The Canberra Autumn Leaves Map is back for 2024!

Posted on 9 April, 2024

Instagrammers, charge up those iPhones. Photographers, polish your lenses.

Because your sure-fire way to find Canberra’s most gorgeous autumn foliage is back – and it’s already chock-a-block with suggestions.

Want to grab the best snap for the ‘gram like @snapsbysal who took the image above? Looking for a spot to take some gorgeous family photos? Just want to feel those seasonal vibes? Mee the ACT Gov’s Autumn Leaves map.

Each year, it shows some of the best annual colour shows across the city to take the guesswork out of finding Canberra’s most colourful deciduous trees – complete with photos! – and if you think they’ve missed a spot, you can send in your own snaps to help rectify the matter.

Here are some of our favourite autumnal locations—the perfect place for a stroll and a snap.

Flinders Way

Walking up Flinders Way from Captain Cook Crescent to Canberra Grammar School you will be treated to a gorgeous display of autumn foliage (and, if you’re lucky, some great dog spotting too).

Perfect on misty mornings too.

Molonglo River + West Basin

For lots of rich reds and the crisp crunch of orange leaves beneath your boots, take a drive out to the shores of the Molonglo River.

Key vantage spots include Orana Bay and Yarralumla’s Western Park.

Lake Burley Griffin

Take a stroll around the Foreshore or, if you’re looking to warm up a little, power your way around the Bridge to Bridge 5K circuit.

Look out for autumnal leaves resting on the water or a classic red foliage reflection shot. You’ll find these are particularly effective on the stretch between Commonwealth Avenue and the lawns of Old Parliament House.

Otherwise, take a look from across the other side on the bike paths passing the International Sculpture Garden towards the Australian National University. Frame your snap of Parliament House with the orange and yellow poplars that line the path.

National Arboretum Canberra

Get some height over the city by giving the Arboretum a visit. The Birch Forest offers endless lines of delicate orange branches, or alternatively, with a little more elevation you’ll be able to snap panoramic views of the city’s amber canopy.

Lyneham–O’Connor–Turner bike path

Like most of the old Canberra suburbs, Turner—along with Ainslie, Forrest, Kingston and Griffith—is perfect for autumn neighbourhood walks and chilly ‘grams with nostalgic vibes.

The autumn foliage fragments the sunlight lighting the way along the bike path following Sullivans Creek from Barry Drive to Mouat Street, particularly during the holy 4 pm golden hour.

Honourable Mentions

• The fabulously red Chinese Pistachio trees lining Friendship Street, Red Hill
• The bright yellow American Elm Trees on Grant Crescent, Griffith
• If you’re in the mood for more water views, head out to Black Mountain Peninsula