See Cherry Blossoms in Sydney at These Pretty Pink Spots

Save yourself a flight to Japan and soak up stunning pink-petalled blossoms at the best spots for cherry blossoms in Sydney.

Among the many vibrant things that Japan is famous for, none are more captivating than the show-stopping pink blossoms that emerge during spring. Japan’s Sakura Matsuri festival is one of the nation's highlights, however, they only bloom briefly for a few short weeks in April.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go to the land of the rising sun to see these pink-petaled beauties. They flourish in some of our cold climate areas right here in NSW - so hop in the car and get ready to witness stunning pink petals at these seven popular spots for cherry blossoms in Sydney and beyond. 

1. Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanic Gardens

Auburn Botanic Gardens is a stunning natural parkland with native and rainforest gardens, a scented garden and sunken rose garden, animal habitats and tranquil water features. They also host the much-loved Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival every year, where candy pink hues transform the gardens into a Japanese wonderland.

The award-winning nine-day festival is full of flowers, food and family-friendly activities. It’s NSW’s largest flower festival and a lovely celebration of Japanese culture, that focuses on feeling good and observing mindfulness in everyday life. 

Where:  Auburn Botanic Gardens
When:   19-27 August 2023

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2. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a sprawling 28-hectare public garden within a World Heritage Area that boasts an abundance of exotic flora blooming all year round.

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.

Where:  Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah
When:   Throughout spring

3. Hunter Valley Gardens

Bask in the beauty of hundreds of cherry blossoms near Sydney at Hunter Valley Gardens.

With 10 individually themed gardens across 14 hectares of gardens and with 6,000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground cover plants, Hunter Valley Gardens is a top destination for beautiful flowers in bloom.

You can find stunning blossoms in their Oriental Japanese Garden as well as flowering plum blossoms throughout the gardens, which closely resemble the cherry varieties. 

Where:  2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When:   Throughout the year

4. Leura & the Leura Garden Festival

The lovely town of Leura in the Blue Mountains is awash with flowering cherry blossoms during spring, adorning the Leura Village Mall with a blush pink streetscape. 

The Leura Garden Festival also comes alive in springtime when the public is granted access to private gardens to behold the blaze of colour and character. The various gardens are famous for their magnificent displays of cool-climate blooms.

Where:  Throughout Leura, NSW
When:   The Leura Gardens Festival runs from 29 September to 2 October 2023.

5. Katoomba

Katoomba is another Blue Mountains neighbourhood that has taken advantage of its chilly climate to beautify its streets with ornamental blossoms. The flowering cherries are at their spring peak around mid-October and are dotted around the main streets and main village.

Where:  Throughout Katoomba, NSW
When:   September to October

Further Afield...

6. Lennox Gardens, Canberra

Set within the tranquil Lennox Gardens on Lake Burley Griffin, the imperial Chinese-style parkland area is adorned with a traditional welcome gate and pavilion, and paths that wind through sculptures and blossoms. 

Also in Lennox Gardens, Canberra Nara Peace Park is home to a small landscaped Japanese garden with its own traditional wooden gate and gazebo, and over 24 beautiful, ionic cherry blossom trees. 

Where:  Flynn Dr, Yarralumla 
When:   Throughout the year

7. Cowra Japanese Garden

The Sakura Matsuri celebrates Japanese culture and the rebirth of spring at the Cowra Japanese Garden - widely considered the best cherry blossom garden in Australia, with five hectares dedicated to a Japanese garden created by renowned garden designer, Ken Nakajima.

The breathtaking sight of the blossoms in full bloom is celebrated annually in September at the Sakura Matsuri Festival.

Where:  Ken Nakajima Pl, Cowra
When:   The Cowra Japanese Garden is open throughout the year. The Sakura Matsuri Festival is in September 2023.

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