Yes, they are dead but they look so calming and give such great clicks. While Sydney is gorgeously evergreen throughout the year, the fall makes the city further beautiful. The pleasantly cool weather gives a crunching experience while lingering through Sydney amongst the bursts of gold and red. So, we have prepared a list of places you can drive to with your partner post work for a romantic evening or have a weekend afternoon sorted with a picnic atmosphere including some kicking off leaves with the kids in the colourful autumn of Sydney.
- CENTENNIAL PARK
As once described by the Colonial Australian politician Sir Henry Parkes, ‘One of the grandest adornments Australia,’ the Centennial Park is inspired by the victorian era with broad parklands, vast open gardens, and the dotting greenery. Open from 6;30 am to 5;30 pm, the park is highly underrated in-comparison to the view it provides. Once there, you will witness the southern side of the Duck Pond, burst into a magnificent sight of red, yellow, and orange leaves, making it the perfect place to kick leaves.
The Tibouchina or the Lasiandra trees are easily recognizable by the beautiful bloom of purple flowers. Hire a bike or a park when in Fearnley grounds to enjoy the outdoor day to the fullest. There are also a wide number of fun activities and workshops arranged for children during their Autumn program.
- AUBURN BOTANIC GARDENS
Not quite widely known, the Auburn Botanic Gardens is 20 minutes west from CBD and oh! what a beautiful place it is to experience the fall. It charges a minimum of 4$ from adults while keeping it free for children and the residents of Auburn. There are beautiful creatures of the rainforest and wallabies and emus at the Fauna Reserve.
You cannot miss visiting the kangaroos, bird aviary, and lakes with fishes and ducks. To add to the glam there is also a picnic area with BBQs, and an accessible playground, calling you to make the most of the day out.
- ORANGE
It’s no surprise why it is called ‘Orange’? Yes, you guessed it correct – it is because of the orange scenery. Popularly acclaimed as the color city, the place owes its name to the golden poplars ( those tall, yellow leafy things) and the vivid sights. It is an absolute delight to watch streets of ash, oak, and maple.
Easily accessible via train, or if you are in the mood of a long drive, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney ( with the right company, it can be quite enjoyable). You should not miss out on the wine tour and the experience of gourmet restaurants if you are there. The color display is therapeutic to the eye.
- BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN
A smooth 1.5-hour drive from Sydney, the place is apt to get soaked in maples and admire the autumn hue like never before. If you are driving up to the Blue mountains, do check out the Wentworth Falls, Mount Wilson, and the Leura on the way, because every town in this area has pleasing sights to offer.
- ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Just like Centennial Park, the Royal Botanic Garden is also just underrated. The place is perfect if you want to spend some time alone after a day’s work, or just lie in the grass and read a book. It’s a magical place for kids to play and let their imaginations run wild with all the aboriginal heritage tours and the stories on Cadigal people.
Established in 1816 the garden hosts international staples like an English rose. However, if you want to see some rare plants, Growing Friend’s Nursery is the place you should hit.
- CAMELLIA GARDENS
Again, as the name suggests the bloomed camellia in the autumn season is a sight you wouldn’t want to miss. Located in 104R President Avenue, in Caringbah South, the Camellia Gardens have a teahouse making the place perfect for Devonshire tea, high tea, breakfast, or lunch.
- CATTAI NATIONAL PARK
If you want the view of the autumn and quench your thirst for adventure, Cattai National Park on the south banks of the Hawkesbury region is a must-visit for you. The park has many picnic shelters, barbeque areas, and areas for outdoor activities like wakeboarding, canoeing, and waterskiing making it a perfect spot for an outdoor afternoon with family. The autumn leaves form a carpet rendering a dreamy atmosphere to the place.
- RUMSEY ROSE GARDEN
As if the red, white, and yellow roses were not enough, this garden has 500 species of roses. Yes, you read correctly, it’s 500. The roses were donated by the Rumsey family, hence the name. The beautiful municipal heritage creates a golden atmosphere in the autumn with its roses and deciduous trees. It is located within Parramatta Park.
- THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Some call the Southern Highlands of Sydney the autumnal mecca. It’s a ninety-minute drive from Sydney for you to experience the visuals of deciduous red oaks, plane trees, golden elms, and copper beech. You can hit up the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens in Bowral for a brighter look on orange and yellow.
Catch the sight of natural orange beds of leaves and listen to their hustles in the aforementioned gardens of Sydney, and enjoy the autumn season outdoors.
