The harbour city in bloom
Oh, glorious spring! The beautiful time of year when the sun’s rays are warm, the birds sing, and flowers bloom in gardens across Sydney.
If you’re craving for the perfect springtime experience, it doesn’t get any better than in Sydney. Waltz under a canopy of violet jacarandas, stroll through neighbourhoods with blooming parks and gardens, attend one of the many exciting festivals, and best of all, bask in the warm sunshine and cooler weather.
With so many wonderful things to do in Sydney during Spring (from September to November), you’ll be disappointed if you don’t head Down Under to experience it for yourself!
1. See blossoming jacaranda trees
When the iconic jacaranda trees come into full bloom during October and November, Sydney becomes a floral wonderland. While these gorgeous trees can be found throughout the city, the best places to really appreciate them are at The Rocks, the Royal Botanic Gardens and in Paddington. Forget cherry blossoms! Jacarandas are what’s in and beautiful this spring.
The Rocks
Address: The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Royal Botanic Gardens
Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: 9am to 5.30pm
Paddington
Address: Paddington Sydney NSW 2021 Australia
2. Enjoy a month-long celebration of food
Die-hard foodies, your stomachs will be missing out if you’re not in Sydney for Good Food Month in October when the local Sydneysiders gather to celebrate their world-class food, wine, and fresh local produce. The highlight of the month is the Sydney Night Noodle Markets, which sees Hyde Park transformed into an Asian hawker-style market with more than 40 stalls.
In true Australian fashion, the market is much fancier than any of our local hawker centres. But with the likes of char siew bao, pad thai and Shanghai soup dumplings on offer, you’ll feel right at home.
Sydney Night Noodle Markets
Date: 8 – 25 October 2015
Address: Hyde Park, Sydney, Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
For more information on Good Food Month, visit their website.
3. Witness amazing sculptures by the sea
Take a stroll along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk in spring and you’ll be able to feast your eyes on some weird and wonderful sculptures. Sculpture by the Sea is one of the world’s largest free public events, showcasing a collection of more than 100 sculptures by local and international artists.
It’s yet another Sydney event not to be missed. Where else would you find a large open-air art gallery by the ocean that’s absolutely free?
Sculpture by the Sea
Date: 22 October – 8 November 2015
Address: Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Sydney, Australia
Website: here
4. Join one of the best running courses in Australia
Joining the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is a great way to soak up the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour and surrounds. Touted as one of the most scenic urban running courses in Australia, the festival regularly attracts 36,000 participants who also help to raise funds for charity while enjoying Sydney sights.
Whether you’re a professional marathon runner, a jogger or walker, you’ll enjoy the event. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the only time of the year when that’s possible.
Blackmores Sydney Running Festival
Date: 20 September 2015
Price: Starting from AUD 25 for the Family Fun Run
For more information on prices and course maps, visit Sydney Running Festival’s website.
5. Feast on fresh organic produce in markets
During spring, Sydney’s markets overflow with organic produce, fresh flowers and exquisite wine, all adding vibrant colour to Sydney’s famous markets. Whether you’re vegan or a meat-lover, you’ll find something tasty to enjoy.
Check out the long list of Sydney’s markets here.
6. Soak up the art and cultural festivals
With fabulous spring weather comes a multitude of exciting festivals around Sydney. There’s everything from festivals celebrating Australian arts, Aboriginal culture, spring garden events, musicals, food and wine shows and much more. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate life and immerse yourself in a different culture.
For the list of Sydney’s springtime festivals, click here.
7. Sail in the great weather outdoors
Springtime weather in Sydney is just perfect for enjoying the outdoors. You’ll be thanking your lucky stars for having abandoned Singapore’s humidity and rainfall for Sydney’s crisp, cool air and abundant sunshine.
In such splendid weather, be sure to dine al fresco at one of Sydney Harbour’s many waterfront restaurants, sail from Darling Harbour, or head to the top of Sydney Tower to admire the panoramic views of the city, harbour, ocean and mountains in the instance.
Sydney Tower
Address: 100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: 9am to 10pm
Price: From AUD 18.55 for Adults | AUD 11.20 for Children (4 – 15 years)
Website: here
8. Fly a kite at the Festival of the Winds
Unleash your inner child at the most colourful spring event to hit Bondi beach. The Festival of the Winds is a time for professional kite-flyers from Australia and around the world to showcase their mighty kite-flying skills and hand-made creations.
Gaze in awe at the sight of massive character kites sailing in the big blue sky, or bring your own kite to join in the fun. With plenty of places to eat, dance workshops, art exhibits and children’s rides and shows, it’s a festival for everyone.
Festival of the Winds
Date: 13 September 2015
Address: Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Website: here
9. Visit Hunter Valley in full swing
Spring’s the best time to visit the charming Hunter Valley vineyards located just two hours’ drive north of Sydney. The harvest is in full swing, so you can be sure to see lush green fields covered in green grape vines. The gardens of the Hunter Valley will also be in full bloom, so you can enjoy fine wine as you take in the magical surroundings.
The weather is usually perfect so you’ll enjoy a range of outdoor events such as Jazz in the Vines.
Hunter Valley Wine Tours
Price: From AUD 100 per person
Website: here
10. See the stunning Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is stunning all-year round, but it’s just that much better in spring when colourful wildflowers are in full bloom. A 90-minute drive from Sydney city, the national park is at the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area. Take an invigorating hike and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way, or enjoy a leisurely stroll to a lookout or through private gardens.
Be sure to visit the mystical Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s oldest limestone cave systems where crystal-clear rivers flow underground creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Blue Mountains National Park
Address: Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales, Australia
Jenolan Caves
Address: 4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan NSW 2790, Australia
Opening Hours: 9am to 5.30pm
11. Experience quaint Leura Village in bloom
On the way to the Blue Mountains, enjoy a pit stop at the pretty little town of Leura. During spring the town is transformed into a fairy-tale village with quaint timber cottages and cosy shops in the tree-lined streets. Fruit trees, spring bulbs, and even cherry blossoms are everywhere, making for a picturesque sight to behold.
Stop at Bygone Beauty’s for an aromatic Devonshire tea and scones.
Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms
Address: 20-22 Grose St, Leura NSW 2780, AustraliaOpening Hours: 10am to 5.30pm
12. Step back 500 years in time
If you’ve always dreamed of taking a step back in time to the era of villagers, damsels and swashbuckling knights, you’re going to love the St. Ives Medieval Faire.
This magical two-day event boasts a series of exciting live shows, ranging from Viking battles to displays of falconry. There’s an abundance of stalls and taverns for feasting, and plenty of things for kids to do. This fair is so authentic, there’s even a trebuchet on display (that cool contraption that looks like a catapult).
St Ives Medieval Faire
Date: 19 – 20 September 2015
Address: St Ives Showground, 450 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives NSW 2075 (Less than an hour’s drive from Sydney City)
Price: From AUD 24 for Adults | AUD 14 for Children (6 – 17 years)
13. Visit the colourful Tulip Festival
If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling in meadows of bright, cheerful tulips, take a day trip to the Southern Highlands for the Tulip Time Festival and you’ll pleasantly rewarded. It’s a two-hour drive from the Sydney city centre and worth it to admire the display of 75,000 tulips in full bloom.
Tulips are not the only attraction; the festival boasts lively street parades, street markets, Dogs Day Out, Music in the Gardens and children’s entertainment. Spring doesn’t get any better than this!
Tulip Time Festival
Date: 15 – 27 September 2015
Address: Corbett Gardens, Bendooley Street, Bowral
Price: AUD 10 for adults | AUD 6 for children (13 – 17 years)
Website: here
14. Qantas Promotional Sale
We’ve saved the best for last. Fly with Australia’s national carrier Qantas and enjoy great savings on your flight to Sydney at just $690*! This just means more money to spend on tours, eating and shopping, so what are you waiting for? Time to pack your bags, book your flight, and you’ll be all set for Spring paradise.
*Singapore – Sydney return Economy fares starting from S$690. Sale ends 6 July 2015. Selected travel dates, days and conditions apply
Spring dreaming
With all these fantastic reasons to visit Sydney this spring, you have no reason to be sitting sadly in your office cubicle in a few months’ time. Book your ticket to Sydney now, and you’ll soon be smelling all the fresh flavours of springtime in Sydney in no time!
Book your Qantas tickets HERE!
This post was brought to you by Qantas and Destination New South Wales