Crisp autumn days are here and it’s the ideal time to plan autumn trips to new destinations. Wondering where you can see autumn at its most colourful in NSW? You’re in the right place. Red maple leaves, lush greens and burnt oranges are set to take over town and you can immerse yourself in the season of change and experience these vibrant hues very soon. Embrace this magical season and head out on a road trip across NSW’s many diverse autumn towns.
1. Orange
The clue is in the name folks. Orange scores hordes of travellers from around NSW all year but it’s simply delightful for autumn trips. The small country town is less than four hours’ drive northwest of Sydney and comes alive with rich red and burnt yellow colours this time of the year. Orange is also well-regarded for its vibrant food scene and boutique shops so there’s plenty of reason to venture out of town and while away an autumn weekend here. See what’s on in Orange here.
2. Mount Wilson
This rugged World Heritage site presents plenty of possibilities for an escape all year round. If you get lucky, you can see snow in the Blue Mountains during winter and see some lovely blooming flowers during spring. For autumn trips, the village of Mount Wilson is coated with colour along the tree-lined corners of Nooroo Garden, Windyridge Garden and of course, the famous Breenhold Garden. The gardens are usually open in autumn and spring and you can get there a short 90-minute drive from Sydney.
3. Bathurst
You don’t have to head out of the city to see autumn colours when you can just go to Bathurst and enjoy all its world-class offerings while also soaking up autumnal hues. Bathurst is a photographer’s dream during autumn with a cacophony of colors and views for days. Time your visit to coincide with the Autumn Colours Heritage Festival which celebrates the city’s rich history during its most photogenic season. It’s peak tourism season for the city so expect crowds; read all about it here.
4. Tenterfield
Autumn foliage well and truly explodes in this part of NSW situated in the region of New England near the intersection of Bruxner Highway and New England Highway. Although a closer drive from Brisbane (3.5 hours) than Sydney (8 hours), we think the pristine landscapes are worth the effort. The autumn landscape is defined by long winding tree-lined streets and scenic parks and gardens. So lovely is this part of the year that they host a specialTenterfield Autumn Festival over the Easter long weekend to celebrate it. Read more about autumn trips in Tenterfield and things to do here.
5. Batlow
The quaint town of Batlow is hidden between Tumut and Tumbarumba in the Snowy Valleys and it’s an underrated gem when it comes to leaf peeping season. The autumn foliage around town is pure eye candy with every colour imaginable. They also host a community festival called Batlow Cidefest during autumn showcasing local craft brews and cold climate wines along with market stalls, food and live entertainment. Batlow is also home to one of Australia’s iconic “big things” the Big Apple which is a good enough reason to plan a trip. It is a 5-hour drive from Sydney and Melbourne and a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Canberra. Alternatively, you can fly into Wagga Wagga and then drive down to Batlow.
6. Armidale
Arguably one of the best places in NSW to experience autumn, the city of Armidale transforms into a stunning tapestry of colourful foliage every year. They even host their own Autumn Festival showcasing local talent and all the lovely autumnal colours around town. If you’re planning to visit, you can get the most bang for your buck by getting here via the Waterfall Way drive passing rainforests, national parks and some seriously gorgeous waterfalls like the Instagrammable Dangar Falls and the Crystal Shower Falls that you can walk behind.
7. Bowral
Bowral is a great place to visit all year long but it’s especially delightful during autumn and winter. Australia’s first booktown is also a prime destination to see the leaves change colour. The town reflects an old-world charm with markets, boutique shops, many quaint bookshops and gardens that are awash in a vivid tapestry of colours during autumn. Take a walk through the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and Corbett Gardens to see the leaves or plan your trip around the Bowral Autumn Festival. Bowral is located a short hour and a half drive from Sydney. There’s more to discover in Bowral here.
8. Sutton Forest
One of the most historic NSW settlements, the quiet village of Sutton Forest in the Southern Highlands is home to some lovely English-style gardens, boutique hotels, estates and country retreats with sprawling grasslands and vivid colours. Sutton Forest is only a 90-minute drive from Sydney and Canberra and the perfect place for a tranquil long weekend autumn escape. Read more about this tranquil village here.
9. Glencoe
If you’re looking for a tranquil village not yet overhyped by social media, consider Glencoe. The small farming village in the Northern Tablelands near Glen Innes presents one of NSW’s most scenic autumn drives with trees vibrant with seasonal colour, cooler temps and picturesque vistas. Glencoe is home to the popular Red Lion Tavern, an old English-style pub which has been serving locals and travellers passing by for over a century. Read more about it here.