Sydney's jacarandas usually flower from mid-October to mid-November, and for a few weeks parts of the city turn purple. It makes an easy family outing: a short walk, a picnic and a few photos under the trees. Below are the places named for jacarandas, grouped by part of Sydney so you can pick one close to home.
In the city and around the harbour
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney CBD: home to the oldest jacaranda in Australia, in the lower garden near Farm Cove.
- Circular Quay and The Rocks: both are named for jacarandas, so the blossoms can fit into a day in the city.
- Wendy Whiteley Gardens, Lavender Bay.
- McDougall Street, Kirribilli: overhanging jacarandas along a suburban street.
In the suburbs
- Paddington: along Oxford Street, Glenmore Road and around the Five Ways intersection.
- Vaucluse House, Vaucluse: jacarandas flower in the grounds.
- Physics Road, Camperdown, at the University of Sydney: several jacaranda trees, including a young clone of the original tree.
Further out in Camden
- Argyle Street, Camden: 47 jacarandas, first planted almost a century ago.
- Macarthur Park, Camden.
Make it a game for the kids
- Ask them to spot the first purple tree of the day, and count how many they find.
- Look for the trumpet-shaped flowers on the ground and see who finds the freshest one.
- Bring a pencil and paper for a quick sketch under a tree, or let the kids take the photos.
- Pack a picnic and make it a slow, unhurried morning.
Planning a visit with kids
- Go early on a weekend morning, when it is quieter and the light is soft for photos.
- The blossoms follow the weather, so the trees can be early or late. Look at a tree on a street near you before you plan a trip.
- Pack water and sun protection, and bring a picnic rug if you would like to stay a while.
- Fallen blossom can collect on paths and kerbs, so take a little care with scooters and prams.
- Check parking, public transport and access with the council or the venue before you go.
- Roolu also lists free events near the city, and you will find them beside this guide.
For the latest on access and anything happening at a particular place, check its own page or the council's website.
