Keen to escape the city for a bit and enjoy some seasonal activities around town? You don’t have to venture too far from Sydney for a blissful escape. Spring presents the perfect time for adventure, minus the summer crowds and pleasant temperatures to boot. Whether you’re after fields of flowers, coastal views, historical spots or seasonal markets, there are plenty of lovely spots near Sydney where you can slow down and enjoy the colour and vibrancy of spring. Here are some of our favourite places near Sydney you should consider for your next road trip now that the weather has finally turned a corner.
1. Bowral
Bowral is located about 90 minutes southwest of Sydney and it’s packed with things to do. There are dreamy cafes, bookstores, vintage shops and wineries to enjoy all year round but it’s especially lovely during spring with thousands of blooming flowers to feast your eyes upon. The town hosts the annual Tulip Time festival at the beautiful Corbett Gardens where visitors can see over 80,000 hand-planted tulips, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the outdoors. The popular Tulips After Dark event returns this year with entertainment, music and luminous flowers after hours. Tulip Time will take place from from September 19 to October 2, get ticket information and further details here.
2. Breenhold Gardens
There’s a lot to see and do in the Blue Mountains and one spot made for spring lovers is the heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens at Mount Wilson. You may know it as one of the filming locations for Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby and it’s become a mecca for those chasing spring and autumn colours. Comprising 45 hectares of lush parkland and native bushland, the gardens are open during spring and autumn seasons daily from 10am to 4pm. This is one of NSW’s prettiest locations to experience spring in all its glory and at just a 1 hour, 45 minute drive from Sydney, the perfect spot for a quick escpae from it all. Read all about it here.
3. Central Coast
Spring on the Central Coast means flowers, cultural activities and days out in the sun. Pick your own sunflowers at a family-owned and operated flower farm or soak up all the coastal views at the Bouddi National Park. Central Coast is also the place to be to get your fill of canola fields. There’s also beachside markets to explore at Avoca, musical festivals and cultural events for all the outdoor fun. Take your pick here.
4. Canberra
While Canberra is a bit of a drive at 3 hours from Sydney, flower enthusiasts will find plenty of reasons to plan a trip, the first of which is the giant Floriade festival. There’s one million stunning flowers on display along with entertainment and delicious treats to boot from September 28 to October 1. You can also see these flowers after the sun sets at the NightFest event. There are also a variety of markets and cultural activities taking place throughout spring. Head to the Visit Canberra website to see what’s on.
5. Katoomba
Katoomba is one of the most popular spots in the Blue Mountains and home to many spectacular landmarks like the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and more. If you’re looking for a day full of adventure, this is the place to go to. Check out Scenic World’s skyway or take a ride on the world’s steepest railway. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views over Cahill’s Lookout or Eagle Hawk Lookout, or go on a street art walk around town. Plan your itenirary here.
6. Mudgee
Mudgee is for food and wine lovers but there’s plenty on offer to suit anyone’s taste. Come spring, the town hosts a month-long food and wine festival with all the trimmings including wine tastings, wine trivia, degustations, dinners and more. It also hosts a garden spectacular with six beautifully developed gardens around Mudgee open for visitors across two days on October 14 and 15. Spring is one of the best times to visit this lovely part of NSW with endless fun-filled activities for all ages. Get more information here.
7. Hyams Beach
If spending a day on the beach with some of the whitest sand in Australia sounds like your kind of thing, you’re in luck. Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay features a long stretch of white silica sand, turqouise waters and adventures for all. It was recently ranked as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world and at just under 3 hours from Sydney with stunning views on the way it’s a must-see road trip destination near Sydney. Get all the details about the seaside village here.