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Autumn Colours in Gippsland

The tips of the leaves are starting to turn, a teaser for the shock of colour about to descend on Gippsland.

From idyllic mountain towns to leafy reserves, here’s the round up of the best leaf-peeping experiences in the region.

1. WALHALLA

Walhalla is preserved in early 1900s history, laced with scenic buildings and old world charm. Thanks to gold mining immigrants who wanted to create a semblance of familiarity in the Australian bush, groves of gold, burnt orange and raspberry are dotted across the valley.

  • Get snap-happy in the main street with a blaze of autumnal colour surrounding the Old Mountain Brass Band Rotunda.
  • Weave along the contours of hills along the Tramline Walkway for an Insta-perfect view of the town cloaked in yellow hues.
  • Amble around Windsor House beneath a sea of crimson fingers from the towering lipstick maples.

2. BUCHAN

Next-level autumn splendour can be found at the heritage town of Buchan, beneath the deciduous guardians of the town. And as one of Victoria’s first settled towns, that’s pretty old. Famed for the nearby Buchan Caves, the generous autumn colour is a pretty compelling reason for staying above ground this time of year.

  • Pack a picnic to enjoy under a canopy of maple and golden ash at the Buchan Caves Reserve.
  • Lace up your walking shoes at wander the Buchan Caves Reserves Walks to breathe in the colour.
  • Stroll around the town centre, dotted with gold, orange and red.
  • Visit The Bluff for a fiery spots of crimson against the limestone cliff face.
  • Pass through the Avenue of Honour in Buchan South, two rows of English oaks planted in 1920 in commemoration of those who served in World War One.
  • Pitch a tent at the Buchan Camp Ground for camping amongst magnificent colour.

3. OMEO & GREAT ALPINE ROAD

The breathtaking drive up that big hill along the Great Alpine Road is a doozy at any time of year, but autumn offers something really special. The idyllic mountain town of Omeo, north east of Melbourne has a raucous mix of crimson, pomegranate and ochre.

  • Swoon over the pops of colour in the main street of Omeo.
  • Wander along Livingstone Creek, and especially around the Caravan Park, bathed in hues of gold.
  • There’s a stunning blast of red as you’re driving out of Omeo towards Mt Hotham.
  • Golden poplars line the road around Ensay and Swifts Creek.

4. MIRBOO NORTH

Surrounded by South Gippsland's famed hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, this sweet country town is bathed in autumnal colour.

  • Walk down the main drag for a splash of orange.
  • Ramble around Baromi Park for impressive golden ash living up to their names.
  • Just along the highway (towards Leongatha) is Mossvale Park, an oasis of colour thanks to some mighty towering European trees.

5. MAFFRA & TINAMBA

  • Tinamba was made for dappled golden light in autumn, with all those mighty oaks lining the main street.
  • Wander down Thomson St in Maffra, flanked by some magnificent oaks.

6. MOE BOTANIC GARDENS

Head to the Moe Botanic Gardens which puts on a brilliant autumnal display. Stroll around the park's walking tracks or over the graceful swing bridge.

7. WINE TRAILS

Those rows of vines turning golden as the weather cools sure are impressive. Take one of our 4 wine trails to see what all the fuss is about.

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