Autumn which stretches from March to May is often called the best time to visit Melbourne. The season is arguably the most Insta-friendly season with its beautiful autumn colors, wave of festivals and cool weather. Here’s your last chance to catch the best experiences of Autumn before the season fades into winter!

The Autumn foliage

In the city, Carlton Gardens attracts flocks of leaf-peepers who travel to view and photograph the foliage of the season. The road leading up to the Royal Exhibition Buildings is lined with towering oak and elm, perfectly framing the building and water fountain in a postcard perfect view.

Out of town, Bright is one of Victoria’s top spots to soak up the splendor of autumn. Located three-and-a-half hours north-east of Melbourne, every year at the end of April the town comes together for the Bright Autumn Festival, celebrating the wonderful autumn colors and produce in the stunning High Country. Explore the main street and stop by some of the open gardens. During the ten day festival there is also a market, music in the streets and a parade.

Picnics under blue skies

Autumn weather is cool and breezy in the mid-tens, making it perfect for lazy afternoons out leaf gazing in the beautiful parks and green spaces. The Royal Botanical Gardens is a green haven in the city with plenty of hiding spots to spread out a blanket and picnic basket. Spend a leisurely day bird watching and relaxing among Melbourne's inner-city oasis of tranquil lakes and rolling gardens containing more than 10,000 plant species from around the world.

Right in the heart of the city, Federation Square is a more vibrant hub for casual hangouts. The Square has daily events from free yoga to art exhibitions and is located by the Yarra River. If you fancy a ready meal instead of a picnic, Riverland Café is situated on the banks of the Yarra River and is the ideal spot for soaking up the river sights and enjoying the company of friends.

Hiking, biking and food, glorious food!

In Autumn, the mountainous Grampians attracts nature and adventures lovers to its breathtaking lookouts, lush walking trails and waterfalls. Now the Grampians attracts foodies too for some fresh produce and wine at the Grampians Grape Escape.

Now in its 25th year, one of Australia’s longest running food and wine festivals is celebrated on 30 April & 1 May 2016 in Halls Gap in the majestic Grampians National Park, three hours north-west of Melbourne. The event attracts more than 10,000 visitors to wine and dine in one of Victoria’s most stunning landscapes.

The High Country Harvest, a scenic three and a half hour drive north east of Melbourne also combines outdoor fun with a program of over 40 events of gourmet food, world-class wines and craft beer. From 13 – 22 May, cycling foodies can partake in a range of activities including a leisurely three-stage pedal through picturesque countryside and indulge in artisan high teas or even a charcuterie masterclass as part of The Sweet Cycle.

Belly shaking laughs

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and the Festival returns on a bang from 23 March – 17 April 2016.  The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three biggest comedy festivals in the world with over 1200 comedians performing more than 6500 shows during the Festival at over 100 different venues throughout the city. The Festival is so big that it has a roadshow that tours Malaysia annually in July, bringing the best of Australian talents straight to Malaysians.

Some Like It Hot

In a ground-breaking collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox, Bendigo Art Gallery presents Marilyn Monroe the exhibition featuring authentic artefacts, clothing and other objects belonging to, or worn by Marilyn. To complement the exhibition, Bendigo Art Gallery has secured Seward Johnson’s eight meter high sculpture of Marilyn Monroe, Forever Marilyn. Catch the iconic symbol from 5 March 2016 to 10 July 2016 and take the chance to relive the 1950s by posing with the iconic skirt lift sculpture!

For more information, visit www.visitmelbourne.com