Adelaide Autumn Leaves
Top locations to see the colours of autumn in Adelaide
The most colourful time of year in Adelaide is autumn when the trees turn every shade imaginable of yellow, orange and red. Autumn in Adelaide is in March, April & May but it really takes until early April for the colours to really start to show.
This guide will take you through all the best places in and around Adelaide to see the autumn colours.
The Green Adventurers acknowledge and pay respect to the Kaurna people as the custodians of the lands and waters of the Adelaide region. We pay respect to elders both past, present future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge and respect the Kaurna people’s cultural, spiritual, physical and emotional connection with their land, waters and community.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclaimer
Stirling in Autumn
- Stirling is a great place to visit all year round but it’s the most spectacular in autumn when the main street comes alive with the vibrant colours of the leaves.
Aldgate – Adelaide Hills
- Aldgate is just a stone’s throw from Stirling and is well worth a visit. This quaint village has some cute cafes to grab a coffee and the main street looks absolutely stunning in autumn.
Hahndorf German Village
- Autumn in Hahndorf is a sight to behold. The whole village is popping with colour and the historic buildings
Autumn at the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
- The Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens are a must-see in autumn! With a large variety of different plants and trees, these botanic gardens are a display of the best nature has to offer. The reflection of the autumn colours on the pond is truly magnificent. Parking is limited and fills up quickly on weekends so get there early or you may have to walk quite a distance just to reach the entrance. There are guided walking tours some mornings with information about the park and the plant varieties.
Colours of Bridgewater
- Bridgewater turns golden in autumn with the ___ trees dropping their gorgeous yellow leaves. There are lots of walking trails to explore including the Heysen Trail & the Pioneer women’s trail. The Bridgewater Inn is a beautiful spot to stop for lunch or a drink and they have great vegan options on the menu.
Picadilly & Summertown
- Driving anywhere in the Adelaide Hills is marvellous in autumn but the between Picadilly and Summertown is especially beautiful.
Brown Hill Creek
- Brown Hill Creek is lined with huge trees that turn bright orange in autumn. The caravan park is a popular spot for visitors to stay but it’s worth coming for a walk here in autumn.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens – CBD
- The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is filled with hundreds of varieties of plants & trees. The colours in autumn are absolutely stunning. The turtle pond is a perfect vantage point with the reflection doubling the impressive display.
Where to stay in Adelaide
Staying in the city? Try the Majestic Minima in North Adelaide or the Dreamy Night Accommodation in the heart of the city.
Adelaide Parklands – Rymill Park
- Another city location, this little park is one of Adelaide’s many parks surrounding the CBD. Found on the east side of the city and home to Gluttony during The Adelaide Fringe, Rymill Park is a great place to enjoy autumn in Adelaide.
Heysen Trail in the Adelaide Hills
- The Heysen Trail is a 1200 kilometre walking track that covers a huge part of South Australia. Autumn is a great time to walk the section which winds through the Adelaide Hills. Mt Lofty to Bridgewater or Stirling to Hahndorf are great day hikes that take you through the colourful vineyards and farms of the Adelaide Hills.
Autumn colours in the Barossa
- The wine regions surrounding Adelaide come alive in April and May when the vineyards turn vibrant shades of orange and red. The perfect rows of vines are magnificent as the wine is delicious.
McLaren Vale
- Go for the autumn colours stay for the wine! You can’t go wrong in Mclaren Vale!
Mt Barker
- The most picturesque train line in Adelaide is found just outside of Mt Barker. The tunnel under the freeway is surrounded by vegetation which looks extra special during autumn in the Adelaide Hills.
The tunnel is found between Mt Barker & Little Hampton. You can find the train line on Cameron Road and follow it to this spot. Be careful as the line is used very infrequently by a Heritage StreamRanger.
For more great photography locations check out the best places to take photos in Adelaide.
Hi Alice, thank you for the very informative read! The photos look so lovely! Do you know when the autumn colours usually last until? Will mid May still be a good time to visit? xx
Hi Clarissa,
Thanks so much! Last year they were still looking beautiful in mid May. It does depend on the year because if there is heavy rain and wind more leaves may fall earlier but chances are it will still be great!