Auburn Botanic Gardens erupts in pink each August — cherry blossoms, Japanese gardens, night illuminations and cultural performances at Sydney’s spring festival.
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For nine days each August, Auburn Botanic Gardens in western Sydney bursts into pink as hundreds of cherry trees bloom for the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival. Run by Cumberland City Council, it pairs the Japanese garden’s vermilion bridge and koi ponds with market stalls, tea ceremonies, cultural performances and evening lantern illuminations. The 2026 festival runs 22–30 August 2026.
What’s on
Daytime sessions (9am–4:30pm) are all about the blossoms and the gardens; ticketed twilight sessions add lanterns and a different atmosphere. Expect Japanese food, taiko drumming, kimono hire and some of the most photographed scenes in Sydney — arrive early, the sessions sell out fast.
Planning your visit
Tickets are timed-entry and must be booked online in advance (they sell out). Auburn is 30 minutes from the CBD by car or train. It’s the same garden covered in our Auburn Botanic Gardens guide — a favourite for pre-wedding shoots the rest of the year. See more photography spots.
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Getting There
Auburn Botanic Gardens is on Chiswick Road, Auburn — about 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD by car via the M4, or a train to Auburn station then a short bus or drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2026?
The 2026 festival runs 22–30 August at Auburn Botanic Gardens, daily from 9am to 4:30pm, with additional ticketed twilight sessions.
Do you need tickets for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
Yes — entry is timed and must be booked online in advance. Sessions regularly sell out, so book early.
Where is the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival held?
At Auburn Botanic Gardens on Chiswick Road, Auburn, about 30 minutes west of the Sydney CBD.
What is there to do besides see the blossoms?
Japanese tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, kimono hire, market stalls, food and evening lantern illuminations across the gardens.
