From bud to bloom: spring festivals worth the road trip
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The jackets are heading into hibernation, the days are getting longer, and the flowers are dressing to impress – but Floriade isn’t the only festival of flowers happening this spring.
Whether you are tiptoeing through tulips, cruising past fields of gold, or lying under cherry blossoms, these festivals are worth the road trip and will ‘leaf’ you loving spring even more.
Tulip Top Gardens: Sutton
Just a short drive from the capital, Tulip Top Gardens transforms into a floral masterpiece that’ll have you questioning whether you’ve stumbled into a Dutch countryside dream. Picture this: nearly a million tulips and daffodils scattered across world-class gardens, all framed by graceful weeping willows and over 1,000 blossoming trees.
Between garden strolls, there’s free wine tastings, live entertainment on selected days, creative workshops, and a gift shop filled with local treasures.
Saturday 13 September until Sunday 12 October, Gates open 9 am, last entry 4:15 pm, gates close 5 pm | 20 Old Federal Highway, Sutton | Book here
Cherry Blossom Festival: Sydney
Why hold out for spring when the blossoms are already calling your name? The Auburn Botanic Gardens have been transformed into a pink wonderland with over 200 cherry blossom trees taking centre stage this August. We are talking Japanese dance and music, origami for all ages, taiko drumming to get you moving, and a food village that’ll keep you coming back for more. Just remember tickets are pre-book only, so get in fast!
Saturday 16 August until Sunday 24 August | Auburn Botanic Gardens | Book here
Ballinaclash Blossom Festival: Young
Imagine this: pastel pink orchard blooms, milk white cherry blossoms, and butter yellow fields of canola – and the best part, it’s only two hours from Canberra! At Ballinaclash, you can freely wander through the orchard with a picnic rug in hand while enjoying the live music, cherry ice cream, and wine from their very own vineyard.
From baking your own cherry pie to spinning clay in pottery class, stretching it out at yoga, and meeting furry friends at the animal farm, there’s something for everyone.
Saturday 1 and Saturday 20 September | Young, Hilltops Region | Book here
Tulip Time: Bowral
Watch out! In a couple of months Bowral’s Corbett Gardens will be transformed into a sea of rainbow with over 80,000 tulips taking centre stage. Whether you are a weekend wanderer, green-thumbed gardener, or simply a lover of all things spring, Tulip Time is a great excuse for a floral day out.
Enjoy the sights while you stroll through the garden beds, soak up the fresh Highland breeze, and live music. Treat yourself to a local delicacy (the CWA’s legendary scones are a non-negotiable) before browsing the artisan market stalls for handmade treasures.
Friday 12 September until Monday 6 October | Corbett Gardens, Bowral | Book here
Sakura Matsuri: Cowra
No passport? No problem! Cowra is bringing Japan to you with the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival. Enjoy the pink cherry blossoms, then stick around for kabuki shows, kimono parades, and a full day of Japanese culture right here in Cowra.
Join the matcha hype with a creamy green latte, watch the taiko drums and snack your way through Japanese-inspired treats.
Saturday 27 September | Cowra, New South Wales | Book here
Millthorpe Garden Ramble: Millthorpe
The historic village of Millthorpe invites you to enjoy a glorious spring weekend at the Millthorpe Garden Ramble. Wander past the heritage homes decorated in wisteria, admire the best kept lawns that would make any green thumb go crazy, roam through colourful cottage borders and lively kitchen gardens.
In between floral stops, stroll down cobblestoned streets lined with inviting cafes, local galleries, and unique boutique shops. The Garden Ramble is as much about soaking up Millthorpe’s charm as it is about the flowers themselves.
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November | Millthorpe, New South Wales | Book here
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden: Sydney
Located just north of Sydney, this 123-hectare bushland is bursting at the seams with native blooms, walking tracks for all energy levels, and several picnic spots for you to enjoy.
Spring brings the flowers out in all their glory, filling every nook and cranny with a pop of colour, and if you are really lucky, you might spot a wallaby or two. The cherry on top? Entry’s free, so you can enjoy it as often as you please.
All year round | St Ives, News South Wales | Find out more here
