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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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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.