Where to see colourful autumn leaves these holidays

Who doesn’t love seeing leaves change colour in autumn? The crunch underfoot and chill in the air make it one of the best times to head outside. Although it might seem like a bit of a novelty here in Australia, there are more places to see autumn in action than you might think. From wine regions to rugged mountains, here’s a few ideas to inspire your next mini break.

Hues and views in Victoria’s high country

There’s no better time than autumn to visit the towns of Bright and Mount Beauty via the Great Alpine Road. European-style gardens are right at home in the cold climate of Victoria’s high country and the seasonal foliage, along with the local harvest, is celebrated each year during the Bright Autumn Festival. The ten-day festival includes foodie events, art exhibitions and is when private gardens open to visitors so you can really immerse yourself in the colours of the season.

Blazing trails in alpine Tasmania

Image credit: Emilie Ristevski on Tourism Tasmania

While most Australian native trees stay green all year round, Tasmania’s deciduous beech, Nothofagus gunnii, opts to colour outside the lines. This unique event is known locally as the ‘turning of the fagus’ and is well worth braving the brisk Tassie weather. Some of the best displays can be seen from the hiking trails in Cradle Mountain National Park between late March and May. It’s easy to identify the beech trees growing trackside, as their little crinkle-cut leaves stand out in shades of gold and crimson. Remember to capture some photos of the moody lakes and mountains framed in autumn colour, because there’s nowhere like it elsewhere in the Australia!

Vibrant vines in Orange, New South Wales

A foodie destination and  Australia’s “colour city”, Orange is a safe bet if you want to spend a cosy weekend wining, dining and admiring autumn leaves. The impressive leaf displays are brought about by the clear yet very cold climate, so whether you’re wandering beneath canopies of colour in the botanic gardens, picnicking lakeside, or tasting wine among golden grapevines, make sure you wear your warmest layers. If you head to Orange via the Blue Mountains you’ll be treated to even more autumn scenery in the villages of Wentworth Falls, Leura and Blackheath.

Capital colours in Canberra, ACT

Deciduous trees are everywhere in Canberra. There’s even an interactive map dedicated to the autumn leaves! Kick through falling oak and poplar leaves along the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin and capture the foliage reflected in the water. The National Arboretum is home to a variety of discovery gardens and living collections where you can see autumn in many shapes and sizes, from bonsais to 100 year-old oaks. It’s also worth visiting one of the lookouts for expansive views of the city daubed in red, orange and yellow.

The hills are alive in South Australia’s wine regions

Image credit: Sam Williams on South Australian Tourism Commission

From yellowing vineyards to orchards heavy with fruit, autumn brings a riot of colour and flavour to the Adelaide Hills. During your weekend of wine tasting and fig picking, make time to explore the meandering trails around Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Here, the lakes and duck ponds are nestled among  maples, liquid ambers and ash trees that transform the grounds into an autumn wonderland right up until June. Stirling, Hahndorf and most other towns in the Adelaide Hills flaunt colourful tree-lined streets too.

Capture the moment on your autumn getaway

When it comes to taking great photos of the autumn leaves, ‘soft’ light is your friend. Cloudy skies create flattering, filtered light that allows colours to pop, and early morning mist guarantees a moody, atmospheric shot. 

When the forecast is clear, the best time for outdoor photography is when the sun is low, around an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise. This is when the trees will be lit from behind creating longer shadows and glowing outlines. 

Bright overhead sun in the middle of the day is trickier to work with, as it can result in harsh shadows and high contrast in photos. However, you can create some interesting effects with lens flares. Click here for some more tips for taking photos with your phone.

Whether you’re into landscapes, long exposure, portraiture, video or low-light shots, the latest phones pair capable cameras and software smarts to create impressive photos without the fuss.