As summer nears its end, find travel inspiration in the pretty towns in regional NSW.
Here are five worth visiting this autumn:
TUMUT
Tumut at the foot of the Snowy Mountains is an alpine town bursting with colour and events during autumn.
With crisp air and hundreds of poplars and plane trees providing a spectacular yellow, orange and red backdrop, the region boasts one of the prettiest autumn displays to be found anywhere in NSW.
Tumut comes alive during April and May with art festivals, food events, the annual show, a rodeo, music festivals and fun runs.
The big day though is Tumut's Festival of the Falling Leaf gala on Saturday, May 3.
While you're in the area add the cute little towns of Adelong and Batlow to your itinerary.
The region kicks off autumn in true country style, with the Tumut Show on March 1, the Adelong Show on March 9-10, and the Batlow Show on March 22.
Go to visittumut.com.au and fallingleaffestival.com.au for more information.
WAGGA WAGGA - NSW
As the Murrumbidggee river flows by, the town of Wagga Wagga shows off its gourmet delights during its annual Food & Wine Festival on March 29.
Located on the picturesque lagoon in the centre of town, the festival, which developed from the very successful Farmers' Markets, allows local wineries and producers show off their gourmet products.
Of course there's plenty of live entertainment to sit back and enjoy as well. Visit waggafoodandwinefestival.org.
ORANGE
Orange, in the Central West of NSW, comes alive in autumn with F.O.O.D Week from April 4-13. It includes a night market and Sunday producer's market, as well as wine tasting, farm gate tours and cooking demonstrations.
This year there will also be the inaugural Orange Apple Festival, from May 9-10.
Orange is 3.5 hours from Sydney. Check out visitorange.com.au.
ARMIDALE
Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to Armidale, in the Northern Tablelands.
This place seems to have it all. Adventure junkies will be entertained with mountain biking and cayoning, while the more sedate visitor can enjoy birdwatching and exploring the surrounding national parks.
For foodies, there's farmers' markets on the weekends and more than 20 cellar doors where you can taste a selection of award-winning cool-climate wines.
Visit armidaletourism.com.au.
BELLINGEN
The beautiful town of Bellingen on the NSW mid north coast is a bit of a hippie retreat, kind of like Byron but on a smaller, less touristy scale.
It has attracted creative people, including chefs, musicians, artists and writers. These people make for a welcoming, laid-back community, with a handful of great restaurants and cafes, some of which embrace the local music scene.
The Bellinger River running through the town, providing picturesque views for many of the guesthouses in the region. For more, go to visitnsw.com.
