Autumn, Mount WilsonCredit: Destination NSW
Fiery autumn leaves on trees lining a quiet street in Mount Wilson.
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Explore New South Wales in autumn — from March to May — and discover a landscape of burnished valleys, golden vines and parklands scattered with red maple leaves. Here’s where to see some glorious autumn colours.
Soak up the colours of the Blue Mountains
In autumn, the cool-climate gardens and deciduous trees of the Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive northwest of Sydney, are ablaze with colour. Soak up the rich colours of the Japanese maples, North American oaks and dawn redwoods at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, and explore the tree-lined backstreets of the town of Blackheath.
Stroll through Mount Wilson, where the streets are lined with elm trees and pink cherries, and the village’s heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens. In the pretty village of Leura, the Everglades Gardens have towering trees, rolling grass carpeted with autumn leaves and breathtaking glimpses of the Jamison Valley.
An hour’s drive west beyond the Blue Mountains in Oberon, visit the Hawkins’ Family Garden during the Mayfield Garden Autumn Festival for its English box hedge maze, a row around Mayfield Lake and the stunning colours of its deciduous trees.
Take the time to see Tumut
See the autumn colours of poplar, elm and maple at Tumut and the surrounding country at the foot of the Snowy Mountains, a four-hour drive south-west of Sydney. Visit Rotary Lookout for views of the entire valley, drive down tree-lined Elm Drive, and stroll along the Tumut River and into Rotary Pioneer Park, resplendent with European deciduous trees. Tumut’s annual Festival of the Falling Leaf has been celebrating seasonal hues since 1954.
Feast your eyes on Orange
The town of Orange is a visual feast during the autumn season, thanks to its many deciduous trees, including its iconic rows of golden poplars. Less than four hours’ drive northwest of Sydney, Orange in autumn is gold, red and deep green. Highlights include the northern end of Hill Street, lined with red maples and golden elms, and the Orange Botanic Gardens.
Tumut River Walk, Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the autumn colours along the Tumut River walk.
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Tumut River Walk, Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the autumn colours along the Tumut River walk.
Scenic Dive, Glencoe Credit: Destination NSW
Poplar-lined country road in the village of Glencoe, south of Glen Innes.
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Scenic Dive, Glencoe Credit: Destination NSW
Poplar-lined country road in the village of Glencoe, south of Glen Innes.
Celebrate the season in New England
Go on an autumn adventure into New England, about a five-hour drive north of Sydney, where the copper colours of chestnut and maple trees are on show in the region’s charming, historic towns.
Glen Innes is glorious during autumn, with golden poplar-lined streets, pear trees, pistachio trees and the dramatic claret ash. It’s also home to the autumn Australian Celtic Festival. The town of Armidale has many beautiful parks, tree-lined streets and gardens, and hosts the annual Armidale Autumn Festival.
Near the town of Uralla, the Gostwyck Chapel is covered in Virginia creeper, which turns a dramatic crimson in autumn. And Tamworth is stunning in autumn, with highlights including the view from Oxley Scenic Lookout.
Set out for the Southern Highlands
This delightful region, 90 minutes’ drive southwest of Sydney, is known for its old-world charm, country mansions and formal garden estates. Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit, when picturesque heritage villages come alive with colour. In Bowral, stroll through the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and Corbett Gardens.
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.
Make sure to visit some of the iconic cool-climate gardens on open days the Southern Highlands Autumn Gardens and Plant Fair showcases five magical gardens rarely open to the public.
Explore a grand garden in Crookwell
The town of Crookwell, perched on the Great Dividing Range, a 2.5-hour drive south-west of Sydney, is home to the famed Edna Walling Garden, on Markdale, a working sheep and cattle station. Redesigned in 1949 by renowned Australian landscape gardener Edna Walling, the garden features her signature woodland plantings, winding paths, rustic timber gates and deciduous trees. It’s spectacularly golden during autumn and there’s farm-stay accommodation on the property.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
Autumn at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral in the Southern Highlands.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
Autumn at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral in the Southern Highlands.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.