Spring is one of the most photogenic times of the year in Sydney, particularly because of the gorgeous lilac blooms that take over the city for a few weeks. Contrary to popular belief, the picture-perfect jacaranda trees are not native to Australia but to Brazil. They were brought down under in the 19th century and have since flourished thanks to Sydney’s tropical climate and sunny weather. Thanks to a dry and warm winter, the trees are expected to bloom earlier than usual this year. These are some must-visit places to see Jacaranda in Sydney and level up your social media feed.
1. McDougall Street, Kirribilli
You’ve probably already seen this snap-happy spot on your socials. If not, prepare to be inundated with photos of the stunning Mcdougall Street. The trees here create beautiful canopies making it the most famous street in Sydney this time of the year. It’s usually chock full of tourists and locals so you’ll have to time your visit early in the morning to get the perfect shot. It’s also a residential area so visitors are asked to be considerate of people and traffic. Read all about it here.
2. Lavender Bay, North Sydney
The harbourside suburb of Lavender Bay is home to beautiful gardens, harbour views and more. It also lives up to its name by turning a vibrant lavender shade during the jacaranda season. The lovely spot attracts a swarm of people every year but still remains quiet enough to enjoy a picnic or soak up the sun surrounded by jacaranda trees.
3. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the best spots if you’re looking to get your fill of flowers. So there’s no better place to start your hunt for jacaranda than the popular botanical garden. Located in the heart of the city, a walk through this picturesque oasis will lead you to stunning jacaranda blooms. It’s also located harbourside so the views are lovely all around. If you want to do something special for Halloween, check out their Ghostly Garden tours.
4. The University of Sydney
There are plenty of reasons to visit Australia’s oldest university from its underground graffiti tunnel to its Hogwartesque architecture and excellent location. Another reason to visit is the University of Sydney’s vibrant jacaranda tree which you can find in the Sydney uni quadrangle. The Jacaranda stood tall on the premises for 88 years before dying in 2016. Luckily, the university managed to clone it before its collapse and as the new tree continues to grow we can hopefully expect some of the same magic of the original one.
5. Circular Quay
Looking for the best Jacaranda trail in Sydney? You can’t go wrong with kicking off your spring adventure at the Royal Botanic Garden and walking up to Circular Quay and The Rocks. While the harbour is gorgeous all year round, the purple hue adds a lovely springtime charm to it. First Fleet Park in particular is blanketed with jacaranda blooms and flanked by gorgeous harbour views that are especially lovely on a summer’s day.
6. Paddington
Easily one of the prettiest Eastern Sydney suburbs, Paddington only gets prettier when spring rolls around thanks to all the gorgeous jacaranda trees lined across the trendy area. Oxford Street and Glenmore Road are the places to go to, especially the intersection where the two meet. Five Ways and Vaucluse House are some other spots drenched in purple colour during jacaranda season in Sydney.
7. Parramatta
Over in Western Sydney, Parramatta boasts its own picturesque corners during the jacaranda season. Get your fill at Elizabeth Farm or walk along the small but lovely Prince Alfred Square. Parramatta Park, Parramatta River and Centenary Square are also in bloom this time of the year.
8. Hunters Hill
The leafy suburb of Hunters Hill is a popular spot to see jacaranda in bloom. So much so people can go on guided and self-guided walking tours around the suburb’s best streets and alleyways. Hunters Hill Historical Society and Alexandra Street are lovely in purple and neighbouring suburbs of Greenwich, Waverton and Woolwich are also filled with jacaranda.
9. Camden
A short drive out of Sydney will take you to Camden, a charming town with plenty of green spaces and a main street that’s chock full of gorgeous jacaranda trees. More trees were added to Argyle Street in 2017 in addition to the thirty-plus 90-year-old jacarandas. Check out what else is on in Camden here.
10. Grafton
Grafton is a 6.5-hour drive from Sydney but don’t let that deter you. If you love Jacaranda, there’s no better spot to enjoy the purple blooms than the picturesque city. Its tree-lined streets are famous for its annual Jacaranda Festival which takes place each year.