Autumn in Sydney is one of the best times of the year to be in the city. The season ushers in cooler temps, vibrant colours, artsy festivals, cosy markets and delicious seasonal food to enjoy. Although it’s been a soggy start to the season, the leaves will soon start to turn offering the perfect opportunity to go out and hunt for autumn leaves in and around the city. Here are some of our favourite spots in Sydney and beyond to enjoy this beautiful season.
1. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a sprawling, green oasis right in the heart of the city. On the southern side of the duck pond, you’ll find a beautiful display of colours with the landscape packed with colour. You can spot the brilliant Lasiandra tree in abundance along with the bright hues of the Tibouchina.
2. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is the perfect spot to view blooming flowers all year round. But it’s especially wonderful during autumn with the entire garden bathed in rich, vibrant colour. Spot a variety of local and international plants here throughout autumn. To make your trip even more unforgettable, you can also stay back and take part in one of their popular Ghostly Garden Tours and experience the garden after hours.
3. Breenhold Gardens
A Blue Mountains gem that never fails to impress if you’re on the hunt for autumn leaves in and around Sydney. Breenhold Garden is one of the most picturesque spots in NSW to spot autumn foliage near Sydney. For just a small entry fee of $17.50 per adult and $5.00 for children over 5 years old, you can spend all day in the garden marvelling at the striking scenery and autumn colours.
4. Auburn Botanic Gardens
The Auburn Botanic Gardens are surprisingly under-the-radar, which is surprising given how stunning they are. Here, you’ll find a stunning collection of Japanese Maple trees, along with 9.2 hectares of beautiful garden space to hang around in. The garden is also home to two serene lakes, a charming little waterfall, and photogenic bridges, making it a perfect spot to spend the day soaking in nature.
5. Mayfield Garden, Oberon
Home to Australia’s largest maze, a beautiful water garden, the Family Chapel, and an expansive 65 hectares of garden space, The Mayfield Garden in Oberon is a must-visit and an absolute delight during autumn. Each year, the garden comes alive with a stunning display of red, orange, and yellow hues, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
6. Orange
If you love autumn, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a town that captures the spirit of the season better than Orange. True to its name, the town is popular for its red and orange colours and all the oak and maple trees. The drive from Sydney takes about 3 hours and a visit to one of its local vineyards along with a trip to Mount Canobolas is highly recommended if you’re searching for vibrant autumn colours.
7. Armidale
Armidale in the New England High Country is a lovely city which turns into a hub of activity during autumn. Its many picturesque corners make it a favourite getaway for out-of-towners. As Australia’s highest city, Armidale is lined with trees coated in red, orange and yellow, along with grass-lined laneways and quaint little cottages, creating a lovely autumn setting. The drive to get there via the stunning Waterfall Way is equally picturesque.
8. Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains are a beloved escape from Sydney all year round, but we’re partial about visiting it in autumn. A drive down to the Blue Mountains National Park is just under 90 minutes and it’s lined with bright deciduous trees and shrubs throughout. To make the most of your visit, explore some of the small towns in the area including favourites like Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath.
9. Everglades Garden, Leura
The Everglades Garden in Leura is a picture-perfect spot, just a 20-minute walk from Leura station. Filled with wonderful little waterfalls, lush greenery, brilliant lookout spots, and bright foliage, it’s an essential stop if you want to see autumn in its glory without venturing too far from the city. You’ll also be surrounded by lovely views of the Blue Mountains as you wander around the gardens.
10. Southern Highlands
Take a leisurely stroll through the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and Corbett Gardens and feast your eyes on all the stunning autumn colours on display. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hike up to the Mount Gibraltar lookout or head to the charming village of Bundanoon. There’s no shortage of autumn leaves in the Southern Highlands. We also recommend the charming towns of Bowral and Robertson for more autumn magic.
11. Bathurst
Bathurst truly comes alive with an explosion of vivid reds, bright yellows, and fiery oranges during autumn. Be sure to set aside time to experience its Autumn Colours program, which celebrates the town’s rich history, or simply wander through its charming streets, lined with colourful trees and beautiful gardens.
12. Canberra
Canberra is pretty underrated and not typically top of mind for a weekend getaway from Sydney. But it’s absolutely worth the drive, especially during autumn. Take a walk along Lake Burley Griffin where you will find many oak trees and poplars or wander through Griffith for all the rich autumn leaves and a quaint, inviting atmosphere, perfect for an autumn stroll.
13. Blackheath
Just two towns past Katoomba, you’ll find the town of Blackheath, lined with rows of vivid red trees, charming vintage stores, and quiet cafes. It’s one of our favourite day trips from Sydney. Conveniently, it’s also easily accessible by train, so make a day of it if you’re looking to experience autumn in all its glory.
14. Tumut
Tumut is a small town in the Snowy Mountains and offers a magical experience during autumn. It’s known to showcase one of the most spectacular displays of autumn colours anywhere in all of NSW. Don’t miss out on the Falling Leaf Festival which celebrates the town’s rich history with a month of fun-filled activities.
15. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
Another stunning spot in the Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah spans a sprawling 252 hectares of garden space with cool climate plants, basalt cap forests, and vibrant Japanese maples saturated in bold colours. Enveloped in UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness, this botanic garden is the place to visit if you’re looking to reconnect with nature or discover a striking display of autumnal plantings.
16. Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is a lovely village in the Blue Mountains with striking maple trees and fiery red foliage. An absolute must-see is the tunnel of leaves roofing overhead on the Sinclair Crescent leading to Wentworth Falls Lake, forming an Instagram-worthy canopy of colourful leaves. The lake is also an idyllic spot to enjoy the sights and the fresh mountain air.
17. Cattai National Park
If you’re looking for an autumn escape that’s close to the city, Cattai National Park should definitely be on your radar. You can walk, ride your bike, paddle along the river or go canoeing — there are a number of ways to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery in the area.
18. Rumsey Rose Garden
The Rumsey Rose Garden in Parramatta Park is a true hidden gem offering a variety of over 500 rose species. The quiet spot has many shaded areas where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves.
19. Macarthur Park
Macarthur Park in Camden puts on quite a show during autumn. Pack a picnic and take in the seasonal colours at this picturesque little spot. Don’t forget to check out the walkway through the park for that perfect autumnal shot.