Spring is underway and Sydney is currently peppered with vibrant blooms and lush flora. While there are many spring towns near Sydney that host flower festivals including Tulip Time in Bowral and Floriade in Canberra, you don’t have to go too far from Sydney to enjoy the magic of spring. The harbour city’s gardens are full of flowery treasures if you’re looking to get your fill of spring hues. There’s nothing quite like the dreamy days of spring so take advantage of the beautiful weather and don’t miss out on these eye-catching displays at these beloved Sydney gardens around town. Here are some of our favourites.
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
Australia’s largest botanic garden is located in the heart of the city and it’s a riot of colour during spring. Explore a treasure trove of colour and plants at the Calyx which also features a giant floral wall display or simply stroll around the gardens and experience the many local and foreign blooms on display. There are also a number of guided walks to choose from if you need some help finding your way around the sprawling garden space and even an exclusive ghost tour after hours. Get more information and find out what’s on this month here.
2. Auburn Botanic Garden
Auburn Botanic Garden’s lovely Cherry Blossom Festival might be over but it’s still one of the best places in the city to see spring flowers in bloom. Aside from the pretty pink cherry blossoms, the garden is also home to a lovely rose garden and an array of native blooms. With two emerald-hued lakes, a waterfall and picturesque bridges, the garden sets the scene for a picturesque Japanese escape in the heart of Western Sydney. There’s also a fauna reserve and bird aviary to explore. Get more information here.
3. Parramatta’s Wistaria Gardens
Another lovely Western Sydney garden, this Parramatta gem is the place to go to see wisteria in bloom or as they spell it, wistaria. The historic park, which was built in 1907 is hosting a special spring celebration with a number of floral displays, food and drink and live entertainment to boot. See lovely hanging wisteria, cherry, peach and almond blossoms or take a picture next to the revived garden beds that feature primulas, snapdragons, pansies and violas. See these gorgeous floral displays on the weekends of September 21 and 22 and partake in a host of fun activities on site.
Read all about September in Wistaria Gardens.4. Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden
This hidden botanical garden in the Upper North Shore comes alive with blue, cream and red flowers in spring. Tucked away in St. Ives, this garden covers 123 hectares of bushland so you can expect to see a gorgeous variety of flora and fauna spread across the sprawling space. Explore walking trails, animals and plant species and vibrant flowers this spring or take part in one of their guided walks and demonstrations. This is a lovely under-the-radar gem and the ideal spot if you’re keen to discover some wildflowers away from the crowds. Get more information and find out what’s on this spring here.
5. Chinese Garden of Friendship
Located in the heart of the CBD, the heritage-listed Chinese Garden of Friendship is a small but mighty space filled with lush greenery, blooming flowers, exotic plants, peaceful ponds and a lake filled with koi. It opened back in 1988 and brings a slice of Chinese traditions to the city. Nestled quietly between the bustling Darling Quarter and Darling Square, the garden imitates traditional Chinese landscape paintings and is a sight to see during spring. Wander along the tranquil space and enjoy the changing colours or head to the restaurant on-site The Gardens by Lotus, a cosy teahouse serving Sichuan delicacies and delicious teas. It also has a new bamboo forest walk now.
6. Wendy’s Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley, wife of famed Australian artist Brett Whiteley, created a secret garden after his passing as a way to channel her grief. It has since become one of Sydney’s most beloved public gardens. It’s a delight to visit all year round but especially lovely to wander through when the sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom. Far from being a secret now, the garden has been growing and flourishing since the 90s and is now filled with many pretty corners including sculptures, hidden fairy houses and plenty of lush green spaces along with pretty blooms. It also offers beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and has long been home to native plants, herbs and flowers like lavender hydrangeas and lilies. Find it located right behind Luna Park and in the picturesque Lavender Bay suburb. Read all about the beautiful space here.