Jacarandas & wildflowers in NSW

Jacarandas

The historic town of Grafton, located alongside the Clarence River on the NSW North Coast, is known as the Jacaranda Capital. There are more than 2,000 jacaranda trees across town – including the oldest in the state – and they celebrate the iconic trees each year at the Grafton Jacaranda Festival. Held in late October and early November, it’s the longest-running flower festival in Australia. There are street parades and themed floats, markets, live performances, fireworks and even the crowning of a jacaranda queen.

Grafton Jacaranda Festival, Grafton

A great way to see the purple blooms in Grafton is by bicycle. There are no steep hills in Grafton and not too much traffic, so riding the wide tree-lined streets under a canopy of blossoms is a magical way to experience the purple splendour. For something unique, float over Grafton in a hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the lilac-dotted landscape.

Grafton Jacaranda Festival, Grafton

Sydney is also dotted with thousands of jacaranda trees, from the harbourside Royal Botanic Garden to the leafy streets of Kirribilli, the heritage squares of the University of Sydney and even bustling Paddington.

Plan your trip along Sydney’s jacaranda trail here.

Wildflowers & gardens

Lovers of the delicate flannel flower, so named for its soft wool-like texture, should head for the Flannel Flower walking track on the NSW Central Coast near Wagstaffe and Killcare, 40km north of Sydney. This 3km walk connects Tallow and Lobster beaches, along trails lined with the flannel flowers’ distinctive white blooms. The track also meanders through an angophora forest, before ending at the Lobster Point lookout with commanding views along the coast.

Flannel Flowers, Central Coast - Credit: Gina Hart/DPIE

Just 150km north of Sydney in the Lower Hunter region, Werakata National Park is transformed into a wildflower wonderland every spring. Pick a hiking trail and keep watch for purple happy wanderers, yellow hairpin banksias and red mountain devils. You’ll also likely spot ground orchids and thyme honey myrtle.

Banksia flower at Back Beach picnic area, Bundjalung National Park - Credit: Jessica Robertson/DPIE

Port Macquarie might be known for its beaches, but it offers natural appeal of a different kind in coastal Kattang Nature Reserve. When not scanning the sea for migrating whales, look down to be dazzled by magnificent wildflower displays including boronia, flannel flowers, everlasting daisies and wedding bush.

Kattang Nature Reserve at Laurieton, Port Macquarie Area - Credit: Andrew Richards/DPIE

Once the snow melts in the aptly named Snowy Mountains, high-altitude Kosciuszko National Park comes to life with purple eyebrights, yellow billy buttons and everlasting daisies.

Alpine sunray, Snowy Mountains - Credit: E Sheargold/DPIE

The Blue Mountains’ Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is the world’s only botanic garden within a UNESCO World Heritage Area. It’s a special part of the state, home to thousands of trees and plants, many of them flowering. Come in spring for more than 50,000 daffodils as well as cherry blossoms and ruby-red waratahs.

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

It’s 170km from Sydney west to Oberon, where you’ll find one of the world’s largest privately owned cool-climate gardens. Mayfield Garden is inspired by grand English country estates, its immaculately groomed grounds including themed groves, water features and a paddock-to-plate cafe. During the annual Spring Festival in October, visitors are given access to areas normally closed to the public.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

The Riverina region of southern NSW goes golden in spring, thanks to the canary-yellow canola flowers that cover rolling pastures and hillsides. Follow the Canola Trail to explore idyllic country towns and villages – including Junee, Temora and Coolamon – visit wineries and restaurants, and learn about the area’s history, all the while surrounded by blooms.

Canola Trail, Temora