Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
A visit to Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges during autumn is a wonderful experience for families with children. The gardens are renowned for their stunning displays of autumn foliage, with a vibrant array of colours from maples, beech trees, and golden ginkgos.
Kids will love exploring the winding paths and discovering the many hidden corners of the gardens. The picturesque lake and iconic boathouse provide a beautiful backdrop for a family picnic, and the open spaces are perfect for running and playing.
Macedon Regional Park
Macedon Regional Park is another excellent destination for a family outing in autumn, located in the Macedon Ranges, about an hour northwest of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The park surrounds Mount Macedon and offers beautiful forests, scenic views, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Macedon Regional Park offers several family-friendly spots:
- Sanatorium Picnic Ground: This picnic area is a lovely spot, featuring a mix of colourful deciduous trees and native bushland near the lake with access to the Sanatorium Lake Eco Trail.
- Days Picnic Ground: One of our favourite spots for bush playgroup, has great walking tracks, picnic tables, toilets and a fire pit.
- Exploring Historical Sites: Visit the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, a significant war memorial that also offers panoramic views.
Seawinds Gardens, Arthurs Seat State Park
A visit to Arthurs Seat State Park on the Mornington Peninsula is also highly recommended, especially during autumn. The park offers stunning panoramic views, unique attractions, and a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The gardens themselves are stunning in autumn and a must see if you are up that way. There is also a nature playspace for the kids to enjoy.
Bright, Victoria
Bright, in northeastern Victoria, is a fantastic destination for a family trip in autumn. The town and its surrounding region are renowned for their spectacular autumn foliage, charming atmosphere, and abundance of kid-friendly activities.
Take a walk or drive along Bright’s tree-lined streets and surrounding areas to witness the breathtaking display of autumn colours. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves are a sight to behold. Visit the Bright Autumn Festival, a popular annual event that celebrates the season with markets, parades, and other festivities. The Bright Splash Park is also a hit with kids, offering water-based fun.
Heide Park & Banksia Park, Templestowe Road, Bulleen
Heide Park in Bulleen is a great place to visit with kids, especially in autumn. The park offers a mix of art, history, and nature, providing a unique and engaging experience for the whole family.
Wander through the Heide Sculpture Garden, a beautiful outdoor space featuring a variety of contemporary sculptures. Kids will enjoy exploring the different artworks and running around the open green spaces. Enjoy a family picnic on the Heide’s spacious lawns. There are several picnic tables and benches available, and the beautiful autumn scenery provides a perfect backdrop.
Coburg Lake Reserve, Gaffney St, Coburg North
Coburg Lake Reserve is a popular destination for families in Melbourne, particularly in autumn. The reserve offers a picturesque lake, open green spaces, and various amenities, making it ideal for a day out with children.
The lake is the centerpiece of the reserve, offering scenic views and opportunities for leisurely walks. You can take a stroll along the lake’s edge, enjoying the autumn colours reflected in the water.
The reserve features a playground where children can burn off energy and have fun. The playground equipment is designed for various ages and abilities. The Merri Creek Trail runs through the reserve, providing a great opportunity for a scenic walk or bike ride. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for families with children.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are a beautiful place to visit with kids in autumn. The gardens offer a peaceful environment to enjoy the changing colours of the season, with a variety of activities and attractions for families.
Take a walk through the gardens and admire the beautiful display of autumn foliage. The gardens feature a variety of trees that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Explore the gardens’ many walking paths. The Observatory Precinct Path is a good option for families, offering scenic views and historical landmarks.
The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is an interactive garden is designed specifically for children, with features like a creek, a bamboo forest, and a kitchen garden. Do a self guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk and learn about the rich Aboriginal history of the land.
Fitzroy Gardens, Fitzroy
Fitzroy Gardens is another excellent choice for a family outing in Melbourne during autumn. These historic gardens offer a combination of natural beauty, open spaces, and attractions that appeal to both adults and children.
Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the beautiful display of autumn foliage. The mature trees throughout the gardens turn lovely shades of red, yellow, and orange. Explore the gardens’ wide paths and open spaces, perfect for a leisurely walk with kids.
Fairies Tree and Model Tudor Village: These whimsical attractions are sure to delight young children. The Fairies Tree is a carved tree stump featuring intricate fairy figures, while the Model Tudor Village is a miniature replica of a traditional English village.
Carlton Gardens, Carlton St, Carlton
Carlton Gardens, located in the heart of Melbourne, is a beautiful and historic park that offers a variety of attractions and activities for families with children, particularly in autumn.
Take a walk through the gardens and admire the spectacular display of autumn foliage. The mature trees, including elms, oaks, and maples, turn vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, creating a picturesque setting. Admire the beauty of the Hochgurtel and Exhibition fountains, two of the many fountains located within the gardens. Kids will be fascinated by the water features and the surrounding scenery.
To help you discover the magic of autumn in Melbourne, we have created an Australian-inspired autumn nature colour wheel that encourages children to explore the outdoors and observe things they normally wouldn’t notice. You can download it for free here.
