Chasing those spectacular autumn colours? Get your car ready to hit the road with Cox Auto as we explore 5 of the best autumn road trips from Melbourne. With the season’s vibrant foliage painting the landscapes, there’s no better time to explore Victoria’s scenic wonders. From quaint towns nestled amidst fiery hues to hidden gems boasting culinary delights, join us on a journey through picturesque routes and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic vistas, charming villages, or culinary adventures, these autumn road trips promise to create lasting memories.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens
Stay close to home with colour in the Dandenong ranges
Distance: 50 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
Route: Google maps
Road condition: Sealed, good condition
Ideal for: a romantic day-trip or day out with the family
Embark on a picturesque road trip to Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges this autumn, a short journey that promises easy access to nature’s vibrant autumnal displays. Just an hour in the car and you’ll be wandering through the Cloudehill Gardens and the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, where fiery reds and golden yellows adorn every pathway beneath towering mountain ash trees.
Immerse yourself in the sensory delight of rustling leaves and the sweet fragrance of eucalyptus. Whether it’s a leisurely picnic amidst the golden canopy for a romantic day out or a family adventure with a scenic train ride on Puffing Billy through the misty valleys, the Dandenong Ranges offer something for everyone, making it an accessible escape into the heart of autumn’s splendor.
Highlights:
- Taste the changing seasons at Seasons Restaurant overlooking Cloudehill Gardens, Olinda.
- Capture the perfect picture at the stunningly photogenic boathouse and surrounding waterfalls at the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Sherbrooke.
- Stretch your legs with a walk surrounded by showstopping autumnal colours at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens.
Puffing Billy
Bright and the Victorian High Country
Distance: 350 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
Route: Google maps
Road condition: Sealed, good condition
Ideal for: an extended getaway for active nature-lovers
A road trip to Bright in Victoria’s Alpine High Country is the quintessential autumnal experience, where liquidambar, maple, poplar, oak and ash trees reach peak beauty. Bright offers a serene retreat nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. The town’s vibrant display of seasonal hues is breathtaking, complemented by extensive cycling trails such as the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, catering to both leisurely exploration and more adventurous rides. Don’t miss the annual Bright Autumn Festival, adding an extra layer of charm and excitement to your visit.
With warm country hospitality, spectacular autumn leaves, charming boutique wineries, inviting microbreweries, and tranquil fishing spots scattered throughout the region, a visit to Bright guarantees an unforgettable autumn road trip.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the best of the season at Bright’s Autumn Festival.
- Delight in foliage-framed drives at every turn (don’t miss Tawonga Gap Road in the Kiewa Valley).
- Unwind with a handcrafted beer at Bright Brewery, where the beer is brewed on-site using pure Alpine water and locally-sourced ingredients.
Bright Brewery
Liquid ambers in Heathcote
Distance: 130 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
Route: Google maps
Road condition: Sealed, good condition
Ideal for: the perfect picnic destination
Looking for the perfect picnic destination for your autumn road trip? Head north to the shiraz-capital of Victoria, Heathcote, and lay out your blanket in the Valley of Liquid Ambers. Ablaze with brilliant hues of red, burnt orange, and golden desert shades, it’s the perfect spot to savor local seasonal produce with a panoramic view of the valley.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, a road trip to Heathcote in autumn offers a perfect blend of culinary delights and breathtaking landscapes
Highlights:
- Swing by Heathcote Winery to sample their award-winning wines in a rustic cellar door setting.
- Explore the stunning McIvor Range on foot for sweeping views.
- Take in the colourful gold rush and other historic attractions in town
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges
- Distance: 112 kilometres from Melbourne CBD to Daylesford
- Route: Google maps
- Road condition: Sealed, good condition
Ideal for: an extended weekend of rest and relaxation
Highlighting the allure of autumn, the Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges beckon as the ideal setting for a scenic autumn road trip from Melbourne for an extended weekend. Refuel in Daylesford with some classic gourmet pub-grub at the Farmers Arms Hotel or a classy lunch for something special at Lake House before continuing on to nearby Hepburn Springs.
Immerse yourself in the largest concentration of naturally-occurring mineral springs in Australia, with boutique accommodations offering spa treatments and delectable local cuisine. Visit the historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa for a revitalising experience. Explore attractions like the Convent Gallery, antique stores, and Lavandula lavender farm for a serene picnic spot. Discover local wineries and leisurely explore the natural beauty of the area.
Take your time winding back to Melbourne, stopping at any or all of Trentham Falls, Woodend, Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon to savor the cool climate and stunning scenery of the Great Dividing Range in all its autumnal glory.
Highlights:
- Take in the annual display of autumn colours at eight stunning locations on the Autumn Festival Treasure Trail.
- Explore the history, mystery and geology of Hanging Rock.
- Enjoy a tasting paddle at the Daylesford Cider cellar door.
Walhalla — Image by Neisha Breen
Wind through Walhalla
Distance: 185 kilometres from Melbourne CBD to Daylesford
Route: Google maps
Road condition: Sealed, good condition
Ideal for: a weekend of colour
Head to the postcard-perfect town of Walhalla in Gippsland to snap some of the most vibrant autumnal photos on offer. Stroll along the Tramline Walkway to capture picturesque vistas of the town enveloped in golden hues, or explore the historic center of town, enjoying heritage architecture framed by majestic autumnal trees.
Highlights:
- Explore deep underground with a guided tour of the Walhalla Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine.
- Camp out on the banks of Stringer’s Creek in the small valley farmed by Chinese market gardeners during the height of the gold rush.
Get ready to hit the bitumen
Thinking about an autumn road trip? Don’t forget to prepare your car for the journey ahead! Plan ahead and book your car in for a service with us before you hit the road. We’ll give your car a thorough safety-check in line with the VACC’s accredited Critical Safety Check program and keep you on the move with our premium service experience. Ask about our complimentary loan cars and flexible prepayment options and rest assured that we’ll go that extra mile to keep you on the road.
In the week leading up to your road trip, run through a handful of simple pre-checks on your vehicle to avoid any last-minute roadtrip stress. Check your tyre pressure, lights, windscreen wipers, coolant and engine oil. If your simple checks turn up anything unexpected, give us a call and we’ll help you on your way.
