I have such a soft spot for autumn. My birthday falls on the very first day of the season, so I like to think that gives me an unspoken connection to it. Maybe that’s why I can’t help but favour it.
I also think autumn might just be Australia’s most underrated travel season. The crowds thin, temperatures mellow, and towns shift into their most photogenic mode – from fiery foliage in cool-climate regions to outback destinations finally comfortable enough to explore.
It’s a season built for slow escapes – whether that means a road trip, wine tasting, hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying a cosy stay somewhere beautiful. With shoulder-season deals often available too, it’s also one of the best times to make your travel budget stretch further.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to plan your next escape, consider this it. Autumn weekends are calling.
1. Canberra, ACT
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Nature lovers will find plenty of activities to occupy themselves with in Canberra. (Credit: VisitCanberra / Kannika Afonso)
Autumn and Canberra go hand in hand. The city becomes a sea of reds, oranges and yellows, particularly around Lake Burley Griffin, Commonwealth Park and the leafy streets of Yarralumla. Spend the weekend cycling around the lake, wandering national galleries or heading up Mount Ainslie for sunset views over the glowing canopy.
It’s also peak cosy dining season here. Book a long lunch at one of the capital’s acclaimed restaurants, then settle into a boutique stay with a glass of local wine as the temperature drops.
The best accommodation to book
East Hotel is a Canberra stay brimming with charm. (Credit: Adam McGrath)
East Hotel is one of Canberra’s most stylish boutique stays, located in the vibrant Kingston precinct. Rooms feel more like chic apartments than hotel suites, with warm timber tones, plush beds and kitchenettes ideal for weekend escapes. Its Italian restaurant Agostinis is a destination in its own right, while the relaxed rooftop bar is perfect for autumn evenings.
Must-have experience
Slow down and switch off at Lake Burley Griffin's floating sauna. (Credit: Visit Canberra/Anne Stroud)
Book a session at Canberra’s floating sauna on Lake Burley Griffin, where you can warm up in a Nordic-style timber sauna before plunging straight into the lake. Watching autumn leaves drift across the water from the sauna’s panoramic windows makes this one of the city’s most unique seasonal experiences.
2. Litchfield National Park, NT
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Florence Falls is a spectacular double waterfall on the Florence Creek. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT/Roady Travel)
Autumn marks the transition to the dry season in the Top End, meaning waterfalls are still flowing, but the intense humidity has eased. That makes it one of the best times to visit Litchfield National Park.
Spend a weekend swimming beneath Florence Falls, exploring magnetic termite mounds and chasing cascades through lush monsoon forest.
The best accommodation to book
Shipping containers turned luxury escapes. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT/Jason Charles Hill)
Hideaway Litchfield offers luxury glamping in repurposed shipping containers tucked into bushland just minutes from the park’s main attractions. Expect private decks, stylish interiors and a sense of immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Must-have experience
Swim at Buley Rockhole. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT/Joshua Griffen)
Swim at Buley Rockhole early in the morning before the crowds arrive, when sunlight filters through the rainforest and the water feels impossibly clear.
Plan a weekend around cellar-door hopping, long lunches and scenic drives through rolling farmland. Add in local produce markets, cosy cafes and maybe even a truffle hunt if timing aligns, and you’ve got the ultimate autumn escape.
The best accommodation to book
Basalt is a great base. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Basalt Orange is a sleek luxury accommodation set among vineyards just outside town. The private studios feature fireplaces, freestanding tubs and telescopes for stargazing, making them perfect for crisp autumn evenings.
Must-have experience
Enjoy succulent oysters paired with great wine at Printhie Dining. (Credit: Kirsten Cunningham)
Visit Swinging Bridge for the ultimate wine country experience. (Credit: Supplied)
Book a long lunch at Printhie Dining, where hyper-seasonal dishes are paired with estate wines overlooking rolling vineyards. Pair it with a tasting at nearby cellar doors like Swinging Bridge or Philip Shaw for the ultimate autumn wine-country day.
4. Margaret River, WA
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Margaret River is brilliant in autumn. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
Autumn brings a calmer, more intimate side to Margaret River. The summer crowds have gone, the ocean turns dramatic shades of blue and the forests feel fresh after seasonal rains.
Spend a weekend moving between cellar doors, coastal walks and indulgent dining. It’s also a great time for whale watching early in the season and for exploring the region without peak-season crowds.
The best accommodation to book
Book a stay at the Smiths Beach Resort for a picturesque experience. (Credit: Supplied)
Smiths Beach Resort sits right on one of the region’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Its spacious villas offer ocean views and easy access to both wineries and walking trails.
Must-have experience
A stunning limestone cave in WA. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
Join a Koomal Dreaming Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tour, led by Wadandi guides who share stories of Country while guiding you through illuminated limestone chambers and ancient formations.
5. Adelaide Hills, SA
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
The autumn scene is set in the Adelaide Hills. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Just a short drive from Adelaide, the Hills transform into a patchwork of autumn colour. Charming towns feel especially inviting this time of year, with cool air perfect for wandering markets, boutiques and bakeries.
Make a weekend of scenic drives between vineyards, cosy farm stays and long pub lunches overlooking rolling countryside.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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The best accommodation to book
Sequoia Lodge’s setting blends into the Adelaide Hills Botanic Gardens. (Credit: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)
Sequoia Lodge is an ultra-luxury adults-only retreat perched high above the Hills. Expect panoramic views, curated experiences and an atmosphere designed for deep relaxation.
Must-have experience
Enjoy the autumn foliage at Thorngrove Manor. (Credit: Thorngrove Manor Hotel)
Drive the scenic route between Stirling and Hahndorf, stopping Udder Delights in Hahndorf for artisan cheeses.
6. Cradle Mountain, Tas
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Cradle Mountain in autumn is a spectacular, vibrant season marked by the turning of the Fagus. (Credit: Matty Eaton)
Autumn in Cradle Mountain feels cinematic. The deciduous Fagus, Australia’s only native autumn-colour plant, turns brilliant gold against the rugged alpine landscape.
Spend your weekend exploring walking tracks, spotting wombats at dusk and retreating to a lodge for fireside relaxation. It’s wild, atmospheric and quintessentially Tasmanian.
The best accommodation to book
The Cradle Mountain Hotel is NRMA Parks and Resorts’ alpine property, set in bushland just outside the national park boundary. Rooms blend into the wilderness setting, with warm interiors designed for post-hike retreats — think fireside lounges, hearty dining and starry skies just outside the door. NRMA members can save on stays, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience the park in style.
Must-have experience
Dove Lake, a glacially carved lake directly beneath Cradle Mountain. (Credit: Dearna Bond)
Tasmania's only winter-deciduous native tree turns on its autumn show. (Credit: Jason Charles Hill)
Walk the Dove Lake circuit during Fagus season, when the golden foliage contrasts dramatically with the rugged alpine landscape.
7. Bright, Vic
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
A colourful autumn with red, orange and golden leaves in a vibrant display. (Credit: Visit Victoria)
If autumn leaves are your priority, Bright is hard to beat. The alpine town becomes a blaze of colour, drawing visitors for its famous foliage season.
Wander tree-lined streets and enjoy cool-climate produce and wine. It’s an easy, picturesque weekend escape that feels straight out of a postcard.
The best accommodation to book
Art-inspired townhouses in Bright’s vibrant district. (Credit: Supplied)
Art House Townhouses Bright offer a stylish, design-forward stay right in the heart of town. Each architecturally designed townhouse is ideal for an autumn escape after days spent exploring Bright’s golden foliage, wineries and walking trails.
Must-have experience
Mountain biking is a great autumn activity.
Bright is one of the best cycling spots in Australia. (Credit: Ride High Country)
Cycle the most scenic stretch of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail between Bright and Porepunkah, where golden poplars line the path and mountain views unfold at every turn.
8. Scenic Rim, Qld
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Discover World Heritage-listed rainforest and spectacular mountain ranges at Scenic Rim. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Autumn brings milder temperatures to Queensland’s Scenic Rim, making it ideal for hiking, farm stays and long rural lunches.
Spend a weekend exploring national parks, visiting artisan producers and soaking in mountain views. The slower pace and fresh air make it feel worlds away from the city.
The best accommodation to book
Spicers Peak Lodge sits more than 1100 metres above sea level surrounded by protected landscapes. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Designed for travellers seeking peace and connection. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Guests have access to a wide range of nature-focused amenities. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Spicers Peak Lodge offers an all-inclusive luxury mountain retreat experience, with gourmet dining, nature walks and sweeping views over World Heritage-listed landscapes.
Must-have experience
Hike to Mount Barney at sunrise for panoramic views across the Scenic Rim.
9. Kangaroo Island, SA
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Watch a spectacular autumn sunset in Kangaroo Island. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Kangaroo Island. The weather is mild, wildlife is active, and landscapes feel lush after summer.
Plan a weekend around coastal walks, cellar doors, fresh seafood and unforgettable wildlife encounters, from sea lions to kangaroos roaming freely.
The best accommodation to book
Southern Ocean Lodge welcomes guests to the wildly beautiful clifftops of Kangaroo Island. (Credit: George Apostolidis)
A calming sanctuary like no other. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Southern Ocean Lodge is one of Australia’s most iconic luxury stays, perched dramatically on a coastal cliff with floor-to-ceiling views and a strong focus on local produce and experiences.
Must-have experience
Discover the cutest sea lions. (Credit: Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance)
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Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Cooler temperatures and clear air make autumn perfect for exploring the Blue Mountains. The bushland feels vibrant, waterfalls flow strongly, and hiking conditions are ideal.
Spend your weekend walking scenic trails, sipping local cider and retreating to a cabin with a fireplace as the temperature drops.
The best accommodation to book
Tiny Billy reads like a love letter to its surrounds. (Credit: Paul Frontczak)
Enjoy your private outdoor tub. (Credit: Danielle Nieuwendyk)
Book a stay at Tiny Billy for front-row seats of the historic Zig Zag Railway. (Credit: Paul Frontczak)
Tiny Billy offers beautifully designed tiny cabins set deep within bushland, with outdoor baths, fireplaces and a focus on disconnecting from daily life.
Must-have experience
The scenic Grand Canyon Walking Track in the Blue Mountains. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Autumn marks the end of wet season. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia / @from.miles.away)
Willie Creek showcases Broome's rich pearling history. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
Autumn marks the start of Broome’s dry season, when humidity drops and days become warm but comfortable. It’s the perfect time to experience Cable Beach sunsets, pearl-lugger history and the region’s laid-back vibe.
Add a scenic flight over the Kimberley or a sunset camel ride to complete the weekend.
The best accommodation to book
Indulgent dining at Kichi Kichi Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Supplied)
A picturesque sunset dinner awaits at Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Supplied)
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is Broome’s most famous resort, offering lush tropical gardens, multiple pools and direct access to the iconic Cable Beach.
Must-have experience
The Staircase to the Moon is a magical sight to behold. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
Time your visit with the Staircase to the Moon, when the full moon creates an optical illusion across Roebuck Bay’s tidal flats. In 2026, key viewing dates include 4–6 March, 3–5 April and 3–5 May, with peak viewing around sunset.
12. Daylesford, Vic
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Autumn in Daylesford is packed with vibrant events.
Autumn feels made for Daylesford. The cooler air enhances the region’s signature cosy vibe, tree-lined streets turn golden, and it becomes peak season for long lunches, spa days and slow country wandering. It’s the kind of place where misty mornings, crackling fireplaces and indulgent experiences all come together.
The best accommodation to book
Lake Daylesford is the heart and soul of the Daylesford township.
Take a dip if you're brave enough.
Rooms at Lake House Daylesford feature fireplaces, deep baths and serene water views, creating an atmosphere perfectly suited to slow autumn escapes.
Visit Scholé this autumn. (Credit: Adam Gibson / Taylor Hinds)
Autumn is one of Hobart’s most enjoyable seasons. The air turns crisp, making it perfect for exploring markets, museums and the surrounding wilderness.
Spend a weekend wandering Salamanca, visiting MONA, enjoying seasonal Tasmanian produce at Scholé and venturing to nearby Mount Wellington for sweeping views.
The best accommodation to book
Take in the views from atop The Tasman. (Credit: Supplied)
The Tasman blends heritage architecture with contemporary luxury in the heart of Hobart. Rooms feature warm textures, elegant design and easy access to the city’s top attractions.
Must-have experience
Autumn is one of Hobart’s best seasons. (Credit: Museum of Old and New Art)
Take the ferry to MONA, then return to the city for dinner at Peppina , where seasonal Tasmanian produce shines in generous Italian-inspired dishes served in a warm, heritage setting.
14. Clermont, Qld
Why it’s worthy of an autumn weekend away
Clermont’s past is as dramatic as the country surrounding it.
Autumn is the sweet spot for outback Queensland, and few towns wear it better than Clermont. As one of the most historic inland settlements in the tropics, this compact outback town in the Isaac Region sits about three and a half hours southwest of Mackay — far enough to feel like a proper escape, close enough to make a weekend of it. Temperatures ease into something genuinely pleasant, and the flat, golden landscape takes on a warmth that makes the whole place feel cinematic.
Clermont’s past is as dramatic as the country surrounding it; gold rush, floods, frontier resilience, and traces of it are everywhere. Spend a weekend exploring the Clermont Historical Centre, which holds more than 8000 artefacts charting the town’s journey from adversity to prosperity. Then seek out the famous “piano in a tree," a quirky, Instagram-worthy landmark that’s become a symbol of the town’s spirit. Stroll Hoods Lagoon, a scenic natural watercourse in the heart of town that’s alive with birdlife in the cooler months, and drive out to Theresa Creek Dam for a swim, a fish, or just to sit in the quiet of the outback.
The best accommodation to book
Clermont is a classic outback stay experience; think comfortable pub rooms, self-contained cabins or nearby camping. Theresa Creek Dam offers free camping with facilities right on the water, making it one of the most atmospheric options for those happy to travel light.
Must-have experience
Drive the 22 kilometres out to Theresa Creek Dam at sunrise, when kangaroos line the country roads and the water catches the morning light. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why you came.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.
Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.
Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.
1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island
Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.
G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.
Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.
End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.
2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough
It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)
Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.
Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.
3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.
On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.
Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.
4. D’Aguilar National Park
Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.
D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.
Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.
5. Arcade Wine Bar
Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.
Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.
Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.
Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.
6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail
Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.
Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.
7. Farm Visits
Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.
At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.
8. Miss Sprinkles
Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.
An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.
The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.
