The Best Places To See Autumn Leaves in Brisbane & Queensland 2024
Take a perfectly seasoned autumn getaway to see Autumn leaves in Southern Queensland Country to get away from the city grind.
Though famed for its sunshine, Queensland still offers breathtaking autumn colours. Vivid leaves await you as the weather cools. Here’s the GoGet guide to the best autumn leaves in and around Brisbane.
Autumn's artistry takes centre stage when Queensland's trees transform into a captivating canvas of fiery reds, burnished golds, and vibrant oranges. While evergreen pines add a touch of emerald permanence, keep an eye out for the dazzling yellow display of maples lining the roadsides.
Unlike the other states which have more distinct seasons, Brisbane's autumn arrives subtly, with the mountains like the Gold Coast Hinterlands boasting their colorful displays a touch earlier than the others in late May. The city itself catches up by June (yes we know that technically is winter). It’s not only fall leaves to look out for, autumn in Southern Queensland offers a bounty beyond the visual: savor exquisite local wines, indulge in seasonal produce, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and experience the warm hospitality of local communities. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, autumn promises a delightful escape.
Why not pack a picnic and head out for the entire day or weekend? Book your GoGet and take a moment to breathe, unwind, and enjoy a road trip away to discover beautiful autumn leaves.
Roma St Parkland, Brisbane
Roma Street Parkland is always a beautiful place for a stroll, but it's especially enjoyable in the autumn when the leaves are crunching beneath your shoes. Visit the rockery for an additional splash of autumnal colour. This is one of the most popular spots close to the city to see beautiful autumn leaves.
New Farm Park, New Farm, Brisbane
One of Brisbane's oldest, largest, and most opulent parks, New Farm Park draws more than 18,000 visitors each week from all around the world. Local families and friends frequently congregate at the 37-acre park on the weekends to unwind, picnic, grill, play soccer, kick a ball, and catch up. The park has a wide range of mature and recently planted trees alike, including coral trees, fig trees, jacarandas, and poincianas. While there may not be an overload of autumn leaves like you’d see in the colder states of Australia, there are plenty of beautiful yellows and oranges to enjoy. A riverfront boardwalk connects the park and the Brisbane CBD allowing access on foot or via the CityCat ferry station. One of the park's edges borders the Brisbane River. The Brisbane Powerhouse, a magnificent historic structure converted into a cutting-edge arts centre, is also located next to the park. Catch live performances of music, comedy, and theatre as well as weekend farmers markets and moonlight movies (seasonal).
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
Enjoy the enchanting views of Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Sprawling across 128 acres of land, the gardens offer a tranquil escape with captivating outdoor vistas, perfect for a day trip. In autumn, the Japanese Garden truly steals the show and is well worth a visit. Don't miss the Bunya Walk alongside the river or the immersive Rainforest Garden. Guided tours, lectures, and workshops on sustainability and gardening round out the experience, making the City Botanic Gardens a haven for nature lovers.
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Mount Coo-tha
The 52 hectares of magnificent gardens, which are located just 7 kilometres from the city centre and are Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens, provide a peaceful haven and are a great spot to visit when searching for autumn colours. The beautifully manicured park features lush rainforest, waterfalls, and lagoons that are home to fauna such brush turkeys and cockatoos as well as water dragons, turtles, and eels. The garden, which is located at the base of Mount Coot-tha, provides free guided walks, gardening seminars, and photography lessons. Children will adore the Hide 'n' Seek Children's path, where they can take part in a treasure hunt, find hidden objects, and discover interesting facts about flora and animals. A 100-year-old bamboo grove, a Japanese garden, a bonsai house, a garden of fragrant plants and herbs, and a fern house can all also be found there. Visitors can find trees that are more than 80 years old all across the tranquil haven of greenery, including fig, fir, maple, and azalea trees. Alternately, for something a little different from your typical botanic garden, visit the Arid Zone and Cactus House!
Stanthorpe & Queensland’s Granite Belt
Autumn means fresh-picked apples and a sea of russet-red and golden leaves in the fruit orchards and vineyards of the abundant Granite Belt & Southern Downs region. The Granite Belt, located on Queensland's southern border at 1000 metres above sea level, is centred areound the vibrant city of Stanthorpe and offers a cool-climate atmosphere ideal for an autumn getaway. Share a legendary piece of apple pie from Sutton's Juice Factory & Cidery, a romantic Gourmet Vineyard Picnic at Ballandean Estate Wines, or a romp through the leaves along the banks of Quart Pot Creek.
In this region of Queensland, Stanthorpe's high elevation results in four distinct seasons. The autumnal display occurs in the parks and vineyards of Stanthorpe and its surroundings throughout the months of April and May. When fall arrives, the Granite Belt is in full harvest mode, with delicious apples and grapes just waiting to be harvested and crushed. Fruit pickers swarm orchards, and vineyards take on hues of the deity of autumn.
The Granite Belt is home to more than 50 wineries and cellar doors, all of which are eager to welcome you in the autumn with rows of vines in their most stunning autumnal colours. On the Granite Belt, red grapes are still being harvested in April, with some varietals continuing to be plucked until early May. Consider locations like Ravenscroft Vineyard, whose elegant cedar cellar door is adorned with autumnal hues, and Summit Estate Wines, whose expansive deck and entryway are covered in the same hues.
North of Stanthorpe, at Boireann Vineyard, a boutique-sized winery, is the ideal location to capture the autumnal colours. Find your way along the avenue of gorgeous fall colours along the driveway and past the autumn colours of the vineyard. Usually, the winery is open from Friday to Monday, however we advise calling in advance to confirm ahead of visiting.
Quart Pot Creek is a beautiful creekside walk through Stanthorpe any time of the year, its beauty is at its peak in autumn. Park somewhere close to the visitor centre, then stroll over to the Big Thermometer. From here, there are pathways that lead in both directions. To view a striking reminder of Stanthorpe's past, proceed to The Red Bridge either walking underneath the bridge or crossing the low-level creek crossing and going the other way.
And if you are planning a visit to Stanthorpe, check out our guide to the perfect weekend away in Stanthorpe.
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Just an hour outside Brisbane, Mount Tamborine erupts in spectacular autumn foliage. This autumn show draws crowds every year to witness the dazzling dance of reds, golds, and crimsons. Experience the magic firsthand at Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, where the seasons paint a breathtaking canvas. Days in autumn when the leaves begin to transform from green to yellow, orange, and various shades of crimson have a near mystical quality. It’s easy to see why it’s regarded by many as the best time of the year for a visit. Bring a picnic rug, pick out a spot and take your time to ponder the beauty of nature. The gardens are accessible every day from dawn until night. A number of Japanese maples may be found in the Japanese garden, which look stunning in the fall.
Tamborine Mountain is the ideal destination for those who like to go bushwalking because it has beautiful rainforests and is home to Queensland's oldest National Park. Six different areas of Tamborine National Park include walking trails, most of which are relatively short and may be completed in a couple of hours. Expect some steeper inclines, but the overall experience remains accessible. Remember, a brisk 3km walk usually takes about an hour, so plan your time accordingly
Toowoomba Autumn Leaf Trail
Another premiere spot to view autumn leaves in Queensland would have to be Toowoomba.
The charming city of Toowoomba, also known as the "Garden City," is located 125 kilometres west of Brisbane and is an enjoyable day trip from many other areas. Take a stroll along one of the numerous trails where you may see local wildlife and birds before buying some gourmet picnic supplies from a nearby gourmet food store.
After driving up the range, you'll instantly notice the crisper autumnal air at Picnic Point, where you could spend hours taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Lockyer Valley, Tabletop Mountain, and the plains below. The 1.9 km Pardalote Walk is a popular walking path through the forest and down an escarpment. Those keen on a challenge, can choose to take on the more difficult 5 km track.
Redwood Forest Walk (3.8 km) and Ferntree Gully Walk (840 m) are two additional routes from Redwood Park if you’d like to extend your stay. More stunning vistas are available from this vast bushland park with towering eucalyptus trees and rainforest. It also features picnic areas and a compost toilet.
The charmingly large Queens Park, located in the centre of Toowoomba, is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic amidst the immaculately kept flower gardens. Huge trees that were planted in the avenues in 1875 create a wonderful environment and cover them in a canopy of vibrant autumn foliage. There are paved walking paths, a lot of open space, and a playground for kids.
Laurel Bank Park, close to the CBD and is a popular hangout for city workers looking for a lunchtime escape where they can enjoy its fragrant gardens and shady trees. It’s also another great spot to enjoy autumn leaves. The gazebos have lighting so you can use the free gas barbecues after dark.
Nothing beats the tranquilly of the Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens, which are located on the grounds of the University of Southern Queensland. The 3km walk takes in serene water features and native Japanese and Australian plants. With a name that roughly translates to "to enjoy peace and longevity in a public space," Prof. Kinsaku Nakane of Kyoto created this traditional and serene Japanese garden. The gardens contain 230 kinds of deciduous Japanese and Australian native trees and flora, a central lake, walking trails and bridges, a mountain stream, and is ideal for a romantic picnic beneath a canopy of crimson and gold. Can't make it to the autumn displays of Japanese maples and liquidambars? It’s also fantastic in the spring when you can enjoy the bloom of cherry blossoms.
Keen to spend some more time in Toowoomba? Check out our guide to a weekend in Toowoomba from Brisbane.
Looking for more beautiful spots in Queensland?
Check out the best picnic spots in Brisbane, the best National Parks to visit from Brisbane and get back to nature with the best spots for outdoor day trips near Brisbane.
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