Sydney and New South Wales in spring just might be the best season to visit. From September to November, the air is cool while the sun is beaming, and the city is in bloom with jacarandas, paper daisies and street markets bursting with the freshest produce. Take a seat in any cafe and find a feast of pretty pastries, stroll along the coast with wild whales splashing in the surf, or jog across the Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside people from everywhere in the world. From flower festivals to kite carnivals and epic marathons, there’s a festival and something fun for everyone in springtime.
Bondi Festival of the Winds | September 2022
Enjoy a magical scene of colourful kites soaring through the blue sky along Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fill your bellies with a bite from a food stall and show off your skills at a kite-making workshop.
Leura Gardens Festival | Spring 2022
The Leura Gardens Festival is a once in a lifetime chance to wander through private gardens in the Blue Mountains. Among the wide variety of cool climate plants and flowers, the sight of azaleas, camellias and cherry blossoms are sure to take your breath away.
Sculpture by the Sea
Sculpture by the Sea showcases 100 sculpture pieces nestled into the stunning beaches and cliff faces of the coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama. These amazing pieces by artists from across the world create a truly unique experience that is free for all to enjoy.
Blackmores Running Festival | 18 September 2022
Take advantage of The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival as one of the only days in the year where you can get across Sydney Harbour Bridge on foot. As one of the world’s most scenic marathons, it is definitely worth every step.
Auburn Cherry Blossom Festival | 20 March – 17 April 2022
August is when the Auburn Botanic Gardens in Western Sydney bursts to life. Get lost under a canopy of lush pink cherry blossoms and stroll across the decorative bridge in the Japanese Garden for a serene experience like no other.
Paper Daisy Festival, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
The Australian Botanic Garden boasts a sprawling field of West Australian native daisies. Set up a picnic and enjoy the field of white, pink and yellow paper daisies that span over 1700 square metres!
Tulip Time Festival | 16 September – 3 October 2022
Having made its debut with 500 tulips in 1961 in the Southern Highlands, the Tulip Time Festival has grown to become a showcase of over 75,000 tulip bulbs. Visitors from all over the world gather at Corbett Gardens, in the town of Bowral to catch a glimpse of the varieties of red, yellow, mauve and white bulbs. As a winner of the World Tulip Award in 2015, this festival is definitely a sight to behold.
Grafton Jacaranda Festival, North Coast | 28 October to 6 November 2022
Take a quick road trip to Grafton and experience the longest-running flower festival in Australia. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is packed with events, including the Jacaranda Queen’s coronation, the street parade, street markets, live performances and stunning fireworks! Take to the skies in a hot air balloon to fully appreciate more than 2000 Jacaranda trees painting the landscape in a rich purple hue.
Purple Reign in Sydney | late October – November 2022
Jacaranda trees in full bloom transform Sydney into a purple wonderland from late October to November. Hop over to McDougall Street, Kirribilli to get your quota of selfies under the grand branches of purple coloured blooms arching over the street.
Get a complete luxury shopping experience at the Jacaranda lined streets of Paddington. Shop for all the Australian designer brands you need, then take a break at a chic cafe and revel in the beautiful blooms.
For more Jacaranda viewing, go for a stroll from the Royal Botanic Garden, through Circular Quay and The Rocks. Treat yourself to the stunning view of purple trees against the setting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and the cobblestone streets of The Rocks.
Whale Watching | May – November 2022
From late May to November, the coast of New South Wales bursts into life when pods of whales migrate north. Catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures from Sydney Harbour’s North and South Head, or take to the sea on a cruise from Circular Quay. Track the mammals on foot along one of Sydney’s coastal walks. Part of the Bondi to Manly walk will treat you to stunning views of sandstone cliffs and ocean pools on land while the whales thrash in the sea nearby. Drive up to Australia’s easternmost point, Cape Byron to photograph the whales. Or trek down to the white sandy beaches of the South Coast to watch whales with their newborn calves in the crystal clear waters.
Spring Soul Food
Sydney and NSW are no strangers to delicious desserts and succulent seafood in the spring. Fill up on steaming noodles beneath city lights at Sydney’s Night Noodle Markets. Sample pastries, Pepe Saya Butter, native bush foods spices and fresh local produce at Carriageworks Farmers Markets. Sip on aromatic coffee and munch on decadent desserts at The Grounds of Alexandria. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze at Bondi Beach while feasting on fish and chips at The Bucket List. Join the locals at the northern beaches to indulge in seafood platters at The Boathouse Palm Beach. For a taste of city life, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery and satisfy your children with the cute Kids Lunch Box as you gaze at the view of Sydney Harbour.
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