[Australia] Melbourne West - Top Pick for Autumn Leaves Viewing: Macedon Range

[Australia] Early Autumn Foliage Viewing at Macedon Range, West of Melbourne

As winter approaches, daylight slips through our fingers like sand, and dusk has already draped a veil over the world. The evening breeze carries a slight chill, making us cherish the gentleness of seasonal transitions even more. Before the cold fully sets in, we follow autumn's guidance to Macedon Range west of Melbourne, where nature prepares a visual feast for us.

Approximately 1-hour drive from Melbourne CBD to Macedon Range

Macedon Range is just a 45-minute drive from Melbourne CBD and 30 minutes from Melbourne Airport. This area consists of nine charming historic villages that become particularly colorful during autumn. Connecting these villages are pastoral landscapes dotted with gold and crimson hues, small settlements, eucalyptus forests, and pine groves.

Located west of Melbourne, Macedon Ranges is a beautiful mountainous region rich in natural resources and scenic attractions. The autumn climate here is pleasant, with crisp air and seasonal foliage changes, making it an ideal time for travel and exploration.

The Autumn Festival runs annually from April 1-30 on weekends and public holidays. Free shuttle buses near Macedon Centennial Park (Honour Avenue) transport visitors to various gardens (limited parking available, shuttle service recommended).

Autumn Garden Tour in Macedon Ranges

Annual Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival 

Every April, Macedon Ranges hosts its Autumn Festival (Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival), during which several private gardens open to the public: Forest Glade Gardens, Duneira Estate, Camelot Mount Macedon, and Viewfield Estate.

The most famous and largest attraction is Macedon Honour Avenue. During the Autumn Festival, this avenue becomes pedestrian-only, with vehicles prohibited.

Map of autumn foliage viewing spots during Macedon Range Autumn Festival

Macedon Honour Avenue is a WWI memorial lined with red oak trees honoring fallen soldiers.

Macedon Honour Avenue's red oaks make it a premier foliage destination near Melbourne

Early in the festival season, foliage begins changing but hasn't peaked, with fewer crowds

For crowd-free photos, walk to the end of Macedon Honour Avenue

Here, autumn resembles nature's spilled palette - fiery maples, gilded gingkoes, and honey-colored beech leaves cascade across the mountains. Sunlight filters through sparse branches, glazing each leaf with luminous hues, transforming the entire landscape into a flowing rainbow.

For solitude, nearby Manorina Way offers equally stunning foliage without crowds.

Sunlight filters through branches, illuminating each leaf

No-parking zones along the road preserve Melbourne's rare pristine garden scenery.

When the wind rises, countless colored leaves dance like nature's grand farewell ceremony. This fleeting brilliance is autumn's love letter to the world - preserving vibrant memories before winter's arrival.

Crunching leaves underfoot creates nature's seasonal symphony

Crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage create perfect conditions for nature immersion

More information:

 Macedon Honour Avenue map:

Driving to Macedon Range
From Melbourne, follow Citylink signs toward Tullamarine Freeway (Bendigo direction).

Note: Citylink toll roads require E-tag. Rental cars usually include this, or purchase a day pass by calling Citylink (13 26 29).

After entering Tullamarine Freeway, follow signs to Calder Freeway (M79) toward Bendigo. The first Macedon Range exit is Gisborne, then continue to your destination village.


Train to Macedon Range
V/Line operates Melbourne-Bendigo services stopping at: Clarkefield, Riddells Creek, Gisborne, Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton and Malmsbury.

During the festival, shuttle buses connect Macedon's open gardens from Centennial Park Macedon, Viewfield, Mount Macedon Village, Duneira, Camelot and Forest Glade Gardens. 

Visitor Tips
For Macedon Honour Avenue, take train to Macedon Station (15-minute flat walk). Parking is extremely limited with strict enforcement.

Shuttle buses operate weekends/public holidays in April between Centennial Park Macedon, Viewfield, Mount Macedon Village, Duneira, Camelot and Forest Glade Gardens.

Macedon Range Autumn Festival

Dates: Annually April 1-30

Website: https://www.visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival/

Participating Gardens:

Viewfield

https://www.viewfieldgarden.com.au/

Duneira

https://duneiraestate.com.au/

Camelot

https://camelotmountmacedon.com.au/

Forest Glade

https://www.forestgladegardens.com.au/

＊＊＊Please respect local residents and parking regulations＊＊＊

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