Autumn is here and the leaves are slowly starting to change colour. The most enchanting places at this time of the year offer a little reprieve from city life and plenty of privacy away from the crowds. Among our favourite outdoor spaces that we never tire of discovering are gardens — some top-secret spots, some hidden in plain sight and some botanically significant ones, a stone’s throw from the city. One to add to your list this autumn is Nooroo Garden which presents all the beauty of the season with none of the crowds making for a wonderfully tranquil spot, perfect for a quiet read, a picnic, or soaking up the autumn sun. Nestled in the Blue Mountains, this serene sanctuary is currently flaunting autumn in all its glory but there’s only a short window to enjoy the colours so don’t miss out.
Nooroo Garden, Mount Wilson
Wrapped in spectacular red, yellow, and orange hues, Nooroo Garden has been enchanting visitors for over 140 years. A true gem during spring and autumn, the garden boasts an impressive collection of native Australian plants alongside flowers from around the world. Wander through magnificent maples, chestnuts, ash, and original oaks spread across the sprawling 4.5-hectare garden. Nooroo Garden is also home to rare maples, azaleas, rhododendrons, and large lawns offering plenty for nature lovers. The entirety of the park is yours to enjoy with beautiful canopies of trees to walk under and plenty of delightfully picturesque corners.
The word Nooroo means ‘shady place’. The garden was originally built in 1880 by William Hay and is now under the care of Lorraine and Anthony Barrett, who purchased the property in 1992. Since then, the Barretts have worked diligently to maintain the timeless quality of the garden while introducing new features like garden rooms to further enhance its beauty. There is also a cafe kiosk serving coffee, hot chocolate, teas, and wholesome homemade snacks.
The gardens are just as delightful during spring with a stunning wisteria collection taking centrestage alongside lovely camellias, magnolias, lilacs, peonies, and more.
How to get there
Nooroo Garden is a short 2-hour drive from Sydney and is best visited on an autumn morning. The garden will be open daily for its 2025 autumn season from Saturday, April 5 until Sunday, May 25 from 10am to 4pm.
There is a small entry fee of $10 for adults with all-day access to the gardens and $2.50 for kids up to 12 years old. Read more about Nooroo Garden here.