Spring in NSW: Best Festivals, Gardens & Activities

Wondering how to enjoy spring in NSW? Here’s your ultimate guide!

The most exciting time of year in New South Wales, in my personal experience, is from September through November. Having spent several springs in Sydney, I’ve watched gardens burst into bloom, wildflowers brighten national parks, and migrating whales appear along the coast.

Spring in NSW offers something for everyone—festivals, mountain trails, and weekends in wine country. With fantastic weather and endless variety, this is truly the season to showcase the best of Sydney and beyond.

Best Things to Do in Spring in New South Wales

Spring in NSW is festival season, flower season, and outdoor adventure season all at the same time. Whether it’s for a long weekend or a proper trip, here are some of the highlights for NSW spring activities to enjoy.

Flower & Spring Festivals in New South Wales 2025

1. Tulip Time Festival, Bowral

• Dates: 12 September – 6 October 2025
• Highlight Flower: Tulips
• 📍 Location: Corbett Gardens, Bowral, NSW

The Bowral Tulip festival in Bowral is one of the most iconic spring events in NSW. Held annually in Corbett Gardens, the festival showcases over 80,000 tulips in a spectacular display of colors. The gardens are meticulously landscaped, offering a stunning backdrop for strolls and perfect photo opportunities. Alongside the tulips, you’ll find a variety of other spring flowers, making it a floral paradise, and you can experience their Tulips After Dark for a magical experience too! Check out our Instagram for more visuals, and this article to make the most of your day in spring in NSW.

2. Floriade in Canberra

• Dates: 13 September – 12 October 2025
• Highlight Flowers: Tulips and Daffodils
• 📍 Location: Commonwealth Park, Canberra, ACT (easy trip from NSW)

While technically in the Australian Capital Territory, Floriade is a short trip from New South Wales and is well worth the visit. This world-class floral festival is held in Canberra and features over a million blooms, including tulips, daffodils, and pansies, gradually, making it a fantastic springtime event, easily accessible during spring in NSW.

3. Grafton Jacaranda Festival

• Dates: 24 October – 2 November 2025
• Highlight Flower: Jacarandas
• 📍 Location: Grafton, Clarence Valley, NSW

One of the most anticipated events during the NSW spring season is the Grafton Jacaranda Festival. Held in the lovely town of Grafton, this festival is a celebration of the stunning Jacaranda trees that bloom throughout the area, transforming the town into a sea of purple. The festival includes street parades, markets, live entertainment, and various family-friendly activities, making it a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a must-visit for those exploring spring festivals in NSW during spring.

4. Bathurst Spring Spectacular

• Dates: 25–26 October 2025
• Highlight Flowers: Roses and Perennials
• 📍 Location: Bathurst, NSW (8 private gardens across the city)

Bathurst is renowned for its historic charm and lovely gardens. The Bathurst Spring Spectacular is an annual event that opens 8 private gardens to the public, allowing visitors to explore beautifully curated spaces filled with spring flowers. The event showcases a variety of gardens, each with its own unique style and floral displays, a highlight of spring in NSW.

5. Wistaria Festival

• Dates: 20-21 september, 2025
• Highlight Flowers: Wisteria, Cherry Blossoms, and other seasonal blooms
• 📍 Location: Wistaria Gardens, Parramatta Park

The Wistaria Festival, which is referred to as Weekend in Wistaria, will be held at Parramatta Park, Sydney on Saturday and Sunday, September 20–21,2025 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. This is a free family festival celebrating the colourful bloom of wisteria and other flowers of Spring. Visitors can enjoy live music, eco-inspired art, nature play for kids, enjoying a picnic or photo opportunity. This festival offers many options for people of all ages to enjoy. In addition to the festival, the Wistaria Gardens are open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a peaceful stroll among the beautiful blooms.

Best Places to See Spring Flowers in New South Wales (Beyond Festivals)

If you’re looking for a quiet spring getaway, NSW’s gardens and orchards are a fantastic choice. From tulips to waratahs, find out the best gardens to visit in spring in NSW.

6. The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan

• Highlight Flowers: Waratahs and Grevilleas
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Mount Annan, NSW

Situated in Mount Annan, this expansive Australian botanic garden showcases a wide variety of native Australian plants. In spring, the garden bursts into color with blooming wildflowers and unique plant species such as vibrant waratahs, kangaroo paw, flannel flowers, everlastings, grevilleas, and banksias. These blooms transform the Wildflower Meadow and woodland areas into a stunning display of color and texture, attracting birds and pollinators. It’s a fantastic spot for a family outing, with walking trails, picnic areas, and educational exhibits. We had a great time here too, so see our post for more details.

7. Mayfield Garden

1. Highlight Flowers: Daffodils and Tulips
2. Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
3. 📍 Location: Oberon, NSW

Located in Oberon, Mayfield Garden is one of the largest privately owned cool-climate gardens in the world. Spring is the perfect time to visit as the garden comes alive with an array of colorful blooms. With stunning water features, a beautiful maze, and a vibrant display of seasonal flowers, Mayfield Garden offers a unique and memorable experience in spring in NSW.

8. Everglades Historic House and Gardens

• Highlight Flowers: Wisteria and Azaleas
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW

The Everglades Historic House and Gardens in Leura is another gem in the Blue Mountains. This heritage-listed garden blends European-style terraces with native bushland, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. Spring brings a wealth of colorful blooms, making it an ideal time to visit.

9. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

• Highlight Flowers: Waratahs and Rhododendrons
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Mount Tomah, Blue Mountains, NSW

Present in the stunning Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a spectacular destination for springtime exploration. The garden’s diverse plant collections come to life with bright blooms, including waratahs and rhododendrons. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains add to the garden’s allure, making it one of the best gardens in NSW in spring.

10. Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre

• Highlight Flowers: Cherry Blossoms, Azaleas, Camellias
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Cowra, NSW

The Cowra Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis that beautifully blends Japanese aesthetics with Australian flora. During spring, the garden comes alive with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and camellias, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The peaceful ambience makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection in spring in NSW.

11. Hunter Valley Gardens

• Highlight Flowers: Roses and Seasonal Blooms
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW

The Hunter Valley Gardens are a delightful destination for flower enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. Spanning 14 hectares, the gardens feature themed sections, including a rose garden, a sunken garden, and a formal garden. Spring brings a profusion of blooms, making it a perfect time to explore this botanical wonderland, one of the best places to visit in spring in Australia.

12. Eryldene Historic House and Garden

• Highlight Flowers: Camellias and Azaleas
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Gordon, Sydney, NSW

Eryldene Historic House and Garden, located in Gordon, is a historic house with a beautifully curated garden that shines in spring. The garden features a wide range of camellias, azaleas, and other spring flowers, offering a peaceful and picturesque retreat. The historic house adds a touch of heritage charm to your visit during spring in NSW.

13. Sofala and Hill End

• Highlight Flowers: Wildflowers
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Central West NSW (near Bathurst)

For a touch of history combined with spring beauty, visit the historic gold mining villages of Sofala and Hill End. These towns are surrounded by picture-worthy landscapes that come alive with wildflowers in spring. Explore the charming streets, historic buildings, and scenic surroundings for a delightful day trip.

14. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

• Highlight Flowers: Native Wildflowers
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Northern Sydney, NSW

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located just north of Sydney, offers stunning natural beauty with a mix of bushland, waterways, and wildflowers. In spring, the park’s trails are adorned with blooming native flowers, making it a great destination for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting, perfect for those seeking NSW spring activities.

15. Orange Botanic Garden

• Highlight Flowers: Blossoms and Wildflowers
• Best Time to Visit: September–November 2025
• 📍 Location: Orange, Central West NSW

Orange, known for its cool climate and wine region, is a charming destination to explore in spring. The region’s vineyards and gardens come to life with colorful blossoms, and the Orange Botanic Gardens are a highlight with their diverse plant collections and scenic beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in spring in Australia.

16. Glenbernie Family Farms

• Highlight Flower: Sunflowers and paper daisies in full bloom.
• Best Time to Visit: September–October
• 📍Location: Glenbernie Family Farms, Kurmond NSW

Sunflower picking is just over an hour from Sydney! This family-friendly farm has some of the most beautiful sunflower fields among other flowers in NSW. Entry costs $15 for adults and $8 for kids. The whole place is super ‘instagrammable’, and you can choose to pick sunflowers at $5 per stem. Be sure to wear closed shoes and carry a bucket for your flowers on the day. You can purchase tickets online or in person, too!

Best Outdoor Activities in Spring in NSW

Spring in New South Wales is all about sunny adventures, from whale watching and coastal walks to hot springs and vineyard escapes.

• Whale watching (Sydney, Byron Bay, Jervis Bay): From mid-May to November, you’ll see humpback whales migrating along the NSW coastline. Whale watching in Sydney is one of the most memorable moments in spring in New South Wales.
• Hot air ballooning (Hunter Valley): Enjoy sweeping green views over vineyards at sunrise before landing to enjoy a champagne breakfast in one of the best places to experience spring in Australia.
• Coastal walks (Bondi to Coogee, Bouddi National Park): Take the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk to view the beaches and wildflowers in spring, or make your way to Bouddi National Park to enjoy a quieter experience in spring in Sydney! These are the top things to do in spring in Sydney.
• Wine tasting & vineyard tours (Hunter Valley, Mudgee): Taste fresh vintages from Hunter Valley’s 150 wineries or boutique Mudgee estates—a must-do when planning your NSW spring activity!

How to Travel Around NSW in Spring

Getting around NSW in spring is simple, and you can choose your transport according to the style of travel, enhancing your experience of spring in NSW.

By train

Sydney has a public transport system with trains, buses, and ferries that makes travelling around the city and to nearby areas, like the Blue Mountains, easy. For those on a budget, regional trains connect towns, like Bowral and Newcastle, making day trips from Sydney by train an easy option.

By car

Hiring a car gives flexibility of travel, especially when you want to explore places like the Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley, or South Coast. The scenic drives in spring, filled with wildflowers, rolling hills, and coastal views, present the perfect option to plan for a few day trips from Sydney by car that provide slower and prettier journeys during spring in NSW.

Best times to travel for fewer crowds.

Early in the season (September) is quieter, while peak bloom (October and early November) brings increased numbers of people. If planning to attend popular festivals, book your tickets and accommodation early.

Travel Tips for Visiting NSW in Spring

Here’s how to make your spring trip to New South Wales as smooth as a coastal breeze:

• Pack smart: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so pack your clothes in layers, take comfortable shoes, and have sunscreen handy.
• Check festivals: Spring in New South Wales is filled with unmissable events, from the Bowral Tulip Time Festival and Floriade to the region’s vibrant wine festivals. Be sure to check if these celebrations align with your travel dates.
• Book early: Grab a ride to the popular places like the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. Spring will fill up quickly, so make sure to book ahead of time.
• Pick your transport: Road trips have the freedom of exploration. Trains are cheaper, and you get to look out the window while you travel.
• Travel smarter on a budget: Want more mileage out of your budget? We have tips for how to travel more for less.
• Time your flower visits: Gardens and wildflowers that bloom from mid-October until early November are at their best.

FAQ: Spring in NSW

Are there hot springs in New South Wales?

Yes! Check out Yarrangobilly Caves (27°C natural pool), Moree Artesian for mineral baths, or Lightning Ridge’s free bore baths.

What are the best places to visit in spring in Australia, focusing on NSW?

The Blue Mountains for hiking, Jervis Bay for beaches, and Hunter Valley for wineries are top spots, all bursting with spring color.

Which are the best gardens in New South Wales in spring?

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, and Mayfield Garden are floral havens.

Wrapping Up Your Spring Trip to NSW

Spring in NSW really is a season of everything—colorful events, tranquil gardens, pretty drives, and outdoor pursuits in great weather! From tulip fields to jacaranda trees, hiking in the Blue Mountains to sipping wine in the Hunter Valley, you’re spoiled for choice for enjoying spring. With some clever planning and flexibility, you’ll enjoy the best blooms, dodge the biggest crowds, and make the most of this beautiful time of year!