Drive, ride or walk your way through Murrindindi Shire this autumn
Hit the Dindi Trail this autumn to take in Murrindindi Shire’s spectacular show of seasonal colour. The region’s cool climate produces some of Victoria’s best locations for autumn leaf viewing. Tree-lined streets in the towns and villages are resplendent with stunning deciduous trees and many of the highways that connect the townships feature historic plantings of poplars, oak and maple trees.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive this autumn, the drive from Alexandra to Marysville won’t disappoint. Cruise along the Maroondah Highway past stately country estates with the imposing Cathedral Ranges towering above. The Gould Memorial Drive is a most impressive gateway to Marysville with its avenue of brilliant yellow poplars - but make sure you follow the road rules and take care along this stretch of road, as it does become extremely busy, particularly on weekends.
Both Alexandra and Marysville offer great dining and accommodation options and local produce stores, breweries and cellar doors along the route feature the best of Murrindindi Shire’s autumn harvest.
If you’re travelling from Melbourne, start or finish your journey by cruising along the magnificent Black Spur Drive and enjoy views of tall Mountain Ash and lush green tree ferns.
For another gorgeous scenic drive, start your journey in the historic township of Yea and explore the unique flora and fauna of the Yea Wetlands. With a range of award-winning restaurants, wineries and accommodation options on offer, Yea is an ideal base to explore the area’s surrounding scenic and historic sites.
Leaving Yea, take the Goulburn Valley Highway to Kerrisdale and travel along King-Parrot Creek Road to Strath Creek to take in the breathtaking view of the Valley of a Thousand Hills from the Murchison Gap Lookout. Then head back via Flowerdale - past historic homesteads, magnificent horse stud properties and lush farmland.
If you prefer two wheels to four then Murrindindi Shire offers some fabulous autumn cycling experiences. For family-friendly cycling, pack your bikes and jump on the Great Victorian Rail Trail - with seven new major artworks and 20 scar trees along the trail, now's the time to rediscover the trail! If you want to get your heart rate up, Murrindindi Shire has some of the best cycling trails and mountain bike tracks in the North East region - and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the smooth flowing trails at Eildon, Buxton and Lake Mountain.
Swap the wheels for the boots and head out to explore Murrindindi Shire’s many walking tracks and trails. Autumn’s cool, misty mornings and mild, sunny days are perfect for a gentle riverside ramble, a day trek through the hills or a more challenging overnight hike.
Wander through historic locations and ancient forests, past gushing waterfalls and out to breathtaking lookouts. Explore the lush fern gullies in the Yarra Ranges National Park and Marysville State Forest or hike to the Lake Mountain Summit for spectacular mountain views.
Discover sweeping lake views at Lake Eildon National Park and take in the panorama of Melbourne’s skyline from Kinglake National Park. Experience the breathtaking vistas from the summit of the Cathedral Ranges.
Other top things to do:
- Catch a sunrise or sunset at one of the many scenic lookouts.
- Visit a local market and stock up on produce, crafts and wares or wander the streets of our quaint towns and villages.
- Hike to one of our wondrous waterfalls, including the popular Steavenson Falls in Marysville and Masons Falls in Kinglake National Park.
- Drop a line off the back of a boat on Lake Eildon, or nab a spot at one of our popular rivers, lakes and streams.
- Sample local food, wine and brews at one of our many cafes, pubs and restaurants on offer.
- Make a weekend of it and stay at a riverside caravan park, campground or luxury bed and breakfast with a range of accommodation options.
Discover Dindi this autumn. Don't forget to share your stories with us along the way @discoverdindi