Sydney’s most photogenic festival will turn Auburn pink in August

• Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2025: The event will return to Western Sydney next month
• Swathes of Auburn Botanic Gardens will be transformed with breathtaking florals
• Visitors can expect live music, origami workshops, Japanese food, guided tours and an 18+ pop-up bar

One of Sydney’s most visually striking events is back in full bloom this August. The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival will return to the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Saturday, August 16 to Sunday, August 24, 2025, bringing with it a dazzling display of more than 200 cherry blossom trees, a packed cultural program and a huge lineup of Japanese-inspired food, drink and entertainment.

The nine-day festival is one of Western Sydney’s most anticipated events — and one of the most photogenic.

Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the Japanese Gardens in Auburn Botanic Gardens, but especially during August. It’s a once-a-year moment that offers a taste of Japan without leaving Sydney.

What to expect at Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

At the heart of the festival is the Cherry Blossom Trail, a meandering path through more than 200 blooming trees in the Japanese Gardens. The path winds past the popular Cherry Arbour and traditional Torii Gate, two of the most photographed landmarks in the gardens. But the festival is much more than a photo opportunity.

The Japanese Food Village is a major drawcard in its own right, with street food vendors serving everything from ramen and mochi to matcha treats and fusion burgers. Try the limited edition sakura and lychee bubble tea at Bubble Bar, before you explore the other offerings of noodles, ramen, traditional okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake) and Japanese-inspired sandwiches at various vendors. A festival exclusive this year is Gelato Messina’s Aunty Tomsu’s Cheesecake Sundae, created just for the occasion. With layers of Japanese cheesecake, strawberry and cherry blossom cream and strawberry meringue, it’s the ultimate sweet treat.

At the heart of the festival, The Sakura Stage will host Japanese tea ceremony, Taiko drumming by Yu Ni On! and other musical and dance performances. Looking for something a little slower? The Zen Zone in the Billabong area is a dedicated quiet zone where you can slow down and reconnect with nature. Take a quiet forest bathing walk, known as Shinrin-Yoku, designed to help visitors relax and reconnect with nature.

From 11:30am each day, you can head to the adults-only pop-up bar, Izakaya Amore, for Japanese beers and cocktails. An ever-changing lineup of jazz, rock and retro Japanese disco beats will provide the soundtrack here.

There’s also the chance to take part in a Kimono Photo Experience, where visitors can dress up in traditional attire and pose for photos beneath the blossoms at the striking Mt Fuji Torii Gate.

Tickets on sale now

Tickets are now available and expected to sell out quickly, with bookings essential.

The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival runs from 16 to 24 August 2025 at Auburn Botanic Gardens, Cumberland City. Tickets and full program details can be found at cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival.

Whether you’re there for the photos, the food, or the culture, this is one of Sydney’s most unique and enchanting events — and it only comes once a year.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

When: Saturday, August 16 until Sunday, August 24, 2025. Daily 9am–4:45pm.
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Price: Adult $16.60, child (5–16 years) $8.95, family (two adults two children) $44.65. All tickets must be pre-booked. There are no sales booths at the Gardens.

Buy tickets at cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival

FAQs

When is the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival?

The 2025 edition of the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival will open on Saturday, August 16 and welcome visitors daily until Sunday, August 24. It is open from 9am until 4:45pm each day.

Do I need a ticket?

Yes — and they must be pre-booked. There are no sales booths at the Gardens and no opportunity to buy ‘on the door’ so make sure you book online before visiting. Prices are: adult $16.60, child $8.95 (5–16 year olds), family $44.65 (two adults, two children).

How do I get to Auburn Botanic Gardens?

Public transport is encouraged. Plan your trip at transportnsw.info.

From Central Station, take the T2 to Auburn Station. Free shuttle buses will run between Auburn Station and Auburn Botanic Gardens on festival days (8:30am–5:30pm). Buses run in a loop approximately every 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

If travelling by car, street parking is limited in surrounding streets around Auburn Botanic Gardens. Parking is available in Tavistock Avenue and Killeen Street which is a 5-minute walk to the venue.