing you can join in on to comedy shows at the local theatre.  

Tumut River Walk, Tumut

Orange   

In autumn, the town of Orange deserves its name – just add in a dash of gold, red and deep green. Less than four hours’ drive northwest of Sydney, it’s a visual feast thanks to its many deciduous trees, including its iconic rows of golden poplars, found throughout the Orange region. Highlights include Hill Street (particularly from Summer Street to Dalton Street), lined with red maples and golden elms, and the 17-hectare Orange Botanic Gardens. This time of year also sees the many grape vines that characterise the countryside change colour, heralding the autumn harvest that coincides with one of the state’s great food festivals, Orange FOOD Week  

Orchard in autumn, Orange

New England   

Go on an autumn adventure into New England, about a five-hour drive north of Sydney, where exotic deciduous trees are on show in the region’s charming, historic towns. Tamworth is a great example – see the town speckled with the colours from the farm end of the crayon box from Oxley Scenic Lookout. This is also arguably the best time of year to visit Tenterfield, with the temperature perfect for strolling along tree-lined streets ablaze with colour. Over the Easter long weekend, the town hosts a four-day Autumn Festival, with previous years featuring open gardens, country markets and Easter egg hunts.   

Rotary Park, Tenterfield

The town of Armidale also hosts an annual Autumn Festival, at a time when the streets, parks and gardens are looking resplendent. The almost 200-year-old town  is home to beautifully maintained heritage architecture , as well as a number of 19th-century churches, which look  grand  surrounded by the town's vibrant autumn foliage. 

Autumn trees lining a road, Armidale 

Glen Innes is similarly glorious during autumn, with golden poplar-lined streets, pear trees, pistachio trees and the dramatic claret ash. Plan your visit around the Australian Celtic Festival to experience anything from jousting to cosplay and arts and crafts markets. Duck over to the town of Uralla where you’ll find the Gostwyck Chapel covered in Virginia creeper, which turns a dramatic crimson in autumn or to Glencoe to see streets lined with towering poplars in yellow dress. 

Gostwyck Chapel, Tamworth area 

Albury Wodonga   

This southern part of NSW can sizzle over summer, but temperatures are particularly pleasant in autumn – as is the scenery. The Wagirra Trail follows the river and takes in the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, a stunning collection of sculptures by local Aboriginal artists that tell the story of their history and culture. But for a typical autumn display, set up for a stroll around the Albury Botanic Gardens, where trails weave through grounds patchworked with colour. It’s a popular spot for a picnic, as is Noreuil Park, with its glorious mature shade trees changing hue. The park is also home to the popular River Deck restaurant, which offers views over the park and the water.

Noreuil Park, Albury

Bathurst   

A three-hour drive west of Sydney, Bathurst dials up the natural drama when the temperature starts to drop. The grand deciduous trees around the city begin to turn a fantastical array of autumn colours. And then for six cool-weather weeks from March through May, Bathurst and its surrounding villages host an Autumn Colours Heritage Festival – a celebration of the changing seasons, the long history of the area and the characters that have shaped the beautiful region. There are a wide range of experiences on offer, including heritage and horticultural tours, walks, talks and entertainment.  

Bathurst Grange Distillery, Bathurst

A 30-minute drive south of Bathurst, Rockley is one of the oldest European settlements west of the Blue Mountains. Declared a National Trust Historic Village, it’s home to dozens of glorious heritage buildings tucked beside beautiful parklands, which come alive with vibrant hues at this time of year. The town takes part in the regional autumn festival (see above) and offers guided walking tours. When it’s time to revive, head to the redeveloped Rockley Pub, helmed by acclaimed chef Matt Moran. 

The Rockley Pub, Rockley

*smaller private gardens will have specific seasonal opening hours. Be sure to check before you visit.