Unveil the autumnal magic of Sydney with our guide to the best places to witness the season’s stunning foliage. From the heart of the city to the picturesque outskirts, Sydney offers a plethora of locations to marvel at the captivating colors of fall. Wander through the enchanting Royal Botanic Garden, explore the sprawling Centennial Park, or venture out to the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Sydney’s autumnal spectacle is sure to leave you spellbound. So, grab your camera and prepare to be dazzled by the mesmerizing display of autumn leaves in Sydney.
Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Sydney at a Glance
Our list of best places to see autumn leaves in Sydney goes like this:
- The best autumn colors in the heart of the city: Royal Botanic Garden
- A sprawling park with vibrant hues: Centennial Park
- Stunning Japanese Garden and autumn foliage: Auburn Botanic Gardens
- Breathtaking autumn hues in the mountains: Blue Mountains
- An autumnal mecca in the Southern Highlands: Southern Highlands
Explore these beautiful locations and experience the stunning colors of autumn in Sydney!
1. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is filled with Australian natives and international staples like the English rose. It’s a great place to soak up the autumnal hues. The garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you can enjoy the vibrant colors of the season while exploring the various plant species.
Source: Ziggy Szot
Source: Allan Old
Source: Nicholas Fisher
Source: Hugh Llewelyn
Source: John Elliott
Source: Neil Holden
During autumn, the entire garden area is drenched in color, making it a picturesque spot to visit. The Royal Botanic Garden is located in the heart of Sydney, making it easily accessible for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fT7sMbgf46Q97p456
2. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a sprawling space in the heart of the city. On the southern side of the duck pond, you’ll see a myriad of colors and the premises packed with leaves. The park is home to the brilliant Lasiandra tree and the bright hues of the Tibouchina.
Source: Centennial Parklands
Source: Centennial Parklands
Source: Centennial Parklands
Source: Centennial Parklands
Source: Centennial Parklands
Source: Centennial Parklands
This park is perfect for a picnic, a leisurely walk, or simply enjoying the beautiful autumn colors. Centennial Park is located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, making it a convenient spot for a day trip.
- Address: Grand Dr, Centennial Park NSW 2021, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hjmoyewo5EUPRb817
3. Auburn Botanic Gardens
Auburn Botanic Gardens is known for its stunning Japanese Garden and offers a beautiful display of autumn colors. The gardens are filled with maple leaves, turning them into a beautiful picture painted in red, orange, and yellow hues during the autumn months.
Source: Zassle
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
The gardens are also home to an aviary, a rainforest animal reserve, a kids’ playground, and a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.
- Address: Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144
- Fare: Adults $4 – $5, children and Auburn residents free
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/at9kmHDmBFfhBJhg9
4. Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are the pride and joy of deciduous hunters everywhere. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah is one of the best spots for autumn hues in the entire state. From Leura and Blackheath to Wentworth Falls and Mt. Wilson, the Blue Mountains have a spot for everyone and an autumn festival to top it all off.
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Lesley A Butler
Source: Rex Harris
Source: Rex Harris
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
The cool climate of autumn sets this mountain range ablaze with color every year as the Japanese maples, North American oaks, and dawn redwoods turn a jaw-dropping red and orange.
- Address: Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah NSW 2758, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gevbbwijHppEim7X9
5. Mayfield Gardens, Oberon
Mayfield Gardens in Oberon is a must-visit for garden aficionados. Inspired by English country garden estates, Mayfield’s 160 acres are for those with a weekend to spare. The garden offers a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow every year, making it a sight to behold.
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
Source: Ivor Jones
The garden is home to a water garden, a chapel, a nursery, and a café. The café serves delicious food made from produce grown in the garden itself. The garden also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Autumn Festival.
- Address: 530 Mayfield Rd, Oberon NSW 2787, Australia
- Fare: Adults $20, Children (7-16 years) $10, Family (2 adults & 2 children) $60
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvW5wZPgxLXqv1pj7
6. Tumut
Known for its Festival of the Falling Leaf, Tumut boasts row upon row of golden poplars and a pretty sweet street parade. This small town in the Snowy Mountains offers a magical experience during Autumn with its Falling Leaf Festival.
The festival is a celebration of the vibrant autumn colors and includes a variety of events such as street parades, markets, and live music. The town itself is charming and offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
- Address: Tumut NSW 2720, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cia3krWi78drk64A9
7. Hunter Valley
During autumn, vine leaves in the Hunter Valley begin to turn orange-red and fall off the vines. Autumn is also when Hunter Valley holds its Wine & Food Festival. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, with a history dating back to the early 1800s.
The region is home to more than 150 wineries, making it a great spot for wine lovers. The region also offers a variety of other attractions, including golf courses, hot air balloon rides, and gourmet food experiences.
- Address: Hunter Region, NSW, Australia
- Fare: Free entry to the region, individual attractions may have entry fees
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cftgzkhiqCmhdYL67
8. Orange
Known for its vivid sights and golden poplars, Orange is the place to be for streets of ash, oak, and maple. The town is located in the Central West region of New South Wales and is known for its beautiful parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets.
During autumn, the town comes alive with vibrant red and orange colors, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip. Explore the town’s historic buildings, art galleries, and boutique shops while enjoying the stunning autumn foliage.
- Address: Orange NSW 2800, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PBi5gCnG6GboJucT9
9. Armidale
Armidale, located in the New England High Country, is a lovely little town that turns into quite the hub of activity during autumn. The town is home to the University of New England and boasts a rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning gardens.
Take a leisurely walk through the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and Corbett Gardens and feast your eyes on all the colors. The town also offers a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining restaurants.
- Address: Armidale NSW 2350, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TWLoUyoi9hbrB6Co7
10. Blackheath
Just two towns past Katoomba, you’ll find the pretty little town of Blackheath lined with rows of vivid red trees, a number of vintage stores, and quiet cafes. This village in the Blue Mountains is known for its striking maple trees and fiery reds.
Blackheath is a great spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as bushwalking, rock climbing, and abseiling. The town also has a number of art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants to explore.
- Address: Blackheath NSW 2785, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y2M5wHDi1SfKwEy9A
11. Canberra
Take a walk along Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra and you’ll witness a number of oak trees and poplars, or wander through Griffith for all the rich autumn leaves and a quaint, inviting atmosphere. Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is located approximately 3 hours’ drive from Sydney and offers a variety of attractions, including the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the Australian Parliament House.
During autumn, the city comes alive with vibrant colors, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip.
- Address: Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
- Fare: Free entry to the city, individual attractions may have entry fees
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JhjUVS6KwNDkkjgD6
12. Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands are practically an autumnal mecca. Head on down to Mittagong, Burradoo, Bundanoon, Exeter, or even Sutton Forest for English-style gardens and a resplendent lookout atop Mount Gibraltar. The Southern Highlands features deciduous red oaks, golden elms, plane trees, and coppery beech trees too.
Hit up the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens in Bowral for more shining orange and yellow. The charming rural city of Bowral is home to the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, a stunning and vast botanical garden that shines vividly in autumn.
- Address: Various locations in the Southern Highlands
- Fare: Free entry for most locations
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o26TFxgQqgqk1fzL7
13. Bathurst
Autumn in Bathurst is distinct, with vibrant colors crowning the town streets each day. This town comes alive with an explosion of color during Autumn. Experience its Autumn Colours program which celebrates the history of the town.
The town is home to a variety of historic buildings, museums, and art galleries, making it a great spot for history buffs. The town also offers a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining restaurants.
- Address: Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia
- Fare: Free entry
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K1CgwhiMbk4wGAWcA
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Sydney?
The peak time for autumn foliage in Sydney is typically from late March to early June, but this can vary depending on the weather and specific location.
Can I access these locations using public transport?
Many of the locations within Sydney, such as the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Park, are easily accessible by public transport. For some destinations outside the city, like the Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands, it may be more convenient to rent a car or join a guided tour.
Are there any autumn festivals or events in Sydney?
Tumut, a town in the Snowy Mountains, hosts the annual Festival of the Falling Leaf, which celebrates the vibrant fall colors with events, street parades, and live music. Other locations may have seasonal events or activities related to autumn as well.
Is there an entry fee for these locations?
Some locations like Mayfield Gardens and Cattai National Park have an entry fee, while others like the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Park offer free entry. It’s always a good idea to check the official website of the location for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Can I visit these locations during COVID-19 pandemic?
Most outdoor locations remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s recommended to check the latest updates on the official websites of the locations and follow the health guidelines and restrictions provided by the NSW government.
