What's On in the Yarra Valley This Autumn
Autumn paints the Yarra Valley in rich golds and crimsons, transforming the region into a seasonal playground. The cooling air brings the best of everything – the newest vintage wines, seasonal harvest feasts, garden festivals in full bloom, and perfect conditions for balloon flights over the misty valley. Whether you’re chasing fall colours or cosy moments by the fire, here’s your guide to the valley’s most captivating season. Here’s how to make the most of autumn in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Garden Lovers
Autumn in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is a time of transformation, with trees turning brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and amber. This season is all about colour, whether exploring a well-kept garden or wandering through a flower festival.
Yarra Valley Herb & Chilli Festival
- 125 Quayle Road, Wandin
- 15–16 March 2025
Spice up your autumn at Australia’s hottest food festival. With over 80 stalls, fiery chilli-inspired dishes, and live cooking demonstrations, this event brings together food lovers from across the region. Test your heat tolerance in one of the legendary chilli-eating competitions, or cool down with a drink in the beer garden.
Live music and entertainment
- Cooking demos with top chefs
- Craft beer, cider, and wine stalls
- Family-friendly with free entry for kids under 14
- Dog-friendly (on leash)
KaBloom Festival of Flowers
- Tesselaar Flower Farm, Silvan
- 29 March – 27 April 2025, 10am–5pm daily
Lose yourself in a sea of flowers at the KaBloom Festival, where millions of blooms create an unforgettable display. Tractor rides, garden trails, and interactive experiences make this a highlight of the autumn calendar. The festival also features live performances, circus entertainment, and delicious food trucks.
- Massive flower fields in full bloom
- Workshops on floral arranging and gardening
- Daily live entertainment and interactive kids’ activities
- Picnic areas and food trucks featuring local produce
- Dog-friendly event
Top Three Gardens for Autumn Colour
Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen
Alowyn’s landscape shifts into warm tones as autumn sets in. The wisteria archway, edible garden, and ornamental trees create a patchwork of colour, making it one of the best spots in the Yarra Valley to soak in the season.
Cloudehill Gardens, Olinda
A masterpiece of garden design, Cloudehill bursts into rich autumn hues. Stone pathways lead through perfectly sculpted hedges, towering maples, and seasonal plantings that thrive in cooler weather. The on-site nursery and café make this a garden lovers’ paradise.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda
Known for its cool-climate trees and vibrant seasonal displays, this garden is a must-visit in autumn. From late March, the rhododendrons, azaleas, and Japanese maples turn the landscape into a painter’s dream. The high vantage points offer sweeping views of the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley.
Make Glenlowren Your Autumn Base
Autumn becomes even more magical when staying on a 100-acre working farm. Start your mornings with walks through gold-tinged farmland, spend afternoons in the gardens, and end your days stargazing in absolute tranquillity.
The Farmstead
Two separate wings connected by a central living space make this perfect for large gatherings. Private spaces allow quiet moments, while the heart of the home draws everyone together for long dinners and fireside chats. Self-contained kitchens, spacious living areas, and a protected courtyard give groups room to spread out or come together as they please.
The Settler's Cottage
This historic cottage offers a cosy autumn retreat where heritage meets luxury. Curl up by the log fire, soak in the deep spa bath, or watch the sunset over the farm from your private veranda. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape with character.
The Nissen Hut
This reimagined WWII structure stands out for its distinctive curved roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture autumn's light show. Inside, contemporary design meets rural comfort with two ensuite bedrooms and a living space that opens to private gardens. Wetland views and morning mist make this a photographer's dream.
Food & Wine in Autumn
Autumn in the Yarra Valley is a time to slow down, enjoy the harvest, and experience the region’s best seasonal flavours. Wineries release their latest vintages, farm gates overflow with fresh produce, and local chefs craft menus inspired by autumn’s bounty.
Cooking Classes in Yarra Glen
For those who love hands-on experiences, Bake & Gather in Yarra Glen offers seasonal cooking classes just 10 minutes from Glenlowren. Whether you want to perfect your pasta skills or bake something special for Easter, these small-group classes provide a fun and interactive way to learn from expert chefs.
Pasta & Gnocchi Masterclass | Saturday 29 March 2025
Learn how to make hand-rolled gnocchi and fresh pasta from scratch, paired with delicious sauces made from local ingredients.
Easter Baking with Angela Fleay | Saturday 5 April 2025
Master traditional Easter bread, hot cross buns, and festive pastries in this hands-on baking session led by one of the Yarra Valley’s best pastry chefs.
Wine Tastings with an Autumn View
The cooler weather makes autumn one of the best times of the year to explore the Yarra Valley’s world-famous wineries. Golden vineyards, wood-fired menus, and intimate cellar-door experiences create a perfect setting for long lunches and relaxed tastings.
De Bortoli Wines: Sample Pinot Noir and aged Chardonnay while overlooking the vineyards as they turn golden.
Oakridge Wines: Enjoy a wine and food pairing experience showcasing local, seasonal produce.
Yering Station: Take in the valley’s autumn landscape while tasting their latest releases.
Farmers’ Markets & Seasonal Produce
Local markets are the best way to experience the region’s fresh autumn produce, from crisp apples and pears to artisan cheeses and small-batch preserves.
Yarra Valley Farmers’ Market (Every third Sunday, Punt Road Winery) – A one-stop shop for local honey, handmade bread, and gourmet deli items.
Healesville Farmers’ Market (Every Saturday) – A chance to meet the growers and stock up on farm-fresh fruit and vegetables.
Wildlife & Nature
Healesville Sanctuary After Dark
When day-trippers leave, and dusk settles over Healesville Sanctuary, the real magic begins. Book the After Hours Tour to see nocturnal natives wake up – wombats emerge from burrows, possums start their nightly rounds, and endangered species go about their secret lives. Your guide knows where to find the shy ones.
Special Access Tours
Want to peek behind the scenes? The VIP Sanctuary Tour gets you closer to Australia’s most fascinating wildlife. Watch keepers prepare meals, claim front-row seats for the ‘Spirits of the Sky’ show, and learn about crucial breeding programs. Perfect for wildlife photographers and conservation buffs.
Tip: Book the first tour of the day to see animals at their most active. The sanctuary’s inhabitants love autumn’s cooler mornings.
Get Outdoors This Autumn
Want to see autumn from a different perspective? Here are three ways to experience the season’s beauty:
Hot Air Ballooning
Take autumn adventures to new heights – literally. Drift over misty vineyards as the sun rises, painting the valley in soft morning light. Most flights end with champagne and breakfast, making the early start worthwhile.
Don’t Miss Balgownie Estate’s “Meditation in the Sky” (28-29 March 2025), which combines balloon flight with guided meditation. Find your zen floating above it all.
Rail Trail Adventures
The historic Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is at its best right now. Hire bikes or walk sections of this 40km trail as it winds past golden trees and mountain views. Pack a thermos and stop at the old railway stations along the way – each tells its own story of the valley’s past.
Walking Trails
- Wirrawilla Walk: Perfect for all abilities, this wheelchair-accessible boardwalk takes you through cool temperate rainforest
- Tanglefoot Loop: For keen hikers, this 10km trail winds through towering Mountain Ash and ferny gullies. Allow 4 hours and bring water – those short hills add up!
Tips for Your Autumn Visit
- Pack layers – Yarra Valley weather can be unpredictable in autumn
- Book ahead for special events like the KaBloom Festival and cooking classes
- Visit wineries mid-week for a more intimate tasting experience
- Bring your camera – the autumn colours are worth capturing
- Check opening hours – some attractions adjust their schedules as the days get shorter
Autumn’s earthy palette, morning mist and harvest celebrations make this the valley’s sweetest season. Pack a warm jacket and come see for yourself.
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