Pop this google map route in your phone and adjust accordingly from the direction you’re travelling.

Pick up a coffee and delicious morsel from 3 Little Pigs in Gisborne, then stretch your legs (or ride your bike) under the autumn leaves.

Start out in Gisborne Botanic Gardens and wind your way along to Jackson’s Creek. Follow this scenic walk under a bridge and across to Sankey Reserve.

There are also playgrounds along the way for kids to stop and have a swing.

From Gisborne drive towards New Gisborne, then on to the little village of Riddells Creek.

On the way, drop into the beautiful, well-stocked Riddells Creek Nursery for some colourful autumn plants.

Once you arrive at the heart of Riddells Creek, you’ll discover a heritage-listed rail bridge as the backdrop to the picturesque Walter J Smith Reserve.

Pick up a pie from Riddells Creek Bakery and relax under the autumn leaves, before taking a little drive to Dromkeen Homestead.

Dromkeen is a graceful National Trust-classified 19th-century homestead set in beautiful, established gardens.

Enjoy a wander through their gorgeous autumn garden and treat yourself to Devonshire Tea or lunch at their cafe.

It also houses the Australian Children’s Literature Collection, where you can see the most complete collection of original artwork, manuscripts and other pre-publication material from Australian children’s books.

Hot tip – time your visit with the Riddells Creek Autumn Farmers Market on Saturday 15 April for a taste of the country.

The drive from Riddells Creek to Romsey through pastoral land and forest scapes is a stunner.

Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to stroll the historic streets of Romsey, with an abundance of deciduous trees ablaze in colour.

Stunning mature Claret Ash trees line Romsey’s High Street and put on a show usually from mid to late April.

The Romsey Ecotherapy Park is also a must-visit and a lovely spot for a picnic. Here you’ll find unique art installations and elements to both stimulate and soothe the senses of all ages and abilities.

Whether you are into wine or not, a visit to Cleveland Resort & Winery is a must for autumn colour. This stunning property boasts a wonderful, sprawling country garden to wander and enjoy.

If you’d like to also experience local wine, their underground cellar door is a unique experience. Many visitors also enjoy wood-fired pizzas and wine in their restaurant overlooking the autumn-toned vineyard on weekends (bookings recommended).

From the historic village of Lancefield, you’ll then travel through the scenic Cobaw Ranges towards Kyneton.

Tip – Time your visit with the wonderful Lancefield Autumn Farmers Market held in the heart of Lancefield on Saturday 22 April 2023.

When you arrive to Kyneton, start your exploring on historic Piper Street. Here you’ll discover a bevy of beautiful shops, cafes, gin and wine bars.

From here, drive to nearby Kyneton Botanic Gardens and park near the wonderful Children’s Adventure Playground. Head to the river and walk under old oaks and poplars that wind along this peaceful river.

Either stay the night in Kyneton and set out the next day for the final leg of your autumn leaf adventure. Or carry straight on to the lovely historic village of Malmsbury (around 10 minutes north of Kyneton).

Tip – Time your visit with the Kyneton Autumn Farmers Market on Saturday 8 April 2023.

Discover the historic Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, which comes alive in autumn colour towards the end of April. Stretching across the backdrop of the gardens is a magnificent old bluestone viaduct bridge, worthy of a photo opportunity.

If you’re thirsty or peckish, you can pick up a pie from the rustic Malmsbury Bakery. Delicious wood-fire pizza and vino overlooking the gardens at The Stables. Or drop by the Malmsbury Hotel for a good ol’ pub meal.

Tip – Time your visit with the Malmsbury Autumn Farmers Market on Sunday 16 April.

From Malmsbury we recommend a scenic loop back via Tylden and Woodend. You can stop off at the fantastic Spring Hill Nursery in Tylden on the way through if you’re a plant lover, and stock up on some more autumn plants.

After all that exploring it’s time to end your adventure with a hearty pub meal in Woodend. Drop into The Victoria Hotel for a delish parma and local wine, or drop into Holgate Brewhouse & Tap Room where you can enjoy a craft beer tasting and classic pub fare.

Exit the town via Woodend’s magnificent oak-lined Avenue of Honour for one final fix of autumn colour before merging with the Calder Highway.

Tip – You might want to stay the night in Woodend and spend the next day browsing this cosy village. Take a peaceful stroll under the leaves along Five Mile Creek (drop into the Woodend Visitor Information Centre for directions).

Or venture a little further to nearby attractions such as Hanging Rock and the free Sculpture in the Vines exhibition at Hanging Rock Winery. This autumn leaves experience can easily be turned into a multi-day stay!