The autumnal scenery in Arrowtown is a sight to behold and the hillsides are alight with vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. It’s arguably one of the best months to visit.
Aside from the foliage, here are some of the best things to see and do in Arrowtown in autumn.
1. Feast more than your eyes
Autumn is the season to wine and dine. With the bounty of the autumnal harvest, it is a great time to sample dishes from one of Arrowtown’s eateries. Many offer seasonal menus with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. If you are interested in tasting the local terroir, head to Kinross, Gibbston Valley, Amisfield or Ayrburn for delicious wines, or visit the tasting room for Rifters Gin to try their small batch premium gins and take part in a tasting masterclass.
2. Relax and revive
Enjoy the slower pace of autumn and take the opportunity to unwind and refresh. Head to D’Or Hairstylists or Arrowtown Hair Co for a colour, treatment or new hairstyle. Visit Millbrook Spa for a mani-pedi, massage or spa treatment followed by a visit to their hot pools or a round of golf. Or head off the beaten path and check out a local yoga or Pilates class at the Arrowtown Club Rooms, or take your tennis racquets to the tennis courts nearby.
3. Get some new threads
Layer up for the autumn season with stylish layers and statement pieces from Angel Divine, Seletti, or Muse. Or if you would like some new jewellery or a unique statement piece, visit The Gold Shop or The Jade and Opal Factory. The list above barely scratches the surface of what’s on offer in Arrowtown and the shopping isn’t limited to clothes – there are also gift shops, treat shops and galleries. Take the time to explore, find a treasure and chat to the friendly staff.
4. Explore the outdoors
The cooler weather makes it the perfect time to bike or walk the many trails around Arrowtown, just check the weather before you go and pack appropriately. You could even pack a picnic with items from Arrowtown Bakery, Arrow Thai, or Kahwah Café. Some great trails for viewing the autumn colours include the Arrow River trail, Sawpit Gully, Tobins Track, and the Lake Hayes Loop.
Make sure you visit the Police Hut and Arrowtown Chinese Settlement while you are in Arrowtown. The settlement’s partially repaired stone cottages from the 1860s gold rush are a stark reminder of how many would have eked out a living while searching for gold in the surrounding landscape.
If you want more information on the early days of the district, head to the Lakes District Museum and enjoy its interactive displays and wealth of information. You can also hire a gold pan from their information desk and try your luck panning in the Arrow River, or alternatively, head to the RAW gold panning trough by Rainbow Doorways.
5. Celebrate at an event
Autumn is filled with events like gigs from local musicians and theatre companies, community planting days, and the ANZAC Day memorial service, and the big item in the events calendar is the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. This festival offers something for all ages and is a celebration of what makes the town special – history, nature, community, art, music and all-around fun. Go to a show, take a guided walk, come to the parade and market day, or take part in an activity or workshop.
Visit our Arrowtown in autumn page for more information about the autumn season.
Author: APBA
