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The southern hemisphere’s largest cherry blossom festival returns to Sydney

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
A little slice of Japan hiding in Western Sydney is preparing to bloom.

Fans of Japan’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival near Mt Fuji were left disappointed earlier this year when the beloved annual event was cancelled amid overtourism concerns. Thankfully, Australia has its own version. No expensive plane tickets, no long-haul flights and no precious annual leave. Just a leisurely drive to Auburn Botanic Gardens, 30 minutes from Sydney’s CBD.

Inside Sydney’s Cherry Blossom Festival

In the lead-up to spring each year, the 200 cherry blossom trees within Auburn Botanic Gardens slowly begin to awaken. It takes roughly three weeks for the tiny green buds to burst, coming into full bloom and transforming the garden grounds into a sea of sorbet-hued pink.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, NSW
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival has been welcoming visitors since 2011.

But while the gardens have long been a local favourite, not many people knew about the fleeting natural spectacle, happening just outside one of Australia’s biggest cities.

So in 2011, the Cumberland City Council officially launched the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, inviting everyone to witness the largest cherry blossom display in the southern hemisphere for themselves. Since then, the nine-day event has blossomed into one of the most beloved spring festivals in Australia.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, NSW
A traditional torii gate marks the beginning of the cherry blossom trail. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This year, the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is once again welcoming both returning visitors and first-time guests to experience the magic of sakura season. It’s a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture in the heart of Western Sydney, where traditional performances, live music, interactive workshops and bustling market stalls evoke the spirit of Japan.

Foodies can also look forward to sampling a wide variety of authentic cuisine. From sakura burgers to steamed bao buns, local food trucks pump out dishes you’d expect to find at some of Sydney’s best Japanese restaurants. Or pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the lake, where swans and ducks lazily paddle by.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, NSW
Keep an eye out for peacocks roaming freely through the gardens. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Water birds aren’t the only wildlife species found at Auburn Botanic Gardens, either. Swans and peacocks roam freely across the property’s 9.2 hectares, while the onsite Fauna Reserve acts as a sanctuary for kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and emus.

At the heart of it all lies the cherry blossom trail, which begins beneath a traditional red torii gate. The path winds its way through the delicate blooms, instantly transporting visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun and offering a moment for contemplation (or the perfect photo opp) under falling pink petals.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Planning your visit

The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival will return to Auburn Botanic Gardens from 22–30 August 2026, open from 9am to 4.30pm. Entry is ticketed, with passes available to purchase online via the Cumberland City Council website. There will be no ticket sales at the gate, so be sure to book in advance.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, NSW
Auburn Botanic Gardens is home to roughly 200 cherry blossom trees.

Located around 20 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD, Auburn Botanic Gardens can be easily reached via public transport. Both the T1 and T2 train lines stop at Auburn Station, where a free festival shuttle bus will transport visitors to and from the gardens throughout the event.

Those arriving by car should be aware that there is no onsite car park and street parking is limited. However, a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone will operate on Killen Street, providing quick and easy access for taxi or rideshare services. Auburn Botanic Gardens is also wheelchair and pram friendly, with accessible bathrooms onsite.

Address: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.