Spring is in the air and there’s nothing better than getting out and about and stopping to smell the flowers. Specifically, it’s jacaranda season and we are spoilt for choice across the North Shore with some amazing places to go check out these blooming buds. Grab your camera, round up the kids and check out the jacaranda trees taking over the North Shore!
Wondering where to head to check out the jacarandas across the North Shore? We have you sorted. Use the quicklinks to plan the perfect day trip that is sure to put a ‘spring’ in your step.
- McDougall Street, Kirribilli
- Lavender Bay, North Sydney
- Station Street, Naremburn
- Muston Park, Chatswood
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Hunters Hill
When can you enjoy Jacaranda Trees in Sydney?
Jacaranda season is surprisingly brief, which only makes the experience more rare and memorable. Generally speaking, the purple blossoms start to show themselves in early-to-mid October. The second half of October sees the Jacaranda-lined streets and parks look like something out of a dream, with the trees in full bloom. By early November, the roads and footpaths are carpeted in fallen purple blossoms as the Jacarandas prepare to don their lighter, green summer outfits.
Where do Jacaranda trees originate from?
Jacaranda trees are native to South America, primarily found in countries like Brazil and Argentina. The genus Jacaranda belongs to the family Bignoniaceae and includes various species of trees and shrubs. These trees are known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blue or purple flowers and their fern-like foliage. They have been introduced and cultivated in many other parts of the world, including regions with a Mediterranean-like climate, where they have become popular ornamental trees due to their stunning appearance when in bloom.
Best streets to see Jacaranda Trees around Sydney’s North Shore
McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Jacarandas on McDougall Street, Kirribilli
When it comes to seeking out the jacaranda in Sydney, McDougall Street should be top of your list. The tourists flock here in droves – and for good reason! From about Late October until the end of the November, the street is in full bloom, playing host to a brilliant array of purple jacaranda. After a trip down the street taking in the delights, you can head to the adjoining Milson Park to check out more of the nearby botany.
Lavender Bay, McMahons Point & Milsons Point
Head to North Sydney to see an amazing array of Jacarandas, and specifically the suburbs of Milsons Point, Lavender Bay and McMahons point.
- Lavender Bay: This suburb becomes an entire shade of purple with stunning views of the bridge as a backdrop. Pack up your picnic and head for Wendy Whiteley’s Garden for the perfect afternoon, surrounded by beauty.
- McMahons Point: The streets and parks around McMahons Point, especially Blues Point Road, are known for their jacaranda displays with a stunning backdrop of the Sydney Harbour.
- Milson Park, Kirribilli: Located near the Kirribilli Club, this park is adorned with jacaranda trees and offers a lovely place for a leisurely stroll.
Station Street, Naremburn
If you’re looking for another spot that’s perhaps a little less busy (and a little less well-known to the tourists), then take a wander down Station Street in Naremburn. You’ll be able to enjoy the jacarandas in bloom without all the crowds to go with it, which makes for some great photo opportunities!
Hunters Hill
Visit Hunters Hill anytime of the year and you’ll find a naturally leafy suburb that’s worth wandering through. Head there in jacaranda season and expect it to be even prettier! Head down the streets and lane ways and you’ll find the trees generously dotted along the way. Perfect spot to stop and take a few photos!
Muston Park, Chatswood
Wisteria Walk at Muston Park
Go and check out the stunning jacarandas, while also letting the kids loose for some play time. Muston Park is the best of both worlds! The Wisteria tunnel is one of the main drawcards of this beautiful park. If you enter from Eden Street, you come through the walkway to get to the path. Even when not in bloom, this walkway is something special! Once you’ve made your way through, kids will love climbing the rocket ship, checking out the swings and having a blast at the nearby playground. You can read our review here.
Other spot to see Jacaranda Trees in Sydney
Royal Botanic Gardens
If you’re hoping to check out the oldest jacaranda tree in the country, then it’s worth popping the Royal Botanic Gardens on your list of places to see! Not only can you enjoy stunning views and plenty of purple, but there’s so much more to see and do, you can make a day of it. Of course, if you’re hoping to discover a little of the tree’s history, you’ll find all you need to know here.
Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
Suburbs like Paddington, Woollahra, and Double Bay have numerous streets with jacaranda trees that create a picturesque scene.
The University of Sydney
The campus of the University of Sydney features many jacaranda trees, and the Quadrangle in particular is a popular spot for visitors to admire the blooms.
Camperdown Memorial Rest Park
Located in the inner-west suburb of Camperdown, this park has several jacaranda trees that bloom beautifully in spring.
Grafton in New South Wales
Grafton Jacaranda Festival
Although a few hours drive from Sydney the Grafton Jacaranda Festival usually takes place in late October and early November, is famous for its jacaranda-lined streets and vibrant celebrations. In 2023, it’s on from Friday 27 October to Sunday 5 November.
There are streets after streets lined with Jacaranda Trees around Grafton. Whether you want to take a stroll, ride a bike or drive a car, we would like to make your experience as easy as possible. Below we have a link to a downloadable map so you can easily lose yourself in the Jacaranda City without actually being lost
