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Spring has arrived, and the many gorgeous meadows, flower fields, and botanic gardens in NSW are set to explode with vibrant pops of colour very soon. Luckily, you don’t have to go too far to get your flower fix. Within a short drive from Sydney, you can wander through fields of golden canola, admire rows of blooming tulips, stroll past sweeping displays of perfectly pink paper daisies, and go on picture-perfect coastal walks dotted with wildflowers. Closer to the city, cool-climate gardens are coming alive with cherry blossoms and magnolias, so now is the perfect time to head out and discover these rainbow-coloured spots. From small towns to expansive gardens and beyond, these are some of the most beautiful places for spring flowers in and around Sydney as we welcome warmer days and bid farewell to winter.
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Did you know the biggest botanic garden in all of Australia is just an hour from Sydney? The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan boasts a massive 416 hectares of space for spring adventures, and despite its size, it’s still surprisingly under the radar, so you won’t be battling crowds here. Even better, entry is completely free, and most of the garden is wheelchair-accessible and easy to explore on foot. In spring, you’ll see thousands of colourful paper daisies, an impressive collection of native plants, and local wildlife including wallabies and eagles. If you haven’t been before, spring is the perfect time to plan a visit. Read our full guide to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
2. Auburn Botanic Garden 
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Can’t make the trip to Cowra to see the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere? No need to worry, right in the heart of Western Sydney, you’ll find an authentic Japanese escape complete with lakes, waterfalls, quaint red bridges, and more. Auburn Botanic Gardens is home to the biggest crop of cherry blossoms in the Southern Hemisphere, with 250 trees that turn the gardens into a sea of pink each spring. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival marks the peak of the season, but the blooms linger well into September. The window is short, though, so make sure you catch them while you can.
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The delightful Leura Gardens Festival is back over the October long weekend, showcasing a beautiful variety of spring blooms like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and dogwoods. Several gardens, from The Braes to Allawah and Leuralla, will open their gates for the event, making Leura one of the best spots near Sydney to enjoy the spectacular hues of spring. Beyond the festival, Leura’s main street comes alive with cherry blossoms, and the town is a must-visit for garden lovers. While you’re there, grab a cosy hot chocolate at Josophan’s, explore antiques at Bygone Beautys, or simply wander the charming main street. Just 1.5 hours from Sydney, it’s the perfect day trip.
Image: Destination Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is a cool-climate wine region and a favourite getaway for Sydneysiders and travellers from across the state. While it’s a lovely destination year-round, there’s nothing quite like a springtime visit when the towns are in colourful bloom. From the vibrant Corbett Gardens in Bowral to the peaceful Lake Alexander Reserve in Mittagong and the often-overlooked Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, there are plenty of spots to immerse yourself in vibrantly coloured flowers and native plants. While you’re there, linger on and explore Bowral’s bookshops and antique stores, soak in the old-world charm and heritage of Berrima, and don’t miss the famous ‘big thing’ in Robertson.
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Oberon is known for its snowy winters and cosy fireside cafes, but it’s just as captivating in spring, thanks in large part to the stunning Mayfield Garden. As the largest privately owned cool-climate garden in Australia, it bursts into vibrant colour when the weather turns warmer. You can explore everything from serene lakes and an English Box Hedge Maze to a striking amphitheatre, small waterfalls, an on-site cafe and of course, snap plenty of photos while you’re up there. Want to make the most of your visit? Head to Oberon, just a short drive away, and explore all it has to offer with our full guide to Oberon.
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Perched high in the Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is the highest botanic garden in all of Australia and a panoramic escape just 90 minutes from Sydney. Known for its cool-climate flora, this 28-hectare garden is home to a remarkable variety of native Australian plants and international species from similar climates around the world. The garden bursts into vibrant colour through every season, and you can enjoy its vibrant spring flowers at the Rose Garden and Ornamental Gardens or simply enjoy a serene walk through the lush forests and manicured lawns. If you’re looking to unwind in nature, plan your trip to the gardens with our guide.
7. Little Hartley
Nestled near Lithgow, Little Hartley is a hidden gem you might not have heard of — but it’s a springtime gem that deserves your attention. The Hartley Valley Garden Festival and Plant Fair is the highlight, where five private gardens open their gates to the public, showcasing stunning displays of irises, roses, peonies, poppies, and a range of perennials. As you wander, enjoy the selection of tasty food stalls, fill your bags with artisan products, and buy rare plants. While you’re in town, take advantage of the crisp spring weather and explore the dramatic landscapes on a scenic hike. Don’t forget to stop by The Lolly Bug, a local favourite for a sweet treat.
8. Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden 
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Only 40 minutes north of Sydney’s CBD, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a well-kept secret worth exploring this season. Spring wildflowers abound in this 123-hectare space, featuring protected bushland, scenic walking trails, peaceful picnic areas, and a large native plant nursery. You can also pop into the nursery to pick up native plants and gardening essentials to bring a piece of the garden home once you’re done exploring. The garden is open daily from 8am to 5pm, and best of all, it’s free to visit. Find out what’s on this spring on the official website.
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Why travel far when Australia’s oldest botanic garden is right here in Sydney? The Royal Botanic Garden is a year-round haven for garden enthusiasts and flower lovers alike. Each spring, the garden comes alive with its popular Spring Walk, showcasing a stunning array of flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees. From mid-August through early October, you’ll find wisterias draping across arches, rhododendrons in full bloom, and the sweet fragrance of Osmanthus and Rondeletia filling the air. Waratahs, banksias, and grevilleas also add vibrant pops of colour across the gardens, making it a must-visit during the season.
If you want more spring flowers, head further out to the spectacular Canola Trail, stretching across the NSW Riverina towns of Junee, Coolamon, and Temora. The canola fields are in full bloom during spring, but only for a short period of time. Even further afield, Grafton, the jacaranda capital of Australia, offers rows of stunning purple trees in full bloom. Also worth a visit is the Hunter Valley Garden, where you can explore the enchanting Rose Garden and the peaceful Oriental Garden.
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