The long and frigid winter is finally over and nature is waking up from her winter slumber. With mild temperatures and pleasant hues, spring is a refreshing time to travel. The natural beauty of NSW is even more apparent in spring and there are plenty of historical and cultural destinations near Sydney that are perfect to visit this time of year. Pretty flowers, pristine landscapes, local markets and meandering walking trails are on offer in these lovely destinations around NSW. Here are some of our favourite spring towns to visit in NSW this season.
1. Bowral
Bowral is a repeat weekend destination for NSW residents with so much on offer all year round. Cosy bookshops, excellent cafes, boutique shopping, and walking trails are some of its major drawcards. People also come in droves for its spectacular Tulip Time flower festival in spring. Featuring 80,000 blooming tulips and another 15,000 striking blooms across the beautiful Corbett Gardens in Bowral, this is the perfect day trip idea to welcome spring. Markets, food stalls, garden tea parties, and after-dark events are also on the planner so don’t miss out. There is also a dedicated spring trail around the Southern Highlands if you want to explore the surrounding gardens and parks. Read all about it here.
2. Leura
Leura is another fail-safe year-round destination within easy reach of Sydney but spring is the season when it flexes its best features. Cherry blossom-lined trees, garden festivals and wildflower hikes are some springtime highlights in this photogenic town. People drawn to flowers will be spoilt for choice here. Stroll along the main street to get your fill of cherry blossoms, sip on a coffee at one of the excellent sidewalk cafes, or head to the brilliant Everglades House & Gardens for a leisurely stroll and a picnic under the sun. A quick 1.5-hour drive from Sydney, Leura is a fantastic destination for a spring getaway.
3. Blackheath
Blackheath is a treat for adrenaline enthusiasts with a treasure trove of outdoor activities to choose from. Iconic walks in a rainforest setting, spectacular lookouts, and the Blue Mountains National Park are some regular offerings of the small town. Spring and autumn see the landscapes transform with colourful foliage and lovely blooms. The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are the place to go for a sea of rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, and deciduous trees planted amid lush Australian bushland. The gardens are also famous for serving delicious cream teas and scones at the gardens and it’s a wholesome day out of the city.
4. Grafton
If purple is your colour of choice and blooming jacaranda your favourite flower, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Grafton. 2000 flowering jacaranda trees line the streets of this photogenic town and it also has an entire festival dedicated to celebrating the season. Markets, float parades and lots of purple-themed food and drink are on offer for visitors. Don’t miss a chance to walk around town and take in all the Victorian and Edwardian architecture or head out to the surrounding Nymboida National Park for a host of outdoor activities that include paddling, hiking, camping and more. Read more about Grafton here.
5. Oberon
With surrounding pine forests and an almost certain chance of snowfall each season, Oberon is a classic winter escape not too far from Sydney. But it’s also well worth a visit in spring if only to see its stunning gardens and ancient caves. Home to the largest cool climate gardens in Australia and the oldest caves in the world, Oberon promises a day filled with memorable activity this spring. Head to the Mayfield Garden for an explosion of colour in the form of springtime blooms and endless picture-perfect spaces. For other entertainment, visitors can also check out an authentic ghost town, go horse riding or explore a walking trail.
6. Rydal
The small and somewhat overlooked rural village of Rydal comes alive in spring with an explosion of colour thanks to its huge daffodil festival. Named after Rydal in England, the home of William Wordsworth, the village is taken over by thousands of daffodils. There’s also tea, coffee, and cakes and plenty of local art to enjoy. This year, the event will take place from September 7 to 15 so don’t miss out. Do note there are no shops at Rydal. The nearest shops can be found at Wallerawang about ten minutes’ drive. If you can’t get enough of daffodils, you can see over 50,000 blooming at this massive botanic garden near Sydney.
7. Bathurst
Bathurst is a popular weekend getaway in NSW with a rich gold rush heritage. The oldest inland settlement in Australia, the bustling city shines bright in spring with blooming flowers and mild weather. It also hosts a Spring Spectacular with 10 open gardens from neighbourhood spots to sprawling country gardens and more, making it one of the loveliest spring towns in the state. There’s also live music, market stalls and displays to enjoy. Other activities to do in the region include having high tea at the historic Abercrombie House, visiting the National Motor Racing Museum and visiting the lovely local cafes and restaurants. See what’s on in Bathurst this spring here.