From jacaranda season and Sculptures by the Sea, to the return of the whales and Festival of the Winds, spring in Sydney is when the city comes alive again after a winter hibernation.
Shake off the winter blues, pack away your woollies and get ready to celebrate spring in Sydney. And when you see the line-up of the best things to do, it’s easy to see why spring is the favourite season for many locals and sees tourists flock to the city. Nature turns on a show, the biggest free outdoor art show arrives along one of the most spectacular coastal walks, festivals filled with family fun take over our beaches, and there are massive sporting events to be part of – and all before the heat of the summer arrives.
So grab your calendars and read on to discover the top 10 must-do events, then lock them into your diary and travel plans.
1. Sydney Fringe Festival
One of the opening acts for spring in Sydney is the Sydney Fringe Festival. The independent arts festival kicks off with Fringe Ignite, a free street party taking over Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, on August 29 before more thatn 350 events unfold across 60-plus venues through September. There’s theatre, comedy, circus, cabaret dance and immersive works from around 2000 artists. Alongside the late-night offerings, there’s plenty of family fun to be had too such as roving performers around the Rocks Market every weekend.
For Sydney Travel Guide’s top picks, click here.
When: September 1 to 30
Where: Throughout Sydney
Cost: Prices vary
2. Flower Power
Spring in Sydney is intrinsically linked with the colour purple thanks to the impressive display by the city’s jacaranda trees. From about mid-October through to late November a canopy of lilac and purple erupts over Sydney’s parks and streets, adding colour to every viewpoint and photo opp. There are a few stand-out spots to see the jacaranda in Sydney: McDougall Street in Kirribilli, the grounds of the University of Sydney, and the Royal Botanic Garden usually top the list. But just look around – spectacular specimens are everywhere. And as the trees shed their flowers and the spring rains fall, footpaths, train platforms, steps and driveways become the prettiest, slipperiest carpet you’ve ever seen (or walked on) – so be warned.
But before the jacaranda do their thing, Sydney’s cherry blossoms are the first to herald the change of season. While they generally start to bloom in mid- to late August, there’s still plenty of beauty in their branches into early September. The Auburn Botanic Gardens celebrates with a nine-day Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival from August 22 to August 30, the perfect way to farewell winter.
When: The Cherry Blossom Festival runs Saturday, August 22, to Sunday, August 30, 9am to 4:45pm daily
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens. Chiswick Road, Auburn, 2144
Cost: Adults $17.65
3. Whale watching
Spring is the second – and arguably the better – half of Sydney’s whale-watching season. Having completed their trip north to warmer waters, the whales chuck a U-turn on the “humpback highway” and head back down to Antarctica, passing by from September through to November. Mothers with calves in tow tend to stay closer to the coastline, making it easier to catch a glimpse of the majestic creatures. Vantage points where all you need is a good pair of binoculars include Northhead at Manly, Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park and the clifftops along Bondi to Coogee. If you want to get a closer look, cruises depart from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.
Read our guide on the best whale watching in Sydney here.
4. Spring Racing Carnival
Giddyup and get yourself trackside for any one of the major race meetings throughout spring. The big one is The Everest, on October 17 at Randwick, and according to reports on early ticket sales, it’s tipped to be a sellout and break last year’s record crowd of more than 50,000 people. As well as the action on the track, the Australian Turf Club continues to deliver bigger and better entertainment events across the venues, meaning the party continues on after the racing finishes
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse and Rosehill Gardens
When: From September to November. The Everest is on October 17
Cost: Varies by meeting
5. Sculpture by the Sea
After the Archibald Prize exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sculpture by the Sea is the most anticipated annual art exhibition to hit the Harbour City. And this year will be even more special as it celebrates its 30th birthday. The spectacular coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama will once again be transformed into a 2km sculpture park, with about 100 works from Australian and international artists dotting the coastline.
When: October 16 to November 2, 2026
Where: Bondi to Tamarama walk
Cost: Free
6. Dive into an ocean pool
There are more than 30 ocean pools around Sydney and spring is the best time to start exploring them. The water might still be a bit chilly but that helps keep the crowds down. And the spring sun will warm you right up after a dip. Take on the icons like Bondi Icebergs, Bronte Baths and Mahon Pool at Maroubra, or go a little further afield to Freshwater and Queenscliff. Water temperatures climb from about 18 degrees in September to the low 20s by November.
7. Hike before the heat
September and October are the sweet spot to head out on long walk on one of the many trails that wind their way around Sydney and beyond. The wildflowers are here but the humidity is not, with temperatures generally in the low 20s. The Spit to Manly, which is about 10km, delivers harbour views and hidden beaches (so don’t forget a towel and togs). The Royal National Park Coast track offers a stunning display of wildflowers in spring bloom. Step back in time on the 4.4km Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and marvel at the ancient rock engravings and enjoy impressive views of Pittwater, Barrenjoey Lighthouse and beaches as far as Patonga and Umina.
8. Festival of the Winds
The second Sunday of September belongs to Bondi Beach in Sydney when the sands become the playground of professional kite flyers and to first-time flyers alike for the annual Festival of the Winds. There’s a full day of entertainment in Bondi Park and Bondi Pavilion, including kite-making workshops, as well as delicious food stalls and arts and crafts.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
When: Sunday September 1, 11am – 4pm
Cost: Free
9. Oz Comic-Con
This annual event is like Mardi Gras for comic lovers, anime enthusiasts, gamers, cosplayers and those obsessed with pop-culture. There’s always a stacked line-up of stars in attendance as well as hundreds of exhibitors showing – and showing off – their wares. This year, The Lord of the Rings star Miranda Otto is leading the lineup with voice actors Brandon Rogers, Lizzie Freeman, Adam McArthur and Griffin Burns, also confirmed to appear. More guest and programming will be announced in the lead up to the event. Even if you’re not totally obsessed with this world, the costume party is always worth a look.
When: September 12 and 13, 9am – 5pm
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: Early bird from $47.50
10. Manly Jazz Festival
Australia’s longest-running jazz festival returns to Manly with almost 100 acts performing across four stages and in more than 12 venues in and around the beachside suburb. From the Corso and beachfront to pubs, breweries and churches, there’s a dynamic and diverse program to cater to all jazz fans whether you’re a traditionalist or enjoy the evolving nature of the musical genre. And if you’re coming from the city side, make sure you catch the ferry for the full experience.
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where:
Cost: Free
