Sure, autumn might be the time we start wearing our warmer gear as temps start to fall. But it’s also without question that one of the best quirks about autumn is the leaves of trees changing colour and falling to the ground.
There’s nothing like taking a stroll and snapping photos of the reds, yellows, and more.
1. Toowoomba
On a road trip to Toowoomba, which is just under two hours from Brisbane, there are a few spots that really put on a show when it comes to the season change, making it one of the best places to catch the autumn colours near Brisbane.
Toowoomba is home to plenty of parks, gardens and trails covered in colour, truly living up to its name of “The Garden City”.
Wander through Queens Park when the leaves are falling to spot rich autumn hues from the massive trees that line the area.
Another choice spot to catch the coloured leaves is Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens, which is home to 3km of paths, lush water features, plus plenty of Japanese and native plants.
A must-see in Toowoomba is Picnic Point, which sits on the edge of a plateau and boasts breathtaking views over the Lockyer Valley. Here, you’ll find an array of walking trails, a café and a restaurant, as well as plenty of space for a picnic (as the name of the location suggests).
If you have time, be sure to visit the Toowoomba Farmers Market to find some local food and craft to take home with you.
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2. Tamborine Mountain
Part of the wondrous beauty and appeal of the Scenic Rim belongs to Tamborine Mountain. The lush mountain plateau is home to a plethora of landscapes and environments that you can explore, including bushwalks, waterfall excursions and more.
If you’re looking for autumn colours, though, be sure to find the Japanese maple trees at Tamborine Mountain Botanical Gardens as their leaves turn a deep red.
Tamborine Mountain is also home to a number of wineries, distilleries and the Witches Chase Cheese Company which makes it a great day trip from Brisbane. So you can see autumn colours and make a full day out of all the must-sees at Tamborine Mountain.
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3. Kenilworth
Unsurprisingly, the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a popular day trip and weekend getaway location for Brisbanites. What, with its charming country towns, waterfalls, hiking trails, some of the best doughnuts in the area, and one of the best places to see autumn colours.
Enjoy a scenic drive on the country roads as you pass trees with leaves turned yellow and almond. Be sure to take a walk around town too, which boasts a charming 1930s atmosphere and despite its small size contains a bunch of eateries, shops, art gallery, and a cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream factory. The Kenilworth Market is held every Saturday morning.
But as we mentioned, the star of the town is the Kenilworth Country Bakery. It’s almost 100-years old and its oven is wood-fired, making its treats and baked goods a delight to eat. They also do coffee served inside a doughnut, vegan sweets, dog treats and, of course, 1kg doughnuts.
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4. Rathdowney
When visiting Mount Barney National Park and its Scenic Rim surrounds, a stop in the scenic town of Rathdowney is a must, especially during autumn.
A visit to Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages will have you graced with coloured leaves dropping from the trees. Taste some local wines at the cellar door, and if you really want to treat yourself, book a night or two at the gorgeous cottages onsite.
Best of all, the vineyard is only an hour and a half from Brisbane.
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5. Stanthorpe
Wine and hiking lovers to the front, because the Granite Belt region is known and loved for its many vineyards and nature trails. If you plan your trip in autumn, you’ll be treated to a sea of colour from the tree leaves too.
A walk in Girraween National Park, with its massive granite boulders and exceptional views, has your name on it if you’re looking for autumn colours.
Most of the Granite Belt wineries can be found in and around Stanthorpe too, which is around a three hour road trip south-west of Brisbane. It might be a little too far to complete with ease in a day, but when you can stay inside a giant wine barrel in the area, you’ll want to make the most of your time here.
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6. Tenterfield
The only NSW place on this list, but no less than spectacular when it comes to autumn colour.
Tenterfield is located around three and a half hours south-west of Brisbane and during the autumn months, this gorgeous little town gets painted in a sea of red and golden hues.
Take a stroll in the tree-lined streets, parks and gardens to catch the vibrant display from the coloured leaves.
Tenterfield is close to plenty of awesome hiking trails too, so why not tree-t yourself to a weekend getaway?
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