The Autumn Gold Rush in New South Wales: Golden Poplars in Meadow Flat

ARE YOU LOOKING TO CAPTURE SOME OF THE BEST FALL FOLIAGE IN NSW?

If you love experiencing fall foliage like we do, especially those rusty-golden hues, then you will absolutely love visiting the Golden Poplars in Meadow Flat!

After exploring the vibrant autumn colours in the Blue Mountains, we found this beautiful free display of golden poplars, very close to Katoomba!

Just a 2.5-hour drive from the Sydney CBD, between Wallerawang and Yetholme, lies a sublime street with golden trees that turns into an Instagrammer’s paradise in autumn every year!

And here’s our guide to know the exact location, the best time to visit, and a lesser known alternative to the Golden Poplars in Meadow Flat!

Where is Meadow Flat?

Meadow Flat is a region in the Blue Mountains, about 29 kilometres from Lithgow. It is known for the beautiful golden autumn colours that the native trees show from the end of March and all through April!

🍁Golden Poplars in Meadow Flat, NSW

Golden poplar trees, known for their tall, elegant form, have distinctive four-lobed leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn and we are lucky to have a gorgeous display on the Curly Dick Road in Meadow Flat.

🕖What is the Best Time To Visit Meadow Flat to see Golden Poplars

There will be fewer crowds on weekdays and early in the season. We recommend coming mid to end of April. Try visiting in the early morning, ideally by 10 AM, or later in the afternoon, after 3 PM, to experience the best of the location. However, if you are especially going for pictures, then golden hours around sunrise and sunset are the best.

PS – The place is a tourist hotspot and gets quite crowded in peak season (late April-May)!

🚗How to Plan Your Trip to See Golden Poplars in Meadow Flat?

The drive is as beautiful as the destination! The journey to Meadow Flat takes approximately 2.5 hours from Sydney’s CBD. The most direct route follows the M4 Motorway west, past Katoomba, Lithgow, and then look for signs to Meadow Flat, curly dick road.

While you can take a train to the Blue Mountains, many of the autumn spots we recommend are a bit tricky to reach using public transport. If you can drive, we highly suggest renting a car for this autumn getaway—unless you already have one, of course!

For the best car rental deals in Sydney, we recommend Discover Cars. This online platform compares prices from top local and international companies like Budget, Sixt, and Hertz, ensuring you get the best rate available.

🍁What are Alternate Spots to see the Golden Poplars in Autumn?

@lifewithgemily found an alternative golden poplars spot last year, less than 10 mins away from Curly Dick Rd. You’ll find similar shades of leaves on Diamond Swamp Road, and with the whole place almost to yourself!

🍁Nearby Places to Visit for the Blue Mountains’ Autumn!

There are many places to see autumn colours in the surrounding area of the Blue Mountains!

• The Breenhold Gardens in Mount Wilson are one of the most visited gardens in the Blue Mountains! You’ll find maples, beeches, elms, and chestnuts showing beautiful shades of autumn colours! Must-dos here include the iconic Pine Tree Avenue, Bill’s Walk, Charlotte’s Pass, and the Acer steps!

• Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah has beautiful colours of autumn leaves and fun activities for you to do! Hundreds of trees start shedding their leaves and fill the area with golden hues between March and May! From astronomy to journaling in nature to learning about the dangerous flora that lives there, it sounds like a perfect family weekend getaway from Sydney in autumn!
• Wentworth town in the Blue Mountains is even more stunning during autumn! For those who want to go on a drive to see the autumn colours, we recommend going down the Sinclair Crescent in Wentworth Falls Village. You will find a tunnel made from trees having golden-yellow leaves!

If you are like us and love hiking, then you will find great options in Wentworth! The Charles Darwin Walk, from the Falls Road to the Blue Mountains National Park, is a hike that has beautiful views of the Wentworth Falls in autumn! Wentworth Falls to Leura Walk is for seasoned trekkers as it is a long trail (11 km one way)!

We have covered some more places in-depth in our Blue Mountains Autumn Guide!

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The Wrap-Up: Golden Poplars in Meadow Flat

Golden Poplars is a must-visit place if you are on the hunt for fall foliage in NSW. We hope you are convinced to pack a bag, grab your camera, and visit the stunning region! DM us on Instagram if you have any more questions!

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