Adelaide Autumn Leaves
Top locations to see the colours of autumn in Adelaide in 2024
My favourite time of year in Adelaide is autumn. The days start to shorten and we say goodbye to the heat of summer, the trees undergo a dramatic transformation as leaves turn from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the best places in Adelaide to experience the beauty of autumn leaves from the Adelaide Hills to the inner city.
When is Autumn in Adelaide?
Autumn in Adelaide spans from March to May but it takes until early April for the autumn colours to really start to show.
Where To See The Adelaide Autumn Leaves?
Adelaide offers a variety of locations to witness the autumn leaves transform the cityscape. This list includes botanical gardens, parks, and selected suburban areas known for their spectacular autumn foliage. Each location provides a unique setting to observe the seasonal changes, appealing to photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors during this colourful time of year.
1. 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.
Stirling’s Main Street becomes particularly captivating in autumn, thanks to the spectacular display of liquidambar trees lining the thoroughfare. These trees, known for their star-shaped leaves, undergo a stunning transformation, with their foliage turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
2. 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.
3. Hahndorf German Village
Autumn in Hahndorf is a sight to behold. The whole village is popping with colour and the historic buildings
4. 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.Â
5. 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.
6. Picadilly
Piccadilly, with its rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, offers a serene autumn escape where the changing leaves paint a tranquil panorama of warm hues, ideal for a peaceful afternoon in the countryside.
7. Osmond Terrace – Norwood
Osmond Terrace is an absolute delight in autumn. The wide street with a massive median strip is lined with plane trees that turn a rusty orange and drop a carpet of leaves to the street below.
The bike lane along Osmond is fantastic so grab your bike and take in the full display on two wheels.
8. 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.
9. Adelaide Parklands – Rymill Park /Â Murlawirrapurka
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.
10. 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.
10. 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.
11. Barossa Valley
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.
12. McLaren Vale
Go for the autumn colours stay for the wine! You can’t go wrong in Mclaren Vale!
13. 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.