The New England High Country may be the perfect autumn destination in NSW, but the state has a lot more real estate to offer than just that. In fact, some of the most vibrant autumn colour palettes can be found a stone’s throw from Sydney in the Blue Mountains. Autumn is feted in particular in Mount Wilson, and one stroll through its many postcard-perfect gardens will tell you why. The heritage garden village truly ups the ante with an explosion of fiery reds, rich golds, and pleasing oranges draped over the entire landscape. Beyond the gardens, there are plenty of natural wonders and wild bushland to explore. With winter still a way off, now is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. Here are some of the best things to do in Mount Wilson.
Mount Wilson, NSW
If you Google NSW in autumn, Mount Wilson will inevitably be one of the first results. The village is home to seven gardens, each more beautiful than the last and with a distinct personality to offer, along with historical sites, sweeping lookouts, and serene picnic spots. Rushing here is almost forbidden, so take your time and opt for a peaceful hike, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the stunning autumn leaves at the gardens, or soak up the panoramic mountain views. Here are some highlights to add to your list.
Gardens
Your first order of business should be exploring the gardens in Mount Wilson, which draw leaf-peeping enthusiasts from around NSW and beyond. Immerse yourself in the fiesta of incredible colours in one of these seven enchanting gardens: Yengo Sculpture Gardens, Nooroo, Breenhold, Sefton Cottage, Windyridge, Bebeah, and Merry Garth.
See the charmingly laid out 2.5-hectare Merry Garth garden, nestled within temperate rainforest, or make a beeline to Yengo Sculpture Gardens and discover century-old trees, hidden sculptures, and generous splashes of autumn colour. Breenhold is a favoured getaway among locals, with 45 hectares of mood-boosting garden space, while Nooroo Garden is perfect for a Stars Hollow-style, coffee-sipping adventure. Windyridge is often touted as one of the most picturesque gardens in the country, and Bebeah offers a delightful English-style garden with crimson hues in abundance. Sefton Cottage Garden is a hidden gem with pleasing cherry blossoms and daffodils in spring and fiery-coloured leaves in autumn. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Walking trails and waterfalls
Autumn is best experienced on your own two feet, and Mount Wilson is perfect for a gentle walk. Opt for the Historic Village Walk and learn more about the village’s history, or explore a classic rainforest trail and chance upon waterfall grottos, ancient canyons, lookouts and a variety of bushland. The lanes and roads around town are walkable, making getting around easy, and autumn foliage is never far from view. Find more walking trails and highlights in the area on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
What is the best time to visit Mount Wilson?
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to plan a visit to Mount Wilson with tree-lined streets and seasonal hues. This is when the gardens are at their brightest and the mountain air is cool and crisp. The peak of autumn colours typically occurs between mid-April and mid-May, with a stunning variety of deciduous trees like plane trees, elms, Japanese Maples and beeches showcasing their colours. The residents even leave their doors open so visitors can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the season. Find more information and nearby accommodation options at Mount Wilson here.
Getting there
Mount Wilson is located in the Blue Mountains, at an elevation of approximately 1,050m above sea level, about a two-hour drive from Sydney. There are no suitable public transport options to the village and driving is recommended.
Do note that the gardens are open seasonally in spring and autumn. Check the official websites before planning a visit.