The Best Places To See Autumn Leaves in Sydney & New South Wales 2024
Autumn is settling over Sydney once again and it’s time to ditch the beach for a different kind of beauty. If you're on the lookout for the best places to soak up the autumnal atmosphere, we've got you covered. From sprawling parks to charming gardens, Sydney and NSW have plenty of spots to satisfy your colour chasing desires. Pack a thermos, grab your camera, and get ready to enjoy autumn's stunning show.
Sydney's autumn may just be the best season of the year. The season brings with it crisper air, colourful Japanese maples, rich golden elms, comfortable knits, and comforting foods. Sydney's autumn is also just warm enough to spend extended periods of time outside, before the chilly winter weather arrives. Here’s our favourite spots to see autumn leaves in Sydney and New South Wales, including expansive private gardens, idyllic picnic areas, and breathtaking national parks – so book your GoGet and GoGet out there.
The Best Spots for Autumn Colours in Sydney & Beyond
Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
The Royal Botanic Gardens might be the ideal pleace to flowers in bloom, but when the trees are covered in colour post-summer, we reckon it’s just as lovely. Pack a picnic, pick a spot and take in the explosion of colour and enjoy the trees of the Royal Botanic Garden putting on magnificent seasonal displays. A particular favourite is the Ginkgo, which have stunning autumnal golden leaves and Sydney is a great place for these hardy, old trees to grow. There are also several maple trees in the HSBC Oriental Garden, which consistently put on a stunning show of fall colour.
Breenhold Gardens, Mount Wilson, Blue Mountains
A GoGet favourite autumnal spot to visit near Sydney is Breenhold Gardens, located in Mount Wilson, Blue Mountains. Given how stunning Mount Wilson is, it's no surprise that it frequently serves as the backdrop for Hollywood productions like The Great Gatsby. It has become something of an Instagram sensation too! If you're searching for fall leaves in and around Sydney, this Blue Mountains treasure deserves to be top of your list. One of Australia's largest privately held garden estates, it is only accessible to the public in autumn and spring, though is available all year-round for special events like weddings and photo sessions. For $17.50 for adults and $5 for children (pricing as of 2024), you can spend the entire day at the garden taking in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant autumnal hues as you explore its 45 hectares.
The beautiful Breenhold Gardens as the leaves start to turn gold
Orange, New South Wales
If you love the autumn season, it would be difficult to find a town that captures its essence more perfectly than Orange - aka the “colour city. The town's red and orange (surprise!) hues make it a great place for an Autumn getaway. Located just a 3-hour drive from Sydney, this vibrant city is a haven for autumn enthusiasts. And to make the most of your autumn escape, be sure to check out our GoGet guide to what to do on a weekend away in Orange.
Auburn Botanic Gardens, Auburn
It’s a darn tragedy that the Auburn Botanic Gardens are not better known as they are well worth a visit. Just 20 minutes from the CBD, these 9.2 hectare gardens are free to access on weekdays and on weekends for kids and Auburn residents. An $11.70 fee applies to everyone else on Saturdays and Sundays. Make sure to stop by the Japanese Garden for it’s beautiful autumn hues (and come back in spring for the cherry blossoms too). The Gardens are a terrific place for kids to explore and discover rainforest critters, a cheery swagman at the billabong, and encounter kangaroos, wallabies, and emus in the Fauna Reserve. You’ll also find an accesible playground and picnic area with BBQs on site.
Camellia Gardens, Caringbah South
The Camellia Gardens, which are near Caringbah and overlook the lovely Yowie Bay, are especially breathtaking in the autumn when the camellia blossoms are in bloom. The Camellia Gardens have been the go-to location for locals to view a globally recognised collection of more than 400 species of camellia for almost fifty years. And while you are there, treat yourself to refreshments in the Teahouse. Breakfast, lunch, high tea, and Devonshire tea (highly recommended by the GoGet team!) are all served in the lovely Camellia Gardens Teahouse, which has a gorgeous view of the gardens.
Mayfield Garden, Oberon
If you're looking for a true autumnal escape, head to Mayfield Garden in Oberon. This magnificent 65-hectare private garden is one of the largest and most impressive cool-climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Each autumn, it transforms into a breathtaking display of red, orange, and yellow, making it a must-visit for any Sydney autumn foliage enthusiast. And Mayfield Garden isn't just about the leaves – explore its 15-hectare water garden, lose yourself in Australia's biggest maze, or visit the Family Chapel.
Wahroonga Park, Wahroonga
Wahroonga Park is yet another delightful autumn haven, especially for those who appreciate the vibrant display of liquid ambers. Their hand-sized leaves flutter gently to the ground in a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows and swathes of azaleas explode into stunning shades of red as the season progresses. The park was established in the early to mid-20th century with the help of generous donations and labour of local residents and offers a unique escape for North Shore families and autumn foliage enthusiasts alike.
Cattai National Park, Hawkesbury River Region
Unwind amidst a fiery autumn tapestry at Cattai National Park, northwest of Windsor. As you enter the park, follow the road down to the Hawkesbury River where a carpet of crimson, gold, and amber leaves await. Spot plane and maple trees boasting shades ranging from deep reds to vibrant yellows.
Looking for adventure? Kayak along the Hawkesbury River, explore dedicated bike trails, or pitch a tent for a memorable family camping trip under a canopy of autumn leaves (campground availability may vary, so make sure to check the park website). Don't forget to keep an eye out for resident ducks and kangaroos, we spotted heaps of these!
Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, Mount Tomah
If you're looking for a breathtaking display of autumn colours, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is the place to be! From April to May, this cool-climate garden bursts into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds, showcasing trees from all over the world. Kids will love exploring the winding paths and hidden corners of the garden, while plant enthusiasts can admire the diverse collection of trees and shrubs. Don't miss the Plant Explorers Walk, Brunet Garden, and Formal Garden for extra-special displays, or simply wander near the Visitor Centre for a stunning view of the colourful foliage.
Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Get ready to be enchanted by the Southern Highlands' autumn spectacle, where rolling hills, golden vineyards, and vibrant red maples paint a picture-perfect scene from March to May. Step back in time as you stroll through charming Bowral, where streets like Station Street and Buskers End at St. Clair Street come alive with a kaleidoscope of autumn colours from the deciduous trees planted to give the town an English feel.
Just a 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney, this region is known for its historic villages, elegant estates, and picturesque countryside. Explore the vibrant Corbett Gardens and Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens in Bowral for a truly immersive autumn experience. And to make the most of your weekend away, check out our GoGet guide to a weekend getaway in Bowral.
Blue Mountains National Park
Living in Sydney means having the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, practically at your doorstep – a breathtaking escape any time of year. But autumn is when this picturesque region truly shines, as the quaint villages transform into a vibrant tapestry of colour.
Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the journey to Blue Mountains National Park is a feast for the eyes, with roads lined with fiery foliage. To truly soak it all in, take a leisurely drive, hopping between charming towns like Leura, Blackheath, Wentworth Falls, and Mt. Wilson, each offering its own unique charm. And make sure to stop off at the Wild Wood Garden for some epic autumn Instagram photos.
Bathurst, New South Wales
Autumn is when Bathurst truly comes to life with a riot of colour. We're talking about intense reds, blazing yellows, and brilliant oranges all around the city. Make time to take part in the town's history-celebrating Autumn Colours programme or simply stroll along the peaceful streets that are bordered by gardens and trees. Bathurst's Autumn Colours programme, which runs from March to May, features a variety of activities like tours, walks, and talks because they know a good thing when they see it.
For more stunning scenery, check out the best picnic spots in Sydney, Sydney’s best hidden gems and the best day trips near Sydney.
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