19 Striking Places To See Autumn Colours In And Around Sydney

Autumn in Sydney is one of the best times of the year. The season ushers in cooler temps, vibrant colours, artsy festivals, cosy knits and warm treats. Although it’s been a soggy few days in the city, with autumn around the corner, now is the perfect time to go hunting for autumn leaves in and around city limits. Here are some of our favourite in Sydney.

1. Centennial Park

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Centennial Park is a sprawling space in the heart of the city. On the southern side of the duck pond, you’ll see a myriad of colours and the premises packed with colour. You can spot the brilliant Lasiandra tree in abundance along with the bright hues of the Tibouchina.

2. Royal Botanic Garden

Photo credit: Jaime Plaza/ Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is the perfect spot to view blooming flowers all year round. But it’s especially wonderful during autumn with the entire garden area enveloped in lovely colour. Spot a variety of local and international plants here throughout autumn. You can also stay back and take part in one of their popular Ghostly Garden Tours to experience the garden after hours.

3. Breenhold Gardens

Image: Flickr

A Blue Mountains gem that never disappoints if you’re looking for autumn leaves in and around Sydney. Breenhold Garden is one of the most picturesque spots in NSW to spot autumn foliage near Sydney. With a $15 entry fee, you can spend all day in the garden marvelling at the striking scenery and autumn colours.

4. Auburn Botanic Gardens

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The Auburn Botanic Gardens are absolutely stunning. Here you’ll find an abundance of Japanese Maple trees and 9.2 hectares of garden space to hang around in. The garden is also home to two lakes, a lovely little waterfall and photogenic bridges so you can spend the day exploring it.

5. Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Image: Supplied/ Mayfield Garden

The Mayfield Garden in Oberon is home to Australia’s largest maze, a water garden, the Family Chapel and a total of 65 hectares of garden space. So there’s a lot to see and do and plenty of autumn colour to witness. The garden offers a vibrant display of red, orange and yellow every year.

6. Orange

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If you love autumn, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a town that captures the spirit of the season better than Orange. The town is popular for its red and orange colours and all the oak and maple sightings. The drive down from Sydney takes about 3 hours and a visit to one of its vineyards along with a trip to Mount Canobolas is highly recommended.

7. Armidale

Image: Flickr

Armidale in the New England High Country is a lovely city which turns into a hub of activity during autumn. Its many picturesque corners make it a popular getaway for out-of-towners. The city is lined with trees coated in red, orange and yellow, grassed laneways and lovely little cottages.

8. Blue Mountains National Park

Image credit: Destination NSW

The Blue Mountains are a popular escape from Sydney all year round. But we’re partial towards it during autumn. A drive down to the Blue Mountains National Park is just under 90 minutes and it’s lined with bright deciduous trees and shrubs throughout. We recommend hopping around all of its small towns to make the most of your time there.

9. Everglades Garden, Leura

Image: Supplied/Leura Gardens

The Everglades Garden in Leura is a picture-perfect spot about a 20-minute walk from Leura station. Filled with wonderful little waterfalls, beautiful greens, brilliant lookout spots and bright reds, this is an essential stop if you want to see autumn in its glory but don’t want to go too far from the city. You’re also surrounded by lovely views of the Blue Mountains as you wander around the gardens.

10. Southern Highlands

Image: Visit NSW

Take a leisurely walk through the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens and Corbett Gardens and feast your eyes on all the colours. Hike up to the Mount Gibraltar lookout or head to the charming village of Bundanoon. There’s no shortage of autumn leaves in the Southern Highlands.

11. Bathurst

Image: Bathurst Region Tourism

Bathurst truly comes alive with an explosion of colour during autumn. Vivid reds, fiery yellows and bright orange colours can be seen around the town. Reserve some time to experience its Autumn Colours program which celebrates the history of the town or just walk through its quaint streets lined with bright trees and gardens.

12. Canberra

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Canberra is pretty underrated and not typically a weekend fixture for Sydneysiders. But it’s absolutely worth the drive, especially during autumn. Take a walk along Lake Burley Griffin and you’ll witness many oak trees and poplars or wander through Griffith for all the rich autumn leaves and a quaint, inviting atmosphere.

13. Blackheath

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Just two towns past Katoomba you’ll find the town of Blackheath lined with rows of vivid red trees, a number of vintage stores and quiet cafes. It’s also easily accessible via train so make a day of it if you’re keen to experience autumn in all its glory.

14. Tumut

Image: Destination NSW

Tumut is a small town in the Snowy Mountains and offers a magical experience during autumn. Its Falling Leaf Festival celebrates the town and its history with a month of fun-filled activities.

15. Mount Tomah Botanic Garden

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Another spot in the Blue Mountains, the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden offers 252 hectares of space saturated in bold colours. Because of the size, you have to walk around a fair bit but there’s a cafe on site which overlooks the gardens and the mountains if you need a break.

16. Wentworth Falls

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Wentworth Falls is yet another lovely village in the Blue Mountains with striking maple trees and fiery reds. An absolute must-see is the tunnel of leaves roofing overhead on the Sinclair Crescent en route to Wentworth Falls Lake. The lake is also an idyllic spot to enjoy the sights and the fresh mountain air.

17. Cattai National Park

If you don’t want to go too far from the city, the Cattai National Park needs to be on your radar. You can walk, ride your bike, paddle along the river or go canoeing, there are a number of ways to enjoy autumn in the area.

18. Rumsey Rose Garden

Image: Supplied/ Greater Sydney Parklands

The Rumsey Rose Garden in Parramatta Park is a real hidden gem offering a variety of over 500 rose species on the premises. The quiet spot has many shaded areas where you can enjoy the autumn leaves from.

19. Macarthur Park

Image: Sydney

Macarthur Park in Camden puts on quite a show during autumn. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views at this picturesque little spot. Don’t forget to check out the walkway through the park for that perfect autumnal shot.