The top four spots to photograph Canberra's autumn leaves
Updated 28 Mar 2024
Known as a 'city in a park', Canberra is full of delightful views each autumn. Plan a trip to the nation's capital to embrace autumn the Canberra way.
Canberra is a rare treat among Australian cities, providing more than a wide variety of activities and experiences based around its four distinct seasons.
Typically, Canberra's treescape starts to change colour from mid-March and continues to transform until early May. Head to these top spots to take in the kaleidoscope of colours first-hand and see some of Canberra’s best autumnal displays.
Header image by @brushandsnaps.
Lake Burley Griffin
The central basin of Lake Burley Griffin is truly ablaze with pretty vistas in every direction. Do as the locals do and enjoy the colours on a walk around the shoreline or hop on an e-scooter or bike to see more, faster.
Take in the changing of the seasons from the water with a one-hour cruise of the lake or during a floating picnic on a GoBoat. Venture further around the lake's edge to see picturesque scene after picturesque scene.
National Arboretum Canberra
With 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world the National Arboretum Canberra is the perfect spot for watching the trees transform each autumn.
See how different species change with the weather, including the pocket-sized trees at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia.
Mountain Lookouts
It’s no wonder that once you get to the highest vantage point, you’re able to take in the full, resplendent beauty of the scene below. That’s why any of Canberra’s well-known mountain lookouts provide the perfect vantage point for autumn leaves.
Take a hike or drive to the summit of any popular mountain lookout – Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, and Red Hill – to see the beautiful autumnal city views from high above.
From above
Take a balloon flight with Balloon Aloft to get the ultimate aerial view of a tapestry of colour from above. Watch as the pink, purple and gold colour burst of sunrise gently lights up tree tops boasting autumnal hues. For more than just delicious views opt for your ride to end with a traditional champagne breakfast at the Hyatt Hotel.
Already ticked ballooning off your list? Take off in your private R44 Helicopter scenic flight with Helicopter Corp as you see the city and surrounding region in all it's autumnal glory.
Pair your tour of the capital's autumn leaves with these school holiday activities, great autumn events, or seasonal eats.
Image by @airballoon0721.
Keep planning your autumn getaway
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