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Escape the city this autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to take a trip out of the city and into nature. The milder conditions are great for exploring further afield, without the crowds!


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Day trips

Looking for the perfect place for a spur of the moment trip? You can find plenty of stunning views, long walks and picnic spots all within two hours of Melbourne! Discover Victoria’s defense history at Point Nepean National Park. Enjoy tea with a view in Macedon Regional Park. Explore stunning Autumn colours in Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.

Find more day trip ideas on our Melbourne day trips page.



Parks less than two hours from Melbourne:

Campaspe River at Rocky Crossing in the Greater Bendigo National Park

Greater Bendigo National Park

The regional city of Bendigo is surrounded by forest that comes alive with wattle and other flowers from August onwards.
South Channel Fort in Port Philip part of the Point Nepean National Park.

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean has played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defense of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape.
The view of the surrounding flats from near the summit of Mount Macedon

Macedon Regional Park

A beautifully scenic forested mountain-ridge the Macedon Ranges host forested walking tracks, shady picnic areas and stunning lookouts. The Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross dominates the surrounding landscape while scenic drives link the park to the cafes and restaurants of the surrounding towns and villages.
A young couple walk along the board walk at Cape Schank.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features and is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta.
Two retired men go on a long walk through lush temperate rain-forest near Eagles nest picnic ground.

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, this park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks.
The view of Safety Beach and Port Phillip from the top of Arthurs Seat State Park.

Arthurs Seat State Park

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park is a prominent feature in the landscape of Port Philip Bay.
People walking through paths on a green mature European garden, surrounded by water features.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

Delightful all year round, choose your own adventure along the many linking paths beneath the canopy of Mountain Ash trees as you stroll through the garden.

Camping

Don’t miss the chance to head for a camping trip before you put away your gear for winter. There are campsites to suit all tastes across Victoria. Camp beside the water at Lake Eildon National Park or Lower Glenelg National Park. If you prefer a campsite with comforts of home, try Buchan Caves Reserve. Kinglake National Park and Lerderderg State Park are close to Melbourne but feel a world away.

Find more camping grounds on our camping page.



Great places to camp:

A young couple paddle kayaks on a sunny afternoon across Lake Eildon.

Lake Eildon National Park

Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.
Two campers relax at their campsite after a long paddle.

Lower Glenelg National Park

The Glenelg River is the central feature of the Lower Glenelg National Park. Along the last part of its winding 400 kilometre path to the sea the river has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone. River erosion and the action of rainwater have created a remarkable cave.
Mother and young daughter look at the rock formations in the Fairy Cave at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Buchan Caves Reserve

Near the township of Buchan, lies a honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. The caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock
Two women walk through ferns along the Shelly Harris Track in Kinglake National Park.

Kinglake National Park

Only 65 km north of Melbourne, Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat.

Beaches

Don’t let the cooler weather deter you from visiting a beach in Autumn! Without the crowds, Autumn is a great time for beach walks or horse riding. You can do both at Belfast Coastal Reserve, with dog-walking permitted on lead. Dogs are also permitted at Sandy Cove at Bay of Islands Coastal Park. If you’re visiting in May, you might spot a Southern Right Whale. Autumn also makes for great surfing conditions. Why not catch a wave at Mornington Peninsula National Park

Get more inspiration on our beaches page.



Parks with beaches:

A young couple walk along the board walk at Cape Schank.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features and is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta.
Grass covered dunes in front of a sweeping bay beach

Belfast Coastal Reserve

Popular all year round with dog walkers, birdwatchers and ocean anglers who enjoy the 20km stretch of sandy beaches, grassy dunes and thriving wetlands right on the doorstep of Warrnambool and Port Fairy.
A couple walk along a beach at the Bay Islands

Bay of Islands Coastal Park

A land and seascape sculpted by the elements over millennia. Arches, islands and rock stacks are dotted along a wild coastline of beach coves and spectacular lookouts.
Waves crashing in the shallows

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Stretching along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park has strikingly beautiful scenery.
Sunset on the rocks at Whiskey Bay in Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Welcome to Wilsons Prom, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Walk remote coastal bushland trails and swim at pristine beaches dominated by granite tors. Camp in comfort at family-friendly Tidal River or hike to a more secluded campsite
A family walk together along the water's edge at Shipwreck Creek beach.

Croajingolong National Park

Croajingolong follows the far-eastern coastline of Victoria for 100 km and features eucalypt forest, rainforest and heathland.
Three women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

Cape Conran Coastal Park

Cape Conran Coastal Park has heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands brimming with nectar-feeding birds
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