The gorgeous autumn glow is upon us as the Southern hemisphere eases into cooler temperatures. It's a feast for the eyes now - trees in Melbourne are majestic shades of amber, red and gold, making it best for long walks to admire at nature's work and photography! Where can you go to experience some of Melbourne's best autumn sights?

1. Emerald Lake Park

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 60km
Autumn awesomeness: 9/10
Duration: 6 hours (including Puffing Billy Railway)
Entrance to park: Free

The Dandenong Ranges is home to some of the best parks and gardens where you can enjoy autumn sights with golden sunlight and mellow comforting atmospheres. You can do an autumn sightseeing together with the Puffing Billy Railway experience by getting to the Emerald Lake Park (alight Lakeside station) for a day of picnic and scuttling around carpets of fallen leaves. An abundance of maple leaves for you to collect as souvenirs at this lovely park. Paddleboating, fishing and duck observing are some other activities available. Don't miss out on Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and Pirianda Gardens if you are in the Dandenongs region too.

2. Mount Macedon Forest Glade Gardens

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 67KM
Autumn awesomeness: 10/10
Duration: 6 hours
Entrance to gardens: AUD8 (adult), free for children

Mount Macedon is another popular location to bask in glorious autumn colours! Forest Glade Gardens is a breathtaking, magical private landscaped garden with plenty of statues, gazebos, maple trees and fountains that is perfect for photo-taking. There is every shade of autumn here with a surprise at every turn. The peaceful aura in the gardens makes me feel like I never want to leave. The entrance fee is very reasonable considering the large span of gardens they have to maintain and for you to roam.

3. University of Melbourne

Distance from Melbourne CBD: 3KM
Autumn awesomeness: 5/10
Duration: 2 hours
Entrance to university: Free

Besides endless natural sights, brilliant colours of red and orange look beautiful against a backdrop of European architectural buildings! Laze in the South Lawn or under a tree of blooming flowers and watch students mill about this campus. The gardening around the university oozes of effortless flair as they display little touches of golden tinge in the midst of evergreens. The university is your best bet if you don't have enough time to travel out of Melbourne.

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