The Best Places To See Autumn Leaves in Brisbane & Queensland 2025
Discover a tapestry of autumn leaves in Brisbane and Beyond
Though famed for its sunshine and warm climate, Queensland still offers breathtaking autumn colours. As the temperatures cool, pockets of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows emerge. If you're looking to experience the beauty of autumn, here’s our 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 mountain areas like the Gold Coast Hinterlands boasting their colorful displays a touch earlier than the others, from late May. The city itself catches up by June (yes we know that technically that is winter!).
It’s not only fall leaves to look out for, autumn in Southern Queensland offers a bounty beyond the visual: enjoy 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
Located tight in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, 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 - and for a good reason!
Why it's great: Easily accessible, stunning variety of trees, perfect for a city escape.
New Farm Park, New Farm, Brisbane
One of Brisbane's oldest and largest parks, New Farm Park draws more than 18,000 visitors each week! Here you’ll find 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 might 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. It’s also home to the Brisbane Powerhouse, a magnificent historic structure that has been converted into a cutting-edge arts centre. Catch live performances of music, comedy, and theatre as well as weekend farmers markets and sesonal moonlight movies.
Why it's great: Inner-city location, beautiful river views, relaxed atmosphere with a touch of autumn colour.
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.
Why it's great: A tranquil inner city escape with surprising pockets of vibrant foliage.
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Mount Coo-tha
The 52 hectares of magnificent gardens, which are located just 7km 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 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. Here, you'll find a 00-year-old bamboo grove and Japanese garden, where maple trees put on a spectacular show. The vibrant reds and oranges contrast beautifully with the lush greenery, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. Alternately, for something a little different from your typical botanic garden, visit the Arid Zone and Cactus House (no autumn leaves there though).
Why it's great: Stunning city views, diverse plant life and a peaceful Japanese Garden.
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 Granite Belt & Southern Downs region. The Granite Belt, located on Queensland's southern border 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.
Stanthorpe's high elevation results in four distinct seasons. 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 autumnal hues
The Granite Belt is home to more than 50 wineries and cellar doors, 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, 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.
Why it's great: Fabulous food, fabulous wine and fabulous views - what more could you want?
And if you are planning a visit to Stanthorpe, check out our GoGet 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. There are a number of Japanese maples in the Japanese garden, which all look stunning in the fall.
Tamborine Mountain is also an ideal destination for bushwalking with its beautiful rainforests and is Queensland's oldest National Park. Six different areas of Tamborine National Park have walking trails, most of which are relatively short and can be completed in a couple of hours. Expect some steeper inclines, but the overall experience is accessible for most. Remember, a brisk 3km walk usually takes about an hour, so plan your time accordingly.
Why it's great: Cooler climate for more intense colours, charming villages, scenic drives and gardens to explore.
Toowoomba Autumn Leaf Trail
Towoomba, a.k.a. the "Garden City", absolutely lives up to its name, especially in autumn. As the season turns, its streets and parks become a vibrant canvas of fall colours. Picture strolling through Queens Park, surrounded by trees ablaze in reds and golds - it’s really quite a sight! If you’re after a spot of tranquility, the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden offers a serene setting with stunning maples to boot. And don't miss Laurel Bank Park, another local gem showcasing beautiful autumn foliage. If you have the time, be sure to head up to Picnic Point. Not only will you be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley, but the surrounding parklands also feature beautiful mature trees that contribute to the stunning autumn display.
With its cooler climate and charming atmosphere, Toowoomba is an ideal spot to soak up the beauty of the season. Even better, it's an easy drive in a GoGet from Brisbane.
Why it's great: A true "Garden City" with fantastic leaf viewing options, from grand parks to serene Japanese gardens.
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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