The Best Time to See Autumn Leaves In Sydney (From A Local)!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE AUTUMN LEAVES IN SYDNEY?
Sydney is an all-year-round destination thanks to its sun-soaked beaches and iconic architecture, but it’s magical in autumn here. For a few fleeting weeks, the city and its surroundings transform into a beautiful palette of ochre, gold, and amber.
I’ve been a Sydney local for the last five years, and I’ve become a little obsessed with chasing fall colours! From autumn rushing through Meadow Flat to golden trails in the Blue Mountains and fiery streetscapes in the Southern Highlands, I’ve slowly built up a list of absolute favourites, including a few gems right here in Sydney.
So if you’ve ever asked yourself when is the best time to see autumn leaves in Sydney?, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through the best times to go, where to find stunning autumn foliage both in and beyond Sydney, and my top tips for planning the perfect autumn day out.
⏰OUR COMPLETE AUTUMN GUIDE
➡️ 12 BEST Places to see in Blue Mountains
➡️ An Autumn Day-Trip to Southern Highlands!
➡️ The Golden Rush in Autumn in NSW- For Pinteresty Snaps!
When to See Autumn Leaves In Sydney?
While you might spot the first hints of change as early as mid-March, it’s really from mid-April onwards that the magic happens. That’s when the leaves glow their brightest and the colours are truly at their peak. We highly recommend exploring autumn leaves in Sydney during mid-April to mid-May!
Sydney’s northern suburbs tend to be a little cooler than the coastal areas, and that shift in temperature makes a big difference when it comes to autumn colour. Suburbs like Pymble and Turramurra are completely transformed during this time. The ever-reliable Sweet Gums steal the show here, turning brilliant shades of red and purple that are hard to miss!
📍Top Places to See Autumn Leaves in Sydney
Autumn in Sydney is mild, but you will find beautiful autumn colors if you know exactly where to look! Here are the best places to see autumn leaves in Sydney:
1. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is one of my favourite spots to see autumn leaves in Sydney, and there are many reasons why! It’s right in the heart of the city. You don’t have to travel far to get a dose of that beautiful golden glow.
Spread over 30-hectare gardens, they are home to some of Sydney’s most beautiful trees! The unique fan-shaped leaves of the Ginkgo tree turn a luminous yellow in autumn! These trees are ancient (literally, they’ve been around since the time of the dinosaurs!) and incredibly resilient!
At the HSBC Oriental Garden, you’ll find a dreamy collection of maples (also called Acers). In autumn, their soft green leaves shift to warm tones of mustard, burnt orange, and deep burgundy.
2. Centennial Park
In Centennial Park, just about 10 minutes from the CBD, you can have a perfect picnic play date (if you happen to come early), enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the gardens, and count the bird species!
This 189-hectare park has some of the most diverse autumn leaves in Sydney! However, the best autumn spots are spread throughout the park. So, if you have trouble walking, consider renting a bike from Cennitial Park Cycles.
Tulip trees and paperbark maple trees along Grand Drive create a copper-colored canopy, while the sweet gum trees near Lily Pond turn every shade from yellow to purple!
We love visiting Fig Tree Avenue! Look for the Chinese Tallow trees near the Duck Pond – they’re often overlooked. And, if you are driving here, the parking fees are $4 (all parking meters accept cashless payment!)
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Go wild at the WILD PLAY! Take your kids to jump, play, and discover the wild side of life! This is inside the park, so you can refer to the signs there once you reach. Details are here about this free experience!
3.Cumberland St x Essex St corner
There are many quiet hidden spots in Sydney, one such we have been to and recommend is this one! You can put the above location on the maps to reach here but the wall is opposite 182 Cumberland Street, for more clarity.
We explored our inner photographers here! The color of the leaves depends on the time of the season you go, we went during the early autumn days and found the leaves in their transformation phases!
4. Auburn Botanic Gardens
Auburn Botanic Gardens, about 20 kilometers west of Sydney’s CBD, is where you’ll find one of the city’s most authentic Japanese garden experiences.
The Japanese Garden section is particularly magical in autumn, with its collection of maples (including Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum) creating a symphony of reds and oranges. You will find plenty of space to do a BBQ and have a picnic here!
For 2025, they’ve planned their autumn festival for late May, where you can enjoy cultural performances, tours of the garden, and food, all amongst the falling leaves. Also, don’t miss the reflection pool for some pictures! One thing to keep in mind is that there are no food vendors or cafes inside.
TIP
The entry fee is $7 for non-Cumberland residents (they accept both cash and cards), & during the 2025 Autumn Colours Festival, the entry fee is $12. Book festival tickets online to avoid queues!
5. Cattai National Park
Cattai National Park spans over 424 hectares along the Hawkesbury River and is a local favorite for seeing autumn leaves! It has two parts: the Cattai Farm area and the Mitchell Park area. We recommend this place for a camping trip over the weekend! Especially for families, there will be plenty of space for children to play while you enjoy the autumn colours.
You can BBQ, go on walks ( 5km of walking tracks that take you through native vegetation), go fishing, and do birdwatching! Check the timings, day passes, and details on how to plan your visit here!
Best Places to See Autumn Colours Beyond Sydney
Sydney during autumn is pretty beautiful, but drive a couple of hours out and you will find yourself amongst some of the best spots for NSW’s autumn colours!
1. Blue Mountains
DAY TRIP FROM SYDNEY TO BLUE MOUNTAINS TOUR
If you don’t have a car or aren’t planning to rent one, we highly recommend joining this guided tour.
It includes convenient pick-up and drop-off and takes you to some of the iconic spots in the Blue Mountains!
➡️CHECK THE TOUR HERE
Blue Mountains is a region just 2.5 hours away from Sydney, and our favorite amongst day trips from Sydney!
Breenhold Gardens, in Mount Wilson, is a 45-hectare privately owned garden having beautiful autumn colours! You’ll find maples, beeches, elms, and chestnuts creating a stunning display of reds, oranges, and golds. Must-dos here include the iconic Pine Tree Avenue, the Bills Walk, Charlotte’s Pass, and the Acer steps!
Wentworth is a town in the Blue Mountains. The best place to see autumn leaves here is at Sinclair Crescent, where the streets are lined with trees that create a tunnel! Don’t miss the Charles Darwin walk, it starts from Wilson Park, & connects to the Blue Mountains National Park!
Everglades Historic House & Gardens, Leura: This 1930s Art Deco house and its 5.2 hectares of terraced gardens are magical in autumn. The National Trust property showcases Paul Sorensen’s garden design expertise, with perfectly framed views of the Jamison Valley complemented by autumn leaves.
2. Oberon
On the western fall of the Blue Mountains, you will find Oberon, a small region with a population of 5,800! Oberon is known for its cool climate gardens and beautiful scenery!
The Mayfield Garden is one such. You can visit for the autumn leaves, book a glamping experience, or visit to dine at the Mayfield Garden Cafe. This European-inspired garden has an alley of London Plane Trees, a 12.5-metre Obelisk Pond, and the famous Valley of 5 Ponds!
3. Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands region has NSW’s most charming country escapes! The area’s rich soil and cool climate support the variety of trees we see during autumn.
Red Cow Farm in Sutton Forest is our favorite! We suggest going in mid-April to catch their maple walk. The liquidambars near the cottage garden create a cathedral-like canopy of red and orange. The tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) in Corbett Gardens, Bowral, are especially worth watching – their leaves turn a clean, bright yellow that seems to glow in the autumn light.
What’s Happening in Autumn in Sydney
Now that you know when to see autumn leaves in Sydney, and all the best places to catch the views, you will find that Sydney in autumn comes alive with events happening all over the city!
1. Sydney Autumn Racing Festival
🗓️ 15th March – 19th April 2025
The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is a horse racing event that is held every year from late February to early April! The Championships are held over a couple of days at the Royal Randwick Racecourse.
You will also find the Golden Slipper Festival at the Rosehill Gardens, it is the richest race for 2-year-old horses! They host a variety of themed days, such as Chandon Ladies Day (for fashion & style), a Stakes Day, and more.
There are lots of stalls for you to shop for clothes, accessories, and all the local products!
2. Sydney’s Mardi Gras Parade
🗓️1st March 2025
Earlier in the season, you can catch Sydney’s Mardi Gras Parade. The route of the parade is along Oxford Street. This annual event has hundreds of thousands of people coming together and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ culture.
3. The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
🗓️16th March 2025
We are super excited for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year! It includes traditional Irish music, dancing, and marching bands! And, you will find activities for families, live performances, Irish markets, & so much more at The Rocks!
This year the parade will be on a Sunday, starting at Martin Place and making its way to the Circular Quay. The streets of Sydney feel so vibrant at the time!
What to Wear in Autumn in Sydney
Let me share what we’ve learned from years of autumn photography walks: Sydney’s autumn weather can be delightfully unpredictable!
We suggest packing a light jacket or knit cardigan, a scarf or beanie for chillier mornings, and don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Even in autumn, the Australian sun doesn’t mess around.
FAQs: The Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Sydney
Here are the most frequently asked questions about autumn in Sydney:
1. What is autumn like in Sydney?
Well, it’s quite different from what you might expect if you’re used to Northern Hemisphere autumns. Autumn is the mildest time of the year in Sydney
2. Where to Go in Autumn in Sydney?
Beyond the places we’ve mentioned, we’ve discovered some lesser-known spots worth checking out. The grounds of Sydney University in Camperdown, and Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay are two such places that transform beautifully in autumn!
3. Is Autumn in Sydney Cold?
Not really, but you’ll feel the change from summer. The average temperature during March-May falls between 14.6 – 22.2°C (58.3 – 72°F). You might need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings, but most days are perfect for walking and exploring.
The Wrap-Up: Best Time To See Autumn Leaves in Sydney
Now that you know the best time to see autumn leaves in Sydney and places to spot them, it’s time to enjoy the season! Let us know if you found our tips helpful!
DM us on Instagram if you have any more questions!
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