15 Best Places to See Jacaranda Trees Blooming in Sydney During Spring
Sydney’s jacaranda season is one of the city’s most beautiful sights, and there’s no better time to see the city in full bloom than during spring.
From iconic spots like Circular Quay to quiet corners tucked away in the suburbs, Sydney’s jacarandas paint the town in shades of purple.
Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll beneath the trees, a local market, or a hidden street that feels like stepping into a fairytale, there’s a spot for everyone.
I’ve rounded up 15 of the best places around Sydney to catch the jacaranda blooms at their peak this spring, so grab your camera and let’s dive into the purple haze.
1. Circular Quay & The Rocks
Every spring, Sydney’s iconic harbour landmarks get a vibrant lilac upgrade. Take a stroll from the Opera House, passing through Circular Quay, all the way to the historic Rocks.
Along the way, jacarandas burst into bloom, lining the foreshore and weaving through the cobblestone lanes, offering stunning views of the Harbour Bridge draped in a haze of purple.
At First Fleet Park, near the ferry wharf, the ground often gets a soft purple blanket of fallen blooms—perfect for a photo op with the water in the background.
It’s a busy spot, but if you visit on a weekday morning, you’ll find fewer crowds and get to experience the contrast between the old sandstone buildings and the bright jacaranda blossoms framing the harbour.
2. Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
This peaceful harbourside escape transforms into a sea of violet each spring. The garden is home to some of Sydney’s oldest jacaranda trees, with some dating back to the 1850s.
Wander through lush lawns and colourful flower beds, and you’ll come across pockets of purple, with the sight of jacaranda blooms set against the Opera House sails making for an unforgettable scene.
There are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy so that you can spread out a picnic under a jacaranda canopy, far from the crowds.
Late October is the perfect time to visit, as the garden’s spring flowers—both native and exotic—are in full bloom, offering a relaxed, sunny afternoon experience.
3. Macquarie Street, CBD
Who says the city’s all about concrete? Late spring turns this historic boulevard in the heart of Sydney into a purple paradise.
Jacaranda trees line the street, their vibrant blooms standing out against the backdrop of Sydney’s sandstone Parliament House and State Library, adding a surprising touch of whimsy to the CBD.
During lunchtime, office workers love to take a stroll here—grab a takeaway coffee, sit by Hyde Park Barracks, and watch the blossoms flutter overhead.
What makes it so special is the contrast: the mix of heritage buildings, bustling city life, and bursts of natural colour coming together in a truly Sydney moment.
3. The University of Sydney (Camperdown)
Wander through this historic campus, and you’ll quickly see why locals rave about its jacarandas.
The Gothic sandstone quadrangle was once home to Sydney’s most famous jacaranda tree, which stood for 88 years, gracing countless graduations and photos before it sadly passed away in 2016.
Fortunately, a clone of the original tree now blooms in its place, ensuring the same magical purple burst fills the courtyard every spring.
Beyond the quad, the university’s tree-lined avenues are also dotted with jacaranda blooms, making it a peaceful spot to explore on a sunny October day.
Walking here feels a bit like stepping into an Aussie Hogwarts—especially with purple petals drifting down as students chat and relax on the lawns.
4. Paddington
This stylish inner-east suburb becomes even more stunning in spring. As you stroll down Oxford Street and wander through Paddington’s charming backstreets, you’ll notice jacarandas arching over boutique shops and terrace houses.
The intersection of Oxford Street and Glenmore Road is particularly striking, where an explosion of violet blooms greets you at the “Five Ways” crossroads.
Just around the corner, the historic Victoria Barracks lawn is lined with sprawling jacaranda trees, bringing a touch of nature to Paddington’s fashion-forward streets.
For an authentic local experience, grab a morning coffee from a nearby café and enjoy it under the purple canopy.
Early November is the perfect time to visit, with the blooms at their best and the chance to relax in a flower-filled courtyard for a sunny brunch.
5. Glebe
Over in the Inner West, Glebe’s streets burst into colour with jacarandas adding a splash of purple against the backdrop of cafés and Federation homes.
This bohemian neighbourhood is made for leisurely strolls, with long, winding streets lined with jacaranda trees, making it a photographer’s dream.
If you visit on a Saturday, start your day at the Glebe Markets, where you can explore artisan stalls under the shade of the blooms, soaking in the vibrant, local atmosphere.
Afterwards, wander down Glebe Point Road or through the surrounding leafy streets, where the jacarandas form a gorgeous canopy above.
With plenty of cosy bookshops and some of Sydney’s best ethnic eateries nearby, you can easily spend an afternoon here, enjoying the purple blossoms overhead, delicious food, and great coffee.
7. Woolloomooloo (Cathedral Street)
Tucked just behind the city, Woolloomooloo offers a peaceful jacaranda experience that’s often overlooked.
Cathedral Street is a hidden gem that turns into a purple tunnel each spring, but it’s still off the usual tourist path.
As you stroll here, you’ll often have the place to yourself, with just a few in-the-know photographers around.
Look up, and you’ll spot the Sydney Tower (Centrepoint) peeking through the canopy of blooms—an unusual sight that perfectly mixes city vibes with nature.
It’s a quiet, residential street, so you can take your time, snap photos, or simply enjoy the view without any rush.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, this is the perfect spot to savour the jacarandas at your own pace, especially on a clear morning when the sky is as blue as the petals are purple.
8. Erskineville (Ashmore Street)
For a true local secret, head to Erskineville in Sydney’s inner south. Ashmore Street is one of those charming, lesser-known spots where jacarandas form a perfect arch over the road.
With trees lining both sides, the street creates a dreamy purple canopy that feels like walking through a floral tunnel.
You won’t find any tourists here—just locals strolling with their dogs or enjoying the view from their front stoops.
It’s incredibly photogenic (so be sure to bring your camera), especially in late October when the blooms are at their freshest.
After snapping a few shots of the lilac-lined street, you can head to a nearby Erskineville café for a coffee, feeling pretty pleased to have found a slice of Sydney that few visitors get to see.
9. Kirribilli (McDougall Street)
This North Shore gem is the Instagram-famous Jacaranda Street, and it’s easy to see why.
McDougall Street in Kirribilli becomes a fairytale avenue each spring, with old jacaranda trees stretching out to create a stunning purple archway over the road.
It’s a magical sight—driving through feels like entering a lavender tunnel. Unsurprisingly, its beauty draws plenty of admirers, so you’ll often see people with cameras in hand.
The best local tip is to visit early in the morning on a weekday, when the light is soft and the street is mostly quiet.
Just remember, it’s a residential area, so be mindful of traffic and locals as you enjoy what’s arguably the most famous jacaranda display in Sydney.
10. Lavender Bay
True to its name, Lavender Bay transforms into a sea of lavender-purple each spring. This harbourside spot on the North Sydney foreshore combines natural beauty with postcard-perfect views.
Take a stroll through Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, right in the heart of the bay, where you can enjoy the sight of the Harbour Bridge framed by jacaranda blooms dotting the shore.
Above the bay, the jacarandas create a peaceful purple panorama, their branches draping over fences and footpaths.
Despite its popularity, Lavender Bay maintains a laid-back, serene vibe, with locals often enjoying quiet picnics under the blossoms while taking in the million-dollar harbour views.
It’s just a short walk from Luna Park or Milsons Point station, and the late afternoon light makes the bay shimmer—watch for a few blossoms falling as you relax on the grass!
11. Hunters Hill
This leafy heritage suburb truly comes into its own during jacaranda season. Hunters Hill is already renowned for its tree-lined streets, but come November, the entire area bursts into a vibrant purple, drawing visitors from all over Sydney.
You can join a local walking tour, or simply take a DIY stroll, to discover the most picturesque spots.
The community highlights routes through historic lanes and hidden alleys, all bursting with blooms.
Alexandra Street is a must-see, transforming into a stunning purple boulevard, and the area around the Hunters Hill Town Hall and Historical Society is equally charming, with old sandstone buildings set against a backdrop of violet flowers.
Neighbouring areas like Woolwich, Greenwich, and Waverton also join in the jacaranda festivities, so you can easily spend the whole day exploring this peninsula.
The vibe is peaceful and village-like—perfect for a leisurely lunch at a local café and a relaxed wander under the blossoms.
It’s a quieter alternative to the city’s busier spots, best enjoyed on a sunny weekend when the community atmosphere is alive and the colours are at their peak.
12. Woolwich
Just a stone’s throw from Hunters Hill, Woolwich offers a charming jacaranda walk with the bonus of stunning harbour views.
This little peninsula is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of nature and Sydney’s iconic waterfront scenery.
Start your stroll at the old Woolwich School of Arts (the “Old School House”), where you’ll immediately spot jacarandas lining the roadside.
From there, take a relaxed hour-long walk through quiet residential streets, making your way to Kelly’s Bush—Australia’s first urban bushland reserve—all beneath a canopy of jacaranda blooms.
The walk wraps up at Woolwich Dock, where you’ll be treated to a beautiful harbour panorama, made even more special in spring as purple flashes dot the shoreline trees.
It’s a favourite local walk in late October, when the weather is just right for exploring. Bring some water and your camera, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon discovering this hidden gem of Sydney, all coated in purple.
13. Kogarah
You might not expect it, but Sydney’s south is home to its very own jacaranda haven. In the St George area, Kogarah is said to have over 300 jacaranda trees scattered across its parks and streets.
The best place to see them is Hogben Park, right near the town centre, where rows of mature jacarandas create a breathtaking canopy of violet blooms each spring.
Visit in early November, and you’ll find the park covered in colour, with purple petals forming a soft carpet on the grass.
Just around the corner is Fry’s Reserve—another lovely, quieter park where you can enjoy jacaranda beauty without the crowds.
The vibe is relaxed and very local; on weekends, you’ll see families having picnics and kids playing beneath the flowering trees.
For a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience, pack a picnic and spend a few hours soaking in the beauty of Kogarah.
It’s a great reminder that you don’t need to stick to the well-known spots to enjoy Sydney’s jacaranda season.
14. Parramatta
Sydney’s “second CBD” boasts its own jacaranda spots, which combine nature with the rich history of Western Sydney.
Start your visit at Elizabeth Farm, Australia’s oldest homestead, where vibrant jacarandas add a splash of colour to the colonial gardens each spring.
In the heart of Parramatta, Prince Alfred Square, though small, becomes a jacaranda haven in October and November, with lilac blossoms lining its pathways.
You’ll often find locals enjoying community events or simply relaxing on benches beneath the purple rain of petals.
Just a short stroll away is Parramatta Park, a wide green space where jacarandas mix with century-old fig and gum trees.
It’s a perfect place to lie back with a book or take a walk along the river, catching glimpses of purple against the park’s lush greenery.
Parramatta’s jacarandas typically reach their peak in mid-November, a bit later than the coast, making it a great option if you’re after the last of the season’s blooms.
And while you’re in the area, be sure to grab a bite from one of the local eateries—the food scene here is as diverse and vibrant as the flowers above.
15. Camden
A touch of country charm just outside Sydney, Camden is renowned for its jacaranda-lined main street, which offers a grand purple entrance to the town.
Argyle Street is the highlight, lined with dozens of jacarandas that have been thriving for nearly 90 years.
In 2017, the town added eight mature jacarandas to enhance the display, making every spring a spectacular show of lilac blooms.
Camden fully embraces jacaranda season, with a three-day Jacaranda Festival every November featuring live music, night markets, and a ceremonial lighting of the trees for an extra touch of magic.
While visiting during the festival is a real treat—think country fair meets flower show—if you prefer a quieter experience, try early November on a weekday morning.
You can stroll the length of Argyle Street under a canopy of blossoms, then pop into a café in a heritage building for a coffee.
The mix of historic country charm and streets bathed in purple makes Camden feel like a springtime fairytale—well worth the hour’s drive from Sydney.
