By editor Melissa Meehan
IT’S the first crunch of leaves underfoot that let you know its autumn in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
There is no other sound like it, the colours of autumn surrounding you as the leaves fall off the deciduous trees along the road to Healesville or up on the way through Olinda and Sassafras.
The best part about autumn in the hills isn’t the fact that we’ve left the heat of summer behind, or that we’re about to feel the icy breeze on our faces as winter comes. It’s the perfect weather to enjoy the great outdoors, and just cool enough to need to stop into the local cafe for a coffee and a Devonshire tea.
Yes, autumn in the hills is a magical time of year with so much to do.
The only way to describe it is Festival Season, with something going on in every nook and cranny on the mountain.
In autumn we have more festivals than you can count on one hand … or two for that matter.
From the longest lunch to the Herb and Chilli Fest, we have something on offer for everyone.
Did I mention the car and bike show? The heritage festival? How about the Pave Festival?
Don’t forget the chestnut festival or even the apple festival.
There’s always something to do. Check out our guide to local festivals on page 8.
I’m off to run amok in the autumn leaves, enjoy local art and maybe some local produce. You should too.
