This article is all about where to see jacaranda trees in Sydney, the best photo spots and how to plan your day around touring the best jacaranda trees in Sydney.
There’s something about Sydney in spring that makes you want to spend every spare minute outside, and one of my favourite things about this time of year is seeing the city turn purple as the jacaranda trees burst into bloom.
From streets completely covered in lilac blossoms to waterfront parks with beautiful harbour views, there are so many gorgeous places to see jacaranda trees in Sydney.
Whether you’re planning a little photo walk, looking for somewhere new to explore at the weekend or simply want an excuse to grab a coffee and enjoy the sunshine, jacaranda season is the perfect time to get out and discover more of the city.
I’ve put together this guide to the best places to see jacaranda trees in Sydney, including the famous streets everyone recognises, a few beautiful spots around the harbour and some lovely neighbourhoods where you can make a morning of it.
I’ve also included nearby cafes and places to grab a bite to eat, because a spring walk is always better with a good coffee along the way!
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What Are Jacaranda Trees?
Before we get into the best places to see them, let’s talk about what makes jacaranda trees so special.
Jacarandas are flowering trees native to South America, particularly parts of Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina.
They’re known for their clusters of delicate, trumpet-shaped purple-blue flowers, which create the most beautiful canopies when the trees are in full bloom.
Although they’re not native to Australia, they’ve become a much-loved part of the country’s springtime landscape, particularly in Sydney, Brisbane and other warmer parts of the country.
So, why are there so many jacaranda trees in Sydney?
The trees thrive in Sydney’s relatively mild climate, and over the years they’ve been planted along residential streets, in public parks, university grounds and private gardens.
Their spectacular spring display has become such a recognisable part of the city that jacaranda season is now something locals and visitors look forward to every year.
When Do Jacaranda Trees Bloom in Sydney?
Jacaranda season in Sydney generally runs from October through November, with the trees often reaching their peak in late October or early November.
The exact timing changes each year depending on the weather, so it’s worth keeping an eye on local updates if you’re hoping to catch the trees at their most spectacular.
When the flowers begin to fall, the pavements underneath can become covered in a carpet of purple petals, which is almost as pretty as the trees themselves.
If you’re planning a visit specifically for photographs, aim for a dry morning during peak bloom, when the light is lovely and the streets tend to be a little quieter.
The Best Places to See Jacaranda Trees in Sydney
Below are the best places to see jacaranda trees in Sydney, and I’ve ranked them in order of where I think are the best spots and most photographic.
I’d highly recommend stopping by these spots when the sky is blue and not cloudy (which will hopefully be soon as we get closer to summer!), as the purple of the jacaranda trees really pop against a bright blue sky background.
1. McDougall Street, Kirribilli
If there’s one place I’d recommend visiting during jacaranda season in Sydney, it’s McDougall Street in Kirribilli.
Living in nearby Milsons Point means this is my local area, and it’s easy to see why the street has become one of Sydney’s most famous jacaranda spots.
During peak bloom, the mature trees lining McDougall Street create a spectacular canopy of purple flowers overhead, transforming an otherwise ordinary residential street into something really special.
It’s one of those places that looks beautiful in photographs, but seeing the trees in person is even better, particularly when the blossoms are at their fullest.
Try visiting on a weekday morning if you can. McDougall Street is a residential street, and it gets incredibly popular during jacaranda season.
The surrounding streets in Kirribilli are also worth exploring, so don’t feel like you need to visit McDougall Street and head straight home.
Take a wander around the neighbourhood, look out for more jacarandas along the way and enjoy the beautiful old houses and leafy streets that make this part of Sydney so lovely.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch in Kirribilli:
One of my favourite ways to enjoy jacaranda season here is to combine a walk along McDougall Street with brunch at The Flying Bear.
Located right beside the jacaranda-lined street, the cafe sits on the waterfront, making it a particularly lovely spot to stop for a coffee, breakfast or brunch after admiring the flowers.
If you’re looking for more places to eat around the neighbourhood, you can also check out my guide to the best brunch spots in Sydney.
2. Lavender Bay and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Just a short walk from Kirribilli, Lavender Bay is another beautiful part of Sydney to explore during jacaranda season.
This is one of my favourite areas for a leisurely walk or picnic, because you get a lovely combination of leafy streets, harbour views and some of the prettiest little corners of the Lower North Shore.
While you’re here, make sure to visit Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, a lush garden tucked away among the residential streets above Lavender Bay.
The winding paths, tropical greenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a lovely place to escape the busier parts of the city.
During spring, you can also spot jacarandas in the surrounding neighbourhood, adding little bursts of purple to the greenery.
The nearby Lavender Bay foreshore is another highlight, with beautiful views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s a lovely area to explore at a slower pace, especially if you’re already visiting Kirribilli and want to turn your jacaranda outing into a longer morning walk.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch in Lavender Bay
You can either head back towards Kirribilli for a waterfront coffee at The Flying Bear, or make your way towards McMahons Point and grab a coffee and breakfast at Billi’s Cafe or Breadworks Cafe.
You could also grab a takeaway coffee and enjoy a wander through the gardens before continuing down the steps, along the harbour and towards Luna Park before getting the ferry back to the city.
3. Circular Quay and The Rocks
If you want to combine spotting the best jacaranda trees in Sydney with some of Sydney’s most iconic sights, head towards Circular Quay and The Rocks.
This area is particularly lovely in spring, when purple jacaranda blossoms add a splash of colour to the waterfront and historic streets.
Start around Circular Quay and wander towards First Fleet Park, where you can enjoy views of Sydney Harbour alongside the surrounding jacaranda trees.
From here, continue towards The Rocks, where the historic sandstone buildings, cobblestone laneways and harbour scenery make for a beautiful backdrop.
One of the best things about this part of Sydney is that you don’t have to choose between sightseeing and enjoying the spring blooms.
You can admire the jacarandas, take photographs of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, browse the shops and galleries, and explore some of the city’s oldest streets all in one go.
This is also a great option if you’re showing Sydney to visitors or want to spend a day exploring the city without travelling too far.
Combine your walk with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia or a wander through the Royal Botanic Garden (next on this list, as it’s also somewhere for jacaranda spotting!).
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch Around Circular Quay and The Rocks
The Rocks has plenty of cafes and places to stop for a bite to eat, my recommendations would be breakfast at Aslan or grabbing a sandwich from North Sandwiches.
Alternatively, head towards Circular Quay for a coffee with harbour views before continuing your sightseeing of the best jacaranda trees in Sydney.
4. First Fleet Park and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore
Another way to see some amazing jacaranda trees in Sydney, is by spending some time exploring the harbour foreshore around First Fleet Park.
Located close to Circular Quay and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, this area offers a lovely combination of waterfront scenery and seasonal blossoms.
The jacarandas provide a pop of purple against the blue harbour, while the surrounding views make this one of the most recognisable settings for springtime in Sydney.
It’s also an easy spot to include in a longer walk. Start at Circular Quay, admire the harbour views and continue through The Rocks, stopping whenever you spot a particularly beautiful tree or a good place to take photographs.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch Near First Fleet Park
The surrounding Circular Quay and The Rocks areas have plenty of cafes and restaurants, so you’re never far from somewhere to stop for a coffee or bite to eat.
Shuk is one of my favourite breakfast spots in The Rocks, and if you time your visit at the weekend, you can also explore the famous Rocks Markets.
5. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the best places in Sydney to enjoy a spring walk, and it’s also one of the best places to see jacaranda trees in Sydney.
Located right beside Sydney Harbour, the gardens offer a beautiful mix of established trees, colourful flower displays, peaceful lawns and some of the city’s most famous views.
While the gardens aren’t a single street lined entirely with purple blossoms, they’re a lovely place to look for jacarandas while enjoying the wider spring landscape.
Wander along the garden paths, explore the different planted areas and make your way towards Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for those classic views across the harbour towards the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch Near the Royal Botanic Garden
There are cafes within and around the gardens, making it easy to stop for a coffee while exploring.
I’d recommend stopping by the Sydney Opera House and trying the newly opened Winnie’s for a light bite to eat with incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while also sitting at another iconic landmark in Sydney.
You can also walk towards Circular Quay afterwards, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat.
6. Paddington: Oxford Street and Glenmore Road
Paddington is another wonderful suburb to visit to see incredible jacaranda trees in Sydney, particularly if you love a neighbourhood walk with a little shopping thrown in.
One of the best places to start is around Oxford Street and Glenmore Road, near the lawns in front of Victoria Barracks.
The jacarandas lining the area create a beautiful display when they’re in bloom, with purple flowers contrasting against the historic sandstone buildings.
From here, wander towards Five Ways (one of my favourite corners of Sydney) and explore the surrounding streets.
At the Five Ways, you’ll find Romancing the Novel bookstore, coffee shops, cafes and clothing boutiques. It’s one of the cutest pockets of Sydney and I’d move there if I could.
Paddington is known for its boutiques, independent shops, galleries and pretty terrace houses, so it’s an excellent spot for a relaxed spring afternoon. You can spend some time admiring the flowers before browsing the shops or stopping for a leisurely lunch.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch in Paddington
In Paddington, I’d recommend Barbetta for brunch and Mecca for coffee. For a great salad, head to Daily Greens in Paddington, or if you’d prefer a sandwich, I love the pita pockets from Jimmy’s Falafel that has recently opened in Paddington, or Lox in a Box for the best bagels in Sydney.
If you’re wandering around Five Ways, my favourite brunch spot is Sonder, but if it’s too busy, Juniper right next door is also a great option and both have outdoor seating which is perfect for people-watching.
7. Glebe and Camperdown
Glebe and Camperdown are two inner-west neighbourhoods worth exploring if you want to discover more of Sydney’s jacaranda trees away from the most famous photo spots.
These neighbouring areas have a lovely mix of historic houses, leafy streets, university buildings and local cafes.
During spring, the jacarandas add splashes of purple to the neighbourhoods, making an ordinary walk feel a little more special.
Start with a wander through the residential streets around Glebe, then make your way towards Camperdown and the University of Sydney if you want to extend your route.
Combine your jacaranda walk with a browse around Glebe’s bookshops (Gleebooks and Sappho Books Cafe & Bar are must-visits and located next door to each other) and independent stores, or visit on a Saturday when the Glebe Markets are running. It’s one of the best weekend markets in the city and well worth a visit.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch in Glebe
Glebe is full of independent cafes and casual places to eat, so it’s easy to find somewhere for brunch or a takeaway coffee.
You could also visit Glebe Point Road for a relaxed cafe stop before continuing your walk.
8. The University of Sydney, Camperdown
The University of Sydney is one of the prettiest places to visit in spring, even if you aren’t a student.
Its historic sandstone buildings, grand courtyards and leafy grounds provide a gorgeous setting for jacaranda spotting.
The main quadrangle is particularly famous for its jacaranda history, while other parts of the campus, including the area around Physics Road, are worth exploring for mature flowering trees.
When the blossoms are out, the contrast between the purple flowers and the university’s historic architecture makes this one of the most photogenic places in inner Sydney.
The university grounds are larger than you might expect, and a little wandering is part of the fun. Be respectful of students and staff, particularly if you’re visiting during the academic term.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch Near the University of Sydney
There are cafes around the university campus and plenty more in neighbouring Newtown.
Newtown is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Sydney and has an incredible food scene. I’d recommend Cairo for Egyptian plates or Erko Pantry in nearby Erskineville for breakfast outdoors.
Head towards King Street afterwards for independent cafes, casual restaurants and a good selection of places to grab lunch.
9. Hunters Hill
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different from Sydney’s best-known jacaranda spots, Hunters Hill is well worth adding to your list.
This leafy Lower North Shore suburb is known for its historic homes, quiet residential streets and beautiful gardens, making it a lovely place to explore when the jacarandas are in bloom.
Start around Hunters Hill Town Hall and wander through the surrounding streets, including Alexandra Street, keeping an eye out for the purple blossoms along the way.
Unlike McDougall Street in Kirribilli, where the trees create a particularly famous canopy, Hunters Hill is more about discovering beautiful trees as you explore the neighbourhood.
The area has a relaxed, village-like atmosphere, so it’s a great option if you want to spend a few hours away from the busier tourist spots.
If you have a car, you could extend your outing to nearby Woolwich, Longueville or Greenwich, which are also known for their leafy streets and jacaranda displays.
Where to Grab Coffee or Brunch in Hunters Hill
Make a stop at one of the local cafes around Hunters Hill’s village centre like Mason Cafe or The Sunroom.
It’s an easy way to turn your jacaranda walk into a relaxed morning out, with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee or lunch along the way.
Tips for Seeing Jacaranda Trees in Sydney
Before you head out on your jacaranda adventure, here are a few things worth keeping in mind.
- Plan your visit for October or November: This is generally the best time to see the trees in bloom, although the exact peak changes each year.
- Check recent photos before you go: Local updates and recent social media posts can help you work out whether your chosen spot is at its best. I’ll be posting the jacaranda trees on TikTok, so keep an eye out on my profile!
- Visit early if you want good photographs: Popular locations such as McDougall Street can become very busy, especially on weekends.
- Use public transport where possible: Many of Sydney’s best jacaranda spots are accessible by train, bus or ferry, and parking can be limited in residential neighbourhoods.
- Be respectful of local residents: Many of the most famous jacaranda displays are on residential streets. Keep driveways clear, avoid entering private property and take your rubbish with you.
My Favourite Places to See Jacaranda Trees in Sydney
Jacaranda season is one of my favourite times to get outside and explore Sydney.
Whether you’re wandering beneath the famous purple canopy on McDougall Street in Kirribilli, enjoying the harbour views around Lavender Bay or discovering the beautiful streets of Paddington, there are so many lovely places to enjoy the blooms.
My top recommendation would always be to start in Kirribilli, especially if you can combine a walk along McDougall Street with brunch at The Flying Bear.
It’s such a beautiful part of Sydney, and the combination of jacarandas and waterfront views makes it well worth a visit.
The best thing about jacaranda season is that you don’t necessarily need a big itinerary.
Pick a neighbourhood, put on your walking shoes, grab a coffee and see where the purple flowers take you.
Just remember that the blooms don’t last forever, so make the most of them while they’re here!
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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