Looking for things to do in Sydney in Spring? It’s the time of the year which is one of the nicest times to be in the city.
But if you’re twiddling your thumbs, not knowing what do to in Sydney or in the surrounding areas, fear not… we’ve got something for everyone in this post.
You’ll be surprised to read about the many, many, festivals and fun things to do in Sydney during Spring as well as loads of ideas so that you’ll have an action packed October long weekend!
When is Spring in Sydney?
The seasons in Sydney last in three months blocks, so Spring starts on 1 September and ends on 30 November
When are the school holidays in Sydney?
If you’re wondering when the kids are on school holidays in Sydney, they last from the end of September for two weeks. This means the roads will be busier during this time of the year.
What’s the weather like in Sydney in Spring?
The temperatures are usually a beautiful 21 – 23C in Sydney in Spring and it’s one of the best times of the year to visit because there’s not as many tourists and it doesn’t rain nearly as much as it does in Summer. The days are usually filled with bright blue skies and it’s not humid either, making it the sort of weather you could spend outside for the entire day.
The clocks also go forward on the first weekend of October which is also the same weekend as the October long weekend which is basically Australia’s version to a bank holiday in England. This means it’s lighter later and will stay light until around 8pm at it’s peak.
There’s so much to consider during Spring in Sydney so we’ve compiled all of the best things to do in Sydney in Spring in this post.
1. Sydney Spring Carnival
Horse racing is massive in Australia and during Spring you’ll see a lot of people dressed up like they could be on the set for The Only Way Is Essex as they head over to Randwick and spend the day getting sloshed whilst betting on the horses.
The main date worth a mention is obviously Melbourne Cup day which takes place on the first Tuesday in November. If you’re based in Melbourne, you’ll actually get a day off work for this race but most people in Sydney tend to make a big deal about it too. Everyone dons their best dress, not forgetting a fascinator to work and either goes to the pub or watches it on the tele. It literally is the race that stops the nation and more importantly work too.
When is it? The Spring Carnival takes place from September – December.
2. Night Noodle Markets
We absolutely love the Night Noodle Markets which take place in Sydney’s Hyde Park in mid October. This week long FREE celebration always reminds us that Summer is on the way. The evenings are usually warm and it’s a great festival to sit on the grass whilst buying some fairly expensive Asian food. Expect queues but you’ll probably already know that a line means the food will generally be good.
When is it? The Night Noodle Markets take place in October in Sydney.
Find out more here.
3. Breenhold Gardens
We’ve talked about it before, but we love Breenhold Gardens based out near Blue Mountains. As they are only open for a couple of weeks during Spring and Autumn, make the effort to go and be reminded of the English countryside. This place is perfect, yet without the crowds, great for families, couples or friends. Bring a picnic with you as there’s nowhere to eat on site.
When is it? Breenhold Gardens is open from for two weeks at the end of September and is located in Mount Wilson near Blue Mountains. Entrance is usually $10 in cash. Go to the ATM in Katoomba before you arrive.
4. Check out Sydney Fringe Festival
The awesome Sydney Fringe Festival highlights local artists and performers bringing out the cultural side of the city. Best of all it introduces you to parts of Sydney you might never heard of or been to before. Expect performances to take place in hidden bars and areas around Sydney.
When is it? Sydney Fringe Festival takes place throughout September. Find out more about Sydney Fringe Festival right here.
5. Hunt down the jacaranda trees in Sydney
You know when it’s Spring when the absolutely beautiful jacaranda trees some alive. Having lived in Kirribilli, I can confirm McDougall Street in the area is one of the best spots to check out the trees. Be warned, get there very early as it’s an incredibly popular spot for Instagrammers.
If you really want to get stuck in with the jacaranda trees, head over to the Grafton Jacaranda Festival which takes place from October – November which is a good seven hour drive of Sydney.
6. Hang out in Palm Beach Sydney
Palm Beach is a brilliant day trip from Sydney and there’s so much going on there than just visiting the lighthouse that you’ll want to come back time and time again.
With it being just 1 hour from the city, you can get to Palm Beach by public transport if needed as well. Make sure you check out our Best Things To Do In Palm Beach guide before you go!
7. Head over to Floriade Festival
You know Canberra is the only main city in Australia I’ve not been to yet? We’ve been desperate to get down there for Floriade Festival for years now!
Combine your time in Canberra with a hike up to the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko and finish your weekend at the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool.
When is it? Floriade Festival takes place from mid September until mid October in Canberra (3 hour drive from Sydney). Make sure you head over for Night Fest where you can see the flowers all lit up at night time.
Check out our Canberra Guides below:
30 Best Things To Do In Canberra You’ll Love 2023 Guide
10 Reasons To Visit Canberra Floriade Flower Festival
Is Ovolo Nishi In Canberra The Best Hotel In Australia?
8. Jump on board the Riverboat Postman Cruise
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Sydney, head over to the Riverboat Postman Cruise in Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River. It’s easy to get to on the train from Central Station which stops right outside the port. For $48, you’ll get a three hour boat ride complete with lunch and cheap vino on board for a fun afternoon away from it all.
Where is it? The Riverboat Postman is situated on the Hawkesbury River at Brooklyn, one hour North of Sydney. The Riverboat Postman operates during the week from Mon-Fri at 10am and on the weekends on Sundays from 11am. Make sure you read our Riverboat Postman Cruise Review before you go!
9. Newtown Festival
The Newtown Festival is a cracking little festival at Camperdown Rest Park and takes place from 9:30-5:30pm early November.
10. Festival of the Winds
The Festival of the Winds takes place on Bondi Beach early September and is known as one of the largest kite festivals in the world. Bring the kids along as it’s a great day out filled with professional kite flying demonstrations, a circus zone, kids zones and much more.
When is it? Early September, Bondi Beach
11. Go whale watching on a beautiful sailing boat
The humpback whale migration takes place between May – November in Sydney so get yourself aboard the stunning sailing boat with Sydney Eco Whale Watching like we did here and see the incredible species up close.
When is it? May – November, Sydney Harbour
13. Sculpture by the Sea
One of Sydney’s most well loved festivals is the Sculpture by the Sea, a festival which takes over the iconic Sydney – Bronte walk where thousands of tourists and locals come together to go on a self guided tour to see sculptures dotted all over the walking track.
It’s a spectacular art display, just make sure you go either early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. Our tip is to go on the opening day as people tend to wait until towards the end of festivals when they visit them.
When is it? Sculpture by the Sea takes place from the end of October until November at Bondi Beach
14. Go to Listen Out dance festival
If dance music is your thing then make sure you check out Listen Out festival which takes place early October at Centennial Park. With a line up headlining by Flume, it will be an awesome day out which also lands on the long weekend.
When is it? Early October at Centennial Park
Find out more here.
15. Head up to the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is such a spectacular place to visit near Sydney that you’ll never run out of things to do there. Even if hiking isn’t your thing, read about all of our favourite things to do in Blue Mountains here.
Also make sure you go and visit the Leura Gardens Festival which takes place over two weekends in October.
16. All aboard to Wine Island
Wine Island is back, whereby Clark Island in Sydney Harbour is transformed into a wine festival. It’s a session based event so you can either go on the 10am-2pm boat over or on the 4pm-8pm boat.
When is it? First weekend of November, Clarke Island Sydney Harbour
17. It’s Footy Season with NRL & AFL Finals
AFL and NRL football is huge in Australia and the finals are both back to back. Whilst the locals go crazy over the finals, you’ll find they both take place during Spring.
AFL finals take place on final Saturday of September whilst the The NRL final takes place the following weekend.
18. Go sand boarding on the largest sand dunes in Southern Hemisphere
Did you know just a couple of hours north of Sydney lies the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sand dunes near to Port Stephens? Try you hand at sand boarding on this tour or take this tour in a hummer around the dunes to Tin City. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Sydney then definitely check out this post.
19. Manly Jazz Festival
The annual Manly Jazz Festival takes place in early October which is over the October long weekend. Expect to see New Orleans jazz to funk with performances in various indoor and outdoor venues including major stages alongside Manly Beach.
When is it? Manly Jazz Festival takes place in early October around multiple venues in Manly.
20. Visit the Tulip Festival in Bowral
With there being so many flower festivals to choose from in Spring, keep the Tulip Time Festival in Bowral in mind because they put on one of the best displays in Australia.
With over 90,000 tulips in bloom, expect to see parades and market stalls to celebrate. If you’ve not been to Bowral yet, go down for the weekend because it’s a beautiful part of Australia. There’s loads of hikes, wild swimming spots and waterfalls to check out in the area too.
When is it? Tulip Time runs for two weeks from the end of September until early October in Bowral which is in the Kangaroo Valley region, 1h30m drive South of Sydney.
21. Head down to Wollongong
Wollongong is an area that often overlooked by many people passing through on their way further South of Sydney. There’s actually a fair few awesome things to do in the area so make sure you check out this post on why you need to visit.
22. Go Camping Before It Gets Too Hot!
Spring is the perfect time to go camping in Sydney! If you’re new to camping, check out our top 6 essentials you need to take camping. There are loads of free campgrounds around Sydney with loads of hiking and swimming spots to spend quality time with your loved ones. You can read our guide to camping in Sydney here.
23. Light The City with Sydney Rides
Sydney Rides take place over the whole of Spring with more than 32 events taking part in Sydney. One of the highlights is Light The City, a cycle event in the Domain with lights and entertainment on offer. Expect to see a silent disco, a roller skating stage and much more.
When is it? Sydney Rides takes place from from September until November. Light The City takes place on Saturday 21 September from 6pm-11pm.
When is it? Sydney Rides takes place from September until November.
Find out more about Sydney Rides here.
24. Go hiking in Sydney during Spring
There’s no better time to go and explore the incredible hikes around Sydney than in Spring. It’s the perfect time as it’s not too hot but there are some brilliant wild swimming spots around Sydney. Best of all hiking is one of the best free things to do in Sydney ?
25. Oz Comic-Con
Oz Comic-Con features some of the best actors of your favourite cult TV shows like stars from Neflix’s Riverdale. It also showcases comics, anime, video games and more which is perfect for the whole family. Tickets cost around $35 pp.
When is it? Oz Comic-Con takes place at the end of September at the Sydney Showground.
Find out more here.
26. Check out Sydney secret gardens for FREE!
If you’re looking for free things to do in Sydney in Spring and don’t want to travel far, we recommend checking out some of the best secret gardens in Sydney!
27. Explore the city beaches in Sydney
As the weather starts to warm up, we recommend checking out our huge guide on the best 35 city beaches in Sydney. Hear you’ll find some of the quieter beaches that you’ll even be able to find a park without too many problems ?
28. Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley
There’s no time that’s better to visit the Hunter Valley than in Spring time. Check out our guide here to visiting on a budget where you can do a self guided walking wine tour, sunrise balloon rides and much, much more.
29. Jervis Bay
If you’re looking for a weekend away from Sydney, go check out Jervis Bay. This total paradise of a gem has turquoise waters similar to what we’ve seen in the Maldives! It also holds the world’s whitest sand beach, something you need to see for yourself.
30. October Long Weekend
If you’re still unsure what to do during the October long weekend which takes place from Friday 4 – Monday 7 October, check out our guide on the best day trips out of Sydney which can easily be good weekend trips as well
Best things to do in Sydney in Spring
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