Hi there Reader

I'll just come right out and say it...Autumn is my favourite season, and I am not sorry about it.

We are literally days away from March, which means foggy mornings that clear to the most glorious golden days, crunchy leaves underfoot, and that first proper excuse to dig out a cosy jumper.

After a summer of scorchers and sticky afternoons, the whole city takes a quiet little breath - and honestly, same. If you're anything like me, you'll want to make the most of it.

I've pulled together the best places to see Autumn foliage in and around Melbourne - think amber and russet European trees, long shadows, and dreamy light that makes everything look like a painting. And if you're after a proper day out, I've also got the best Autumn day trips for families to bookmark right now.

• ​See the best places for Autumn leaves​
• ​Best Autumn day trips near Melbourne​

But first, a very important question. I need to know where you stand:

Season wars — where do you stand? 👇 🍂 Autumn: foggy mornings, crunchy leaves, sweater weather, golden light ☀️ Summer: balmy nights, sand between the toes, beach days, icy poles

Let me know! There is no wrong answer. (There is, but I won't say it.)

Joyce xx

P.S. Aaaand here's another thing I'm loving about Autumn arriving - it means Tot Perks Autumn/Winter 2026 officially begins! New season, new perks, and we've already been busy locking in the good stuff for members.
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​Scroll down to see what's waiting for you when we officially launch tomorrow.

Tot Perks Autumn/Winter 2026 is almost here - and we've already been busy locking in the good stuff for members. 🙌

Here's a sneak peek at what we've got lined up:

• 🎉 Pop-up parties with free access to a high-energy indoor adventure experience
• 🎁 Automatic entry into every giveaway this season — a family stay at Dorsett Melbourne, family passes to KaBloom Flower Festival and Dr Hubble's Space Show, Social Fair vouchers + more
• 💰 Everyday discounts on fuel, movies, groceries and attractions that actually add up

This isn't a coupon club.
It's a curated, seasonal inner circle for Melbourne families who love finding the good stuff first.

And this is just the beginning. We'll be adding more curated experiences, giveaways and surprises throughout Autumn and Winter.

We're officially launching tomorrow, and we'll be sending a few more emails than usual between then and when doors close on Thursday 5 March - so keep an eye on your inbox, because you won't want to miss it.

Not your thing? That's totally okay — click here to opt out of Tot Perks AW26 emails and we'll stick to your usual newsletters.

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ See More

​Antipodes Festival (Saturday 28 Feb – Sunday 1 Mar) A massive free Greek street party on Lonsdale Street with 500+ performers, live music, dancing, and kid-friendly street food. 📍 Melbourne CBD

​Clean Up Australia Day (Sunday 1 Mar) Get the family involved in Australia's largest environmental movement — find a clean-up event near you on the CUAD website. 📍 Melbourne CBD + Southbank

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ See More ​

​Lincoln Park Twilight Festival (Saturday 28 Feb) A free twilight concert with rock legends Eskimo Joe, live support acts, food, and family-friendly activities. Pack a picnic! 📍 Essendon

​Sydney Road Street Party (Sunday 1 Mar) Brunswick takes over its iconic strip for six hours of live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly fun. 📍 Brunswick

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ See More ​

​Pako Festa 2026 (Saturday 28 Feb) Victoria's largest free multicultural street festival with a vibrant parade, live performances, and international food stalls. 📍 Geelong West

​Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival (Sunday 1 Mar) Celebrate the Year of the Horse with cultural performances, drumming, international food, and kids' entertainment at this beloved annual event. 📍 Point Cook

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ See More ​

​Knox Fest 2026 (Saturday 28 Feb) A free community celebration with live music, rides, food trucks, kids' activities, and a fireworks finale. 📍 Ferntree Gully

​Glen Waverley Lunar New Year & Lantern Festival (Sunday 1 Mar) Ring in the Lunar New Year with lantern displays, cultural performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. 📍 Glen Waverley

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ See More ​

​Holi Festival of Colours (Saturday 28 Feb) Eight hours of Bollywood music, colour runs, live performances, kids' rides, and fireworks at this vibrant, family-friendly festival. 📍 Wyndham Vale

​All Things Festival (Sunday 1 Mar) A lively celebration of heritage fruit trees with orchard tours, demonstrations, food, and family-friendly entertainment. 📍 Werribee

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