Every year as the winter season fades, Sydneysiders are met with lovely white and pink blooms around the city. Trees bursting with cherry blossoms is one of the best things about spring in Sydney. You can catch these blooms for a fleeting moment in the months of August and September so there’s a very short window of opportunity to get your fill of these beautiful flowers. Here’s where you can find the prettiest cherry blossoms in Sydney.
1. Auburn Botanic Gardens
The Auburn Botanic Gardens in Western Sydney is one of the best spots to see cherry blossoms without going too far from the city. They also host their own Cherry Blossom Festival which is packed with amazing activities including a sakura cocktail bar, a fun flower rave for the kids, live entertainment and more. You’ll also find a beautiful cherry blossom trail at the venue along with a Japanese food village. It’s an aesthetically pleasing experience and one of the city’s most photographed cultural events every year for good reason. Read more about the Cherry Blossom Festival.
2. The Royal Botanic Garden
This 30-hectare garden is Australia’s oldest botanical garden and one of Sydney’s most popular spots to see vibrant flowers in bloom. Armed with tulips, lilies, roses, bulbs, gardens and plants of every kind, it’s a dream for flower lovers. Head to their wonderful Spring Walk and get lost in a sanctuary of flowers including vibrant cherry blossoms. You’ll find this beautiful selection on the Macquarie Walk within the Royal Botanic Garden.
3. Leura
From stunning lookout spots to charming cafes — the scenic village of Leura has everything you’d need for a quick getaway from the city. It’s also home to many lovely gardens and parks, the most popular of which is the Leura Gardens. Every year they host the Leura Gardens Festival to welcome spring in style. The two-week festival is filled with beautiful blooms across 8 gardens including pretty sakura trees. You can also see trees bursting with cherry blossoms on its main street as you depart the station. Read more about the Leura Gardens Festival.
4. Katoomba
Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains and is especially popular because of its proximity to Sydney. In this quaint, lovely town you’ll find food, hikes, gardens and breathtaking natural landscapes. It’s also home to the iconic Three Sisters and Echo Point Lookout. In the month of October, you can also spot cherry blossoms around town. Stroll along its main street and catch a glimpse or head to one of its many gardens.
5. The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens
The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens offer some of the best views of the Blue Mountains and an extraordinary showcase of flora in the region. Lovers of cherry blossoms can find around 20 trees in the sweeping 28-hectare space. The cool climate garden is the perfect spot for a picnic in the sun surrounded by a beautiful variety of local and imported cool climate plants and alpine rainforest.
6. Hunter Valley Gardens
About a 2 hour drive from Sydney, the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens are located in the heart of the wine region. Made up of many smaller gardens, you’ll find cherry blossoms lined across the Oriental Garden. The gardens are a favourite spot for weddings and fun photo shoots with their many themed gardens and spring blooms. Catch them at their peak in the month of October. Get all the information on their official website and start planning.
7. Cowra Japanese Gardens
Did you know the largest Japanese gardens in the southern hemisphere are right here in NSW? This sprawling space is home to tranquil lakes, lovely little waterfalls, well-kept lawns, an open-air tea house and plenty of picturesque corners. They also host their own cherry blossom festival called Sakura Matsuri which will take place on September 28. If you don’t mind a long drive out, this is one of the best places in NSW to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the colourful blooms this spring.