Autumn is a beautiful time of year for an Australian road trip. It’s simply magical watching the landscape transform as the trees and foliage take on a kaleidoscope of colour. Not only that, but the weather is cooler, and there are fewer holidaymakers on the road than during summer.
Travelling by campervan is the ultimate way to make the most of Australia’s stunning autumn scenery. Stop when you feel like it, take your time, and enjoy the views along the way.
Over the past few years, many Australians have started looking for motorhomes for sale so they can get out there and start living the dream. And an autumn road trip makes for the perfect first holiday. To help you get started, here’s our list of the top 10 scenic locations for an autumn Australia road trip!
Adelaide Hills is home to some of South Australia’s best food, wine, and autumn scenery. The trees, vineyards, and fruit orchards flaunt vibrant shades of reds, yellows, and crimsons from late March to May.
Pick your own tasty figs at Glen Ewin Estate. Once you’ve picked your fill from the 12,000-tree orchard, head to the Figbar to enjoy some of the tasty local food and wine. For a special treat, and to make the most of the gorgeous scenery, pre-order a chef-prepared picnic box and enjoy lunch under the trees.
Another must-do in this region is a visit to the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. During autumn the maple and oak trees transform with a palette of scarlet, bronze, and yellow. The hydrangeas start to develop their maroon tints, and the autumn crocus makes an appearance in the rock garden. With 97 hectares to explore, there’s plenty to see, so be sure to bring good walking shoes!
For a great night’s stay, park up at Mount Barker Caravan and Tourist Park. This quiet and relaxing caravan park is located in the heart of Adelaide Hills. It’s just minutes to walk to the local shops, and a great base to explore this beautiful region.
The remote and ancient landscape of Western Australia’s Kimberley is one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. Rather than the usual four seasons, Kimberley has a wet season – from November to April – and a dry season – from May to October. During the dry season, you’ll enjoy clear balmy days and blue skies. It’s the perfect time to explore all the amazing offerings of this region.
One of the top attractions in the Kimberley is the Horizontal Falls. This natural phenomenon is caused by a fast-moving tidal current that pushes through two narrow gorges. The result is a powerful horizontal waterfall that makes for an incredible sight.
Another must-see in the Kimberley region is the Bungle Bungle Range. Towering 300 metres above the surrounding grassy plains, these sandstone domes are fascinating to explore.
Take in more great autumn scenery at the Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park. This spacious caravan park is pet friendly too, so bring along your furry friends and enjoy exploring this amazing region together.
The Blue Mountains of New South Wales are simply magical in autumn. Here, Mother Nature dons her finest shades of reds, yellows, and flaming oranges making for one incredible photo opportunity after another.
A great autumnal activity in the Blue Mountains is the Three Sisters Walk. This easy 25 – 45 minute walking track is less than a kilometre long (return). You’ll start off by passing through the archway by the Echo Point Visitor Centre before entering the eucalypt forest. Once you reach the Oreades Lookout, you’ll have incredible views of the iconic Three Sisters turrets and the ‘blue’ Jamison Valley.
One of the most spectacular autumn vistas in the Blue Mountains is the tunnel of trees lining Sinclair Crescent on the drive to Wentworth Falls Lake. The lake is a great spot for a picnic or barbecue with a lovely walking track along the edge of the lake.
Make the most of your visit to the Blue Mountains with a stay at Katoomba Tourist Park. Bush walks lead from the park to fantastic viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. It’s also just a short walk to Echo Point.
Autumn is the ideal time to visit the Red Centre of Uluru (Alice Springs). The temperature is cooler, and the crowds tend to be smaller. Uluru is home to one of the best things to do in Australia – a visit to Ayers Rock.
While you’re there, plan to take a hike around this iconic landmark. The 10 km Uluru base walk leads around the entire perimeter of the rock. The walk leads through acacia woodlands and grassed claypans. Take the whole walk or just a section that suits your level of fitness. Note, even though the autumn weather is cooler in this part of Australia, it’s still recommended that you walk only in the cooler morning hours before 11 am.
Sleep under the outback sky at Ayers Rock Campground. This unique campsite is just 20 km from Uluru, making a great base to explore the area. Cool off in the swimming pool and take the opportunity to enjoy a guided garden walk.
If your Australian road trip leads you to Canberra, we recommend making a stop at the National Arboretum Canberra. This incredible mosaic of living forests and gardens is home to over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site. There is lots to see and do here over autumn, including 20 km of walking and cycling tracks. Be sure to view the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, the Forest Sculpture Gallery, and of course, the extensive variety of gardens.
Park up for a few nights at the Southside Caravan Park Canberra. You’ll be surrounded by landscaped gardens and beautiful native Australian bush. Pets are welcome here too.
Escape the city hustle and bustle and discover the tranquillity of the Dandenong Ranges. Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this Australian oasis puts on a spectacular show in autumn. Not only do the trees cloak themselves in colour, there’s plenty to do and experience too. If you fancy some fresh fruit, you can take your pick, literally! Orchards in the area offer around 350 different varieties. In autumn, stock up on chestnuts, apples, and berries. There are also some fantastic farmers markets to choose from with a mix of food, craft, and night markets.
Treat yourself to a little luxury with a stay at the BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park. This great holiday park is handy to all the top attractions in the area.
Image source: TEQ visual library
If the Victorian town of Bundaberg features on your autumn road trip planner, be sure to visit the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. Autumn is the perfect time to take a stroll through the Japanese Gardens to see the intense flushes of red foliage on the Liquidambar trees.
Of course, you can’t visit Bundaberg without a tasting and tour of the Bundaberg Brewery. Sample each of the tasty brews, mix your own six-pack, and learn more about how the iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer is made.
For an inexpensive but comfortable stay, park your campervan at the CMCA RV Park Bundaberg. This CMCA park is conveniently located close to the local shops.
Just an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park is a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. And there’s no better time to visit than in the cool autumn months. One of the gems of his park is the Crystal Shower Falls Walk. The 4.4 km (return) walk takes around 1.5 – 2 hours and leads to a stunning waterfall. At the falls, a suspension bridge stretches across the valley offering fantastic views of the waterfall dropping to the pool below. A short track leads behind the falls into a rocky cavern where you can look through the veil of falling water.
For a great place to park up for a few nights, head to Dorrigo Mountain Holiday Park. Relax among the grassy campgrounds and colourful autumn trees and wake to the sound of birdsong each morning. Bliss!
Planning a Tasmanian road trip this autumn? Just 40 minutes outside of Hobart, Derwent Valley is a great destination to add to your road trip planner. In autumn, the foliage transforms with golden hues that make for magical photos. A great way to explore the rainforests of the area is on a Railtrack Rider. These pedal-powered riders let you travel through the forest and experience the sights and sounds in comfort and at your own pace.
Another great spot to visit in the valley is the Heritage Salmon Hatchery and Gardens. Wander through the 19th-century English garden, plan a picnic, or have lunch at Pancakes by the Pond.
Set up camp in the picturesque New Norfolk Caravan Park situated on the banks of the beautiful Derwent River. From the park, take the popular walking track that follows the river through the wetlands to Tynwald Park where you can see wild ducks and platypuses.
If all the golds, reds, and bronzes of the autumn foliage have you craving a new colour, we suggest heading to Lake Hillier on Middle Island, the largest of the Recherche islands. This other-worldly lake stands out from any other in a shade of bright bubble-gum pink. The lake is separated from the Southern Ocean by just a thin strip of sand. It's believed the water's permanent pink colour is due to its exceptionally high concentration of salt. To visit the lake, you’ll need to book into a tour either by boat cruise, plane, or helicopter.
Park up at Belinup Campground at Cape Arid National Park. This scenic park has access to beautiful beaches and bush walks.
From gardens bursting with colour to waterfalls and farmers markets, there’s plenty to see and do on an Australian road trip in autumn. And if you’re keen to hit the road and see it all for yourself, now may be the time to consider buying a campervan. The first step is to check out the KEA website to see the range of motorhomes for sale including KEA ex-rental campervans for sale.
For a closer look, or to chat with one of our motorhome experts, stop by a branch or certified dealership to chat with one of our RV campervan sales team. They can show you through motorhomes for sale and answer questions you may have.