A family walking surrounded by autumn leaves at Buchan Caves Reserve.

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Explore nature this autumn

As autumn arrives, we find ourselves looking for ways to make the most of the warmer days, cooler nights and the last few golden hours of daylight saving.

It's no wonder autumn is a season favourite and a popular time to make plans for lasting memories in nature with family and friends.

Here you’ll find some last-minute inspiration of things to do where the Wi-Fi is weak and the connection with nature is strong.

Things to do this autumn

Family walking under big tree full of red and gold leaves
Top 10 things to do in Victoria's parks this autumn
Couple walking with dogs on lead along a garden path with autumn leaves.
The best parks to visit for Autumn colour
A family enjoys an autumn picnic at Vaughan Springs in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Escape the city this autumn

Hiking and walking

Did you know? Some of the state’s most fantastic bushwalks are best done at this time of year. Autumn’s crisp days and cooler temperatures make it great walking weather.
The George Bass Coastal Walk, Yallock Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park

Where to walk this Autumn/Winter

Autumn's crisp days and cooler temperatures make it great bushwalking weather. Here’s a selection of some of our top walks this season.

Keeping you walking this autumn and beyond

It’s time to pull out your comfy shoes and look for a walk that is just right for you. Whether it’s a short stroll, a wander in an urban park or a more rugged adventure you’re looking for, Victoria’s parks and reserves have hundreds of options.
Close up photo of a koala surrounded by gum leaves

The paws, prints and claws you might spot along the autumn/winter trail

Autumn and winter mark a time when many of our native mammals, insects, amphibians and birdlife are at their most active. Which will you spot on your next hike or bushwalk?
A group of walkers head along the trail in front of Gar on norther section 2 of the GPT

Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike

A rugged, rocky adventure with steep climbs and panoramic views in the Northern Peaks of the Grampians.
The lighthouse keeper's cottage and lighthouse at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

The perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged coastal environment while staying in self-contained dormitory-style or private cabin accommodation. The Lightstation can only be reached on foot (minimum 19.1km one way). The walk is challenging (5-6 hours), requiring a high level of fitness.

Family autumn activities

An Indigenous guide discusses traditional artifacts with a couple on a walking tour in front of the lake at Tower Hill.
Learn something new in autumn
A ranger and a group of primary school children lookout at the wetlands enclosure at Serendip Sanctuary.
Junior Rangers
A couple walking their dog on lead along a track.
Your A-Z guide to Victoria’s dog-friendly walking trails
A young boy walks hand-in-hand with his grandmother, while his mother pushes his younger sibling in a pram.

Top 10 pram-friendly walks

Getting out into nature with young children is great for everyone’s wellbeing. With the little one strapped into the pram they can learn about nature and discover many of the beautiful places around Melbourne and across Victoria.

Pre-pitched Point Nepean Discovery Tents at sunset

6 top family-friendly campgrounds around Melbourne

From the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Conran Coastal Park, here's your guide to some of the best family-friendly camping destinations up to four hours from Melbourne.

A family walks through the trees at Buchan Caves Reserve in autumn

Family outings

There’s so much for kids and families to explore in Victoria’s parks. Whether you want a beach day trip, a kid-friendly mountain biking trail, a weekend of bush camping, a tour of Victoria’s wildlife or an urban park oasis, find your perfect way to get into nature as a family.

Dandenong Ranges garden guide – 7 unique gardens close to Melbourne

You’ve probably heard of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, but did you know there are six other unique gardens and parks to explore nearby?

Get into nature

Whether you're exploring near home, or further away, Victoria's parks offer so much to do this autumn. Get out there and enjoy all that the season has to offer!

Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue.

Get social in autumn

Looking for the perfect place to gather with friends and family? With free barbecues and gorgeous picnic spots, parks are a great place to bring people together. There’s also plenty of opportunities to meet new people!
A group of three friends ride bikes overlooking the ocean near the heads to Port Philip Bay.

Ride into autumn fun

Whether it's horse riding, bike riding or riding a wave, our parks have plenty of options. Get your adrenaline rush in nature this autumn.
Two people standing around campfire at Days Picnic Area in Macedon Regional Park.

Top nature experiences near Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

Just an hour northwest of Melbourne, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are the perfect nature getaway. Here you can walk through magical forests in Macedon, meander through vibrant autumn leaves in the Goldfields, all while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri Country.
Aerial view of the pink lake at Westgate Park

Everything you need to know about Victoria's pink lakes

It may come as a surprise, but these are the natural changing colour of some of Victoria’s lakes. These bubblegum pink lakes are a natural wonder that many will never get to see, but there are a few right here in Victoria.
A person fishing at the beach with a fishing rod

Fishing - 4 best fishing spots in Victoria

Victoria is home to some of the best fishing spots in Australia. Whether its targeting big snapper, or fly fishing for trout in the highlands, here are four exceptional fishing spots, each offering diverse opportunities for recreational anglers.
Mountain bike riders at Lysterfield Park

Mountain biking - 5 epic mountain biking trails near Melbourne

There are many epic mountain biking trails right on Melbourne’s doorstep, with options for beginners and adrenaline seekers alike.
Grass meets the iconic pink granite by the Gabo Island Coastline

Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

Just off the pristine coast of Croajingolong National Park, you'll discover Gabo Island. Wild and remote, this island is surrounded by magnificent views and offers a unique day trip or stay.

For more inspiration or exciting things to see and do in Victoria’s parks and reserves, subscribe to our monthly Outdoor Inspiration e-newsletter.

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