Regional The Most Colourful Season
The Most Colourful Season We’re not the only ones who feel the cool change. Here’s where to see Victoria’s deciduous trees turning autumnal shades of red, orange and gold. Golden Years
A Natural High
Historic Walhalla, which has barely changed in more than a century, is one of the prettiest towns in the Gippsland region, and it only gets better with this particular change of season. While the days are still warm and bright, the trees that hang over the bandstand and line the main street turn burgundy and gold. While you’re there, ride the historical Walhalla Goldfields Railway or tour the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, which helped prospectors pull 50 tonnes of the precious metal from Cohen’s Reef in the 1860s. + visitwalhalla.com + walhallarail.com.au
One of the most asset-rich regions when it comes to autumn splendour is the High Country. Take to two wheels and cycle from Myrtleford, along the trail that follows the Ovens River, where you’ll be surrounded by changing trees, and return to taste the wine at Billy Button cellar door. In the small but picturesque town of Jamieson, there’s a selfguided significant trees walk (drop in to the general store, post office or museum for a map). In autumn, the maples lining Cobham Street are particularly stunning. The town is at the junction of the Jamieson and Goulburn Rivers, so take the opportunity to hire a kayak from the Jamieson Caravan Park and go paddling. + visitmyrtlefordvic.com.au + jamieson.org.au
Park Life One of Victoria’s earliest manicured plantings, established in the 1850s, was the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. Take a picnic basket and sit by the ornamental lake where the Dutch elms turn gold when autumn arrives. When you’re through, visit the cellar door at Zig Zag Rd, where you can taste the Churchill family’s riesling and shiraz. + visitmacedonranges.com + zigzagwines.com.au
Coastal Colour On a drive along the Great Ocean Road, swing by Camperdown Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, designed by William Guilfoyle, who also created Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Not only can you view the cedar and elm leaves as they turn, but the gardens have excellent views of lakes Bullen Merri and Gnotuk. + facebook.com/camperdownbotanic Plan your journey + ptv.vic.gov.au
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