There are few things as exciting as the thrill of the open road, especially when autumn’s vibrant colours are splashed in every corner. From winding mountain streets to stunning drives with a side of sparkling ocean views, NSW offers many picturesque drives that are even better in autumn. The autumn colours typically peak between mid-April and late-May, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of the cooler weather and the changing landscapes, before winter arrives. Here are some of the best autumn road trips around NSW for picture-perfect views, seasonal festivals, charming cafes, and more.
1. Sydney to the Blue Mountains
If you’re after autumn foliage close to home, make a beeline for the Blue Mountains asap. With sprawling botanical gardens, charming small towns, hidden gardens and so much more, this wild and wonderful part of the state is perfect in any season. But with a colour palette bursting with crimson and gold, we’re particularly fond of it in autumn. Many of the best spots are a stone’s throw from Sydney — we recommend driving to the small towns of Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath to see trees erupting in vibrant hues or the village of Mount Wilson for its spectacular autumn gardens.
Total distance: Approximately 107kms
2. New England Highway
When autumn hits its peak, there’s no better place to be than the New England region of NSW. Spanning from Yarraman, QLD to Newcastle in NSW, finding changing foliage along this route is a breeze. Towns to drive around and explore include Glen Innes and Armidale with detours to the country towns of Tamworth and Walcha, if you want to experience even more local flavour. Plan the perfect autumn road trip along the New England Highway with our comprehensive guide.
Total distance: Approximately 850kms
3. Tenterfield to Armidale
Short on time? Instead of driving the entire New England Highway route, break your journey into a short but delightful route between Tenterfield and Armidale. The drive takes no more than 2 hours, and along the way, you’ll be treated to the most colourful autumn foliage ranging from pleasing greens to bright yellows, fiery reds and mellow oranges. At 1000m above sea level, Armidale is claimed to be Australia’s highest city, making it a prime destination for autumn colours. Read more about it here.
Total distance: Approximately 190kms
4. The Southern Highlands
A firm favourite among locals, the Southern Highlands is an all-season getaway, but it truly shines in autumn. On your drive here, you’ll pass wide-open farmland, lush rolling hills, charming cottages, and quaint coffee shops. Along with the serene country landscapes, the region is also bursting with colour during autumn. From the historic village of Berrima to the elegant town of Bowral, there’s plenty to discover here. Stop by Bendooley Estate for a tipple surrounded by striking copper and amber hues, or pack a picnic to Lake Alexandra Reserve. Don’t forget to swing by Gumnut Patisserie for baked goods and coffee before you hit the road for even more leafy scenery.
Total distance: Approximately 125kms
5. The Hunter Valley
Autumn is all about slow living and embracing the changing seasons, and there’s no better place to do just that than the birthplace of Australian wines. A road trip through the Hunter Valley treats visitors to vineyards awash with autumn colours, outdoor festivals and top-notch views. The region also hosts its annual Hunter Valley Harvest Festival, a huge three-month celebration of food, wine and arts from March to May. Recommended wineries to visit include Peppertree Wines, Usher Tinkler Wines, Audrey Wilkinson Winery and Mount Pleasant. Take your pick here.
Total distance: Approximately 245kms from Sydney
6. Sydney to Orange
If you’re looking for a leaf-peeping adventure, the nearly 5-hour Sydney to Orange road trip is the way to go. With unforgettable vistas and plenty of recreational opportunities for all tastes and preferences, this is one of the best autumn road trips in the state. Along the way, you’ll pass through places like the Blue Mountains, Oberon, Lithgow, and Bathurst for even more delightful scenery, foodie experiences, and incredible natural wonders. A must-visit autumn stop is the remarkable Mayfield Garden, with 15 hectares of show-stopping colour on display.
Total distance: Approximately 258 kilometres from Sydney
7. Tumut to Tumbarumba
If you haven’t heard of these two towns in the Snowy Valleys region, you’re not the only one. Tumbarumba is a beautiful mix of vineyards, waterfalls, and mountain views, while Tumut is secretly one of the most spectacular spots to see autumn foliage in NSW. The road trip between the two hidden gems may be short, but it’s packed with autumn goodness. Tumut even hosts its own Falling Leaf Festival, a giant celebration of autumn with market stalls, entertainment, food and more. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and soak in the season’s beauty, this would be our top pick for one of the best autumn road trips in NSW.
Total distance: Approximately 67kms