Fall for the colours of autumn at the National Trust

Blue Mountains: Everglades House & Gardens

Only a 90-minute drive northwest of Sydney, the cool climate gardens of the Blue Mountains are painted in autumn colours throughout April and early May.

In the pretty village of Leura in the upper Blue Mountains you will find Everglades House & Gardens, home to Australia’s most spectacular inter-war period garden. Designed in the 1930s by Paul Sorensen, take a stroll through the landscaped grounds amongst towering deciduous trees and expansive garden terraces. Admire sweeping views across Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary and enjoy autumn blooms like Windflowers, Mexican Sage, and Nerines before following the curving paths down to a tranquil grotto and reflection pool.

Stop by the tea rooms in the beautifully-conserved Art Deco house for tea and freshly-baked scones from Thursday to Sunday. If the weather is sunny, plan ahead and bring a picnic. It’s the ideal place to spend a languid afternoon sprawled out among the autumn leaves.

While you’re there

Head a little further north and you’ll find the 252-hectare Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. The incredible display of autumn hues and panoramic views make it a popular destination for photographers this time of year.

The heritage garden village of Mount Wilson is also well known for its cornucopia of colours, including an avenue of deciduous elm trees and numerous public gardens.

Southern Highlands: Retford Park and Harpers Mansion

Combining bucolic countryside with elegant old-world charm, the string of pretty villages that make up the Southern Highlands make this region a perennially popular destination.

Only minutes from the town centre of Bowral, Retford Park is alight in autumn with vibrant Japanese maples on the eastern lawn, taxodium, ginkgo, and oaks in shades of deep reds and golden yellows. Dogs on leashes are also welcome to enjoy the stately gardens.

Make sure to book ahead for a house tour, which will take you inside Retford Park’s famously pink mansion. Once the home of James Fairfax AC, the Victorian Italianate homestead was luxuriously decorated by Australian designer Leslie Walford in the 1960s, and still contains the philanthropist’s impressive art and furniture collection.

Not far away in the village of Berrima is another National Trust destination – Harper’s Mansion – which features a charming 19th century mansion surrounded by two acres of cool-climate gardens draped in shades of red and gold. There’s even a hedge maze to explore!

While you’re there

One of the region’s oldest parks, stop in at pretty Corbett Gardens in Bowral. From there, head to the beautiful Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens for a spectacular show of seasonal colour. If you visit in late April don’t miss the autumn open garden weekend and autumn plant fair.

While you are in the Southern Highlands take the time to stop and explore the charming towns of the area, from Mittagong and Moss Vale to Burradoo and Exeter.

New England: Saumarez Homestead

Approximately five hours drive north of Sydney is the historic New England region. The town of Armidale features beautiful parks and tree-lined streets tinted in dazzling autumnal hues.

Armidale is also home to the National Trust’s Saumarez Homestead – a grand Edwardian mansion surrounded by graceful gardens and historic farm buildings. The gardens are particularly beautiful in autumn as beds of windflowers burst into a swathe of pretty blooms and statuesque centenarian trees change colour.

Book a house tour during your visit to discover the stories of the fascinating lives of the White family who owned Saumarez Homestead. Don’t forget to pack a picnic for a relaxed lunch in the picturesque grounds.

While you’re there

In early April Armidale plays host to the Armidale Autumn Festival, a fun-filled community event celebrating the season and local talent.

The town of Glen Innes is also stunning during autumn, with vibrant, poplar-lined streets and its autumn Australian Celtic Festival. In Tamworth, enjoy an expansive view of the region’s autumn colours from the scenic viewpoint of Oxley Scenic Lookout.

Central Tablelands: Miss Traill’s House

Bathurst’s historic buildings, museums, and art galleries makes it an ideal spot for history enthusiasts. Plan your visit during autumn and you will also enjoy the spectacular scenery of this season in the Central Tablelands.

Our very own Miss Traill’s House is just a ten-minute walk from Bathurst town centre, and features a lovely cool-climate garden. Little has changed in the former home of Bathurst resident Miss Ida Traill, who amassed a rare collection of furniture, ceramics, horse racing memorabilia and art – all of which lives on inside the house museum. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and history of the house, then stroll through the heritage gardens which are stained in a palette of vivid colours during autumn.

While you’re there

From March to May, Bathurst and its surrounding villages host an Autumn Colours Heritage Festival, with a diverse range of experiences on offer, including heritage tours.

Autumn is a special time at National Trust (NSW) properties, and when you visit and support our places, you’re helping to ensure the future of these historic houses and gardens.

Join the National Trust (NSW) as a member and become part of a worldwide community that celebrates, supports and protects heritage. Join today.