Nothing says spring quite like the return of colourful flowers. From dreamy cherry blossoms to native wildflowers, flower-crazed residents will soon be treated to a kaleidoscope of colour around Sydney and NSW as we usher in the arrival of warmer weather and longer days. Tulip Time — one of Australia’s largest and oldest flower festivals is celebrating the season in style with over 80,000 striking tulips. Illuminated displays, food trucks, artisan markets, and after-dark floral adventures are also on the cards for 19 days in the Southern Highlands and it’s all happening just a stone’s throw from Sydney so go forth and explore.
Tulip Time, Bowral
Taking over Australia’s first booktown, visitors are promised a riot of colours in the form of 80,000 vibrant, hand-picked tulips and other delightful spring blooms at the picture-perfect Corbett Gardens. The flower festival will take place daily from September 12 to September 30. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through thousands of red, yellow, white, and purple blooms while enjoying live entertainment, food trucks, and local markets from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Tulips After Dark
For guests who prefer a nocturnal adventure, minus the roving crowds, the festival will feature a special after-dark edition with illuminated displays over two weekends. Head down to the gardens on September 20 and 21 or September 27 and 28 from 6pm to 9 pm for rainbow-coloured flowers, live music and even a bar on site slinging delicious drinks.
Another fixture of Tulip Time this year is the Tulip Time Garden Party which will take place over the October long weekend from October 4-6 from 9.30am to 4.30pm featuring food, drinks, and markets for an extended elegant celebration. Tickets for Tulip Time are now on sale and you can get them here.
Why you should visit
A trip to the cosy town of Bowral comes with plenty of charming cafes, bakeries, boutique shops, and Instagrammable displays. Easy access from Sydney suggests that you can linger on and explore the many charming small towns in the area including the charming old-world village of Berrima or Mittagong for vintage shopping and sandstone cottages. For more flower-filled adventures, head to Robertson and enjoy a giant display of waratahs near the Robertson Heritage Railway Station.
Getting to Tulip Time
Corbett Gardens is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Sydney via M31. You could also take a direct train from Central Station to Bowral Station which would be a 2-hour long journey and then head to Corbett Gardens which would take no more than 5 minutes.