Springtime comes a bit early in Sydney and we are excited to celebrate the season with great weather, outdoor picnics, and yes street food while enjoying the lazy weekend with cherry blossoms.
Sydney, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, offers a unique experience for cherry blossom enthusiasts. As spring approaches, the city transforms into a picturesque canvas painted with the soft pinks and whites of cherry blossoms.
Here's a guide to the best spots in Sydney where you can immerse yourself in the magical bloom of these delicate flowers.
Auburn Botanic Gardens
The Auburn Botanic Gardens is a popular destination for cherry blossom admirers. The gardens host the award-winning Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts visitors from all over to witness the spectacular display of blooming cherry trees. The festival is not just about the flowers; it's a celebration of cultural performances, food stalls, and activities that highlight the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
This year the program celebrates our favourite Kitty’s 50th Birthday with Hello Kitty performances and meet and greets. There will be a range of cultural performances, traditional live music, dancing and entertainment, kids’ activities, horticultural talks, and more!
The Japanese Food Village will take your taste buds on a culinary journey with exclusive cherry blossom-themed dishes and a huge selection of Japanese fusion. The Cherry Blossom Bar will also be serving up a range of Japanese-inspired drinks.
Don’t forget to capture the perfect ‘cherry snap’ at the iconic Cherry Arbour in the Japanese Gardens, and at the Mt Fuji Torii Gate which also offers the best setting for ‘insta-ready’ photos and videos of the iconic Cherry Blossoms.
When: When: Saturday 17 August to Sunday 25 August, 9am to 4:45pm daily
Admission and Tickets:
All festival tickets must be pre-booked online for entry into the festival.
Cumberland resident entry to the festival is free, however, tickets are required to be pre-booked to reserve your spot as numbers are capped within the gardens.
Unfortunately, there are no sales booths at the event, and door sales are not available. No entry will be permitted to the venue without a ticket. You can book your tickets online here.
The following prices are inclusive of GST and booking fees:
• Cumberland City Council Residents | Free | Must provide proof of address (NSW Photo ID/Driver’s License or Rates Notice)
• Children 4 years and under | Free
• Children 5 to16 years old | $6.60
• Adults 17+ | $15.55
• Family Pass (2 adults 17+ & 2 Children aged 5-16) | $38
* Senior Cardholders 60+ | $6.60 | Must present a valid Seniors Card or ID upon entry.
Companion Cardholders | Free | Must present a valid Companion Card upon entry. Free entry for the cardholder’s support person with any other valid ticket held by the cardholder.
The Royal Botanic Garden
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| Image: @philipps.world.of.photography |
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, this 30-hectare garden is Australia’s oldest botanical garden and one of Sydney’s most popular spots to see vibrant flowers in bloom. The Royal Botanic Garden is a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle. During the cherry blossom season, the garden's Spring Walk becomes a must-visit spot. The path is lined with an array of cherry trees that burst into color, offering a serene experience amidst the bustling city life.
Admission and Tickets:
Going into the gardens itself is free, however, visitors who want to ride the garden train or visit specific exhibitions will have to pay the activity’s specified prices.
Leura
Just a short drive from Sydney, the picturesque town of Leura in the Blue Mountains region is another cherry blossom haven. The entire town seems to embrace the cherry blossom spirit, with its main street and private gardens adorned with blooming trees. With hundreds of vibrant and seriously chunky blossoms turning this gorgeous town into a pink cloud dreamland, visiting in late August is always a good idea.
The Leura Gardens Festival is an event that showcases the town's stunning gardens, including the beautiful cherry blossoms. The festival will be held over the long weekend in October so you have plenty of time to plan a getaway from the city. The huge celebration promises to be a haven for garden and nature lovers. Expect a sea of gorgeous blooms, lovely bulbs, and plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, peonies, and more.
Admission and tickets:
Exploring Leura streets itself is free, however, each private garden is priced differently. During Leura Garden Festival, a combined garden ticket for entry to all open gardens is around $30 per person.
The 2024 festival will be held from Friday, October 4 to Monday, October 7.
Check out the festival website for more details.
Katoomba
Katoomba, the chief town of the Blue Mountains, is famous for its breathtaking views and natural attractions. During the cherry blossom season, the town adds another feather to its cap with the lovely pink blossoms that decorate its landscapes. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers looking to capture the essence of spring.
Admission and tickets:
Walking around the town to experience the blooms of cherry blossoms is FREE.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, located in Mount Tomah, is a cool-climate garden that offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience. The garden's diverse collection of plants is complemented by the cherry blossoms that add a splash of color to the greenery.
In an ode to Japan, there are 20 stunning blossom trees dotted around the garden creating an enchanting pastel display along the Spring Walk, the season when these oriental buds come alive.
Admission and tickets:
Walking around the town to experience the blooms of cherry blossoms is FREE.
Hunter Valley Gardens
Although not in Sydney, the Hunter Valley Gardens deserve a special mention. A short drive will take you to this magnificent garden, which, during the blossom season, is adorned with crab apple blossoms. Made up of many smaller gardens, you’ll find cherry blossoms lined across the Oriental Garden. The gardens are a favorite spot for weddings and fun photo shoots with their many themed gardens and spring blooms. These blossoms closely resemble cherry blossoms and provide a similar visual delight. Visit their website for more details.
Admission and Tickets:
Tickets are required to enter the garden; adult tickets are around $38 and $30 for kids. Ticket prices may vary depending on the event in the garden. To see the events and their prices, see here.
Cowra Japanese Gardens
Another location worth the journey is the Cowra Japanese Gardens. This garden is dedicated to Japanese culture and features a stunning collection of cherry trees, and popularly known as the largest Japanese garden in the southern hemisphere.
The garden was designed by designer Ken Nakajima to reflect the Japanese landscape and evoke feelings of a quiet garden in Tokyo or Kyoto. It opened in 1979 and has since provided a space for rest and reflection for locals and tourists from around NSW and Australia.
The peaceful ambiance and the traditional Japanese garden design make it an ideal place for contemplation and enjoying the cherry blossoms. They host their annual cherry blossom festival called Sakura Matsuri which will be held this time on 28th September 2024
Admission and tickets:
* Adults $20
* Concessions $15
* Children (5 - 12) $10
* Children (under 5) free
* Families (2 adults + children) $50
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am- 4pm and Saturday - Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm
You can also book your tickets online here.
Cherry blossom season in Sydney is a fleeting yet unforgettable experience. The best time to view the blossoms is typically from mid-August to early September, but this can vary depending on the weather. It's a time when the city and its surroundings are awash with the delicate beauty of these flowers, offering a moment of tranquility and joy to all who seek it. So, plan your visit, grab your camera, and get ready to be enchanted by the cherry blossoms of Sydney.
Happy Hanami season!
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