15 of the best things to do in Sydney this spring

With sunny days and (fingers crossed) no humidity, blooming flowers, plenty of exciting events and a general sense of excitement to be outdoors again, spring may just be the best time of year in Sydney. Tick these activities off your spring to-do list.

Destination NSW

2025年9月 - 5 分鐘閱讀

Snap a selfie under a jacaranda

From Paddington to The Rocks, large swathes of Sydney are painted with the lilac hues of jacarandas throughout spring. Arguably the best place to snap a selfie under a blooming canopy is in the North Shore suburb of Kirribilli. Here, McDougall Street is transformed into a fairytale of flowers every year, with tree branches arching over the road to create a dreamlike purple dome. But there are plenty of other purple photo spots to be found around Sydney.

Person taking photos of the jacaranda trees along Oxford Street, Paddington

Jacarandas, Paddington

Check out a gallery – outdoors and by the sea

One of the standout events in Sydney during spring is the annual Sculpture by the Sea, where parts of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk transform into an outdoor gallery. Running from late October to early November, this iconic exhibition showcases over 100 sculptures from Australian and international artists, all set against the stunning backdrop of Bondi and Tamarama beaches. As you stroll along the clifftop paths, you can admire the creative masterpieces while soaking in the sea breeze and panoramic views — making it a truly unique spring experience.

Read more: A guide to Sculpture by the Sea

Sculpture by the Sea's 'Social Distance 2020' Sculpture - artist Barbara Licha

Sculpture by the Sea festival, Bondi

Do brunch at The Grounds

Arriving at The Grounds of Alexandria, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the country, thanks to the sustainable garden, small farm animals, themed laneways, fountains and canopies of green overhead. In actual fact, you’re just 5km from the centre of Sydney in a former industrial precinct turned urban oasis. Pick up jam doughnuts from old-fashioned stalls while you decide where to eat: in The Cafe (brews are made using house-roasted beans); the Potting Shed (try and nab a swinging seat); or in the courtyard Garden (where wood-fired pizzas and barbecue rule).

The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria

Get inspired at SXSW Sydney

A vibrant festival that brings together creative minds from around the world, SXSW Sydney is much more than just a ‘conference’. Showcasing cutting-edge music, film and technology, SXSW offers a dynamic lineup of performances, screenings, gigs and talks that spark innovation and creativity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, immersing yourself in this energetic event is a fantastic way to experience Sydney’s cultural pulse and discover fresh ideas in a buzzing spring atmosphere.

Read more: A guide to SXSW Sydney 2025

SXSW Sydney

Get away from the crowds at a secret beach

Does anything compare to dipping your toes in the water for your first swim of spring? Yes, in fact. Doing so away from the crowds at a lesser-known stretch of sand. Tucked away and often less crowded, spots like Congwong Beach near La Perouse or Collins Flat Beach near Manly offer crystal-clear waters and stunning views without so much hustle and bustle.

Read more: The best secret beaches in Sydney

Congwong Beach - Credit: Department of Planning and Environment

Congwong Beach, La Perouse - Credit: Department of Planning and Environment

Jump onboard a scenic ferry trip

A scenic ferry trip is one of the best ways to take in Sydney’s natural beauty during the spring months. With the weather warming up, hop aboard a ferry from Circular Quay and enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the sparkling waters of the harbour. Whether you're cruising to Manly, Watsons Bay or exploring other charming spots beyond the main sights (think Bundeena, Palm Beach and Parramatta), the gentle breeze and bright blue spring skies will make this quintessential Sydney experience even better.

Take to the skies at Bondi

Every September, Sydney’s Festival of the Winds fills the skies above Bondi Beach with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re flying your own or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, this family-friendly event is a fun day out, offering kite-making workshops, entertainment and spectacular kite displays against the backdrop of the sparkling ocean.

Festival of the Winds, Bondi Beach

Drink in the views from a rooftop bar

Now the sun is (hopefully) shining, sipping a cocktail and taking in the breathtaking views from one of Sydney’s many rooftop bars is a must. Whether you're overlooking the CBD skyline, the sparkling harbour or the trendy backstreets of our Inner City neighbourhoods, bask in the warmer evenings and lively atmosphere, and unwind as the sun sets and the city comes alive.

The Light Brigade, Woollahra

Challenge yourself by joining a run club

Spring is a fantastic time to join a run club in Sydney, where you can enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and coastal paths while getting active and meeting new people. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, there are plenty of clubs catering to all fitness levels, offering group jaunts through iconic spots like Centennial Park, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk and along the harbour. The fresh spring air, along with the energy and camaraderie of running with others, makes it a motivating way to experience the outdoors while staying fit this season.

Coastal run, Freshwater Beach

Enjoy some fresh air with a pop-up picnic

With the weather warming up, it’s the ideal time to enjoy a pop-up picnic experience in Sydney’s beautiful parks and gardens. Whether you opt for an adventure full of riddles and clues (and a secret final picnic destination) with AmazingCo or something a bit more luxurious like a seaplane flight paired with a secluded lunch on a Sydney Harbour island, it’s a delightful way to relax and soak up the sunshine – and also a fun date idea or group activity.

Get your party on during Sydney Fringe Festival

An entire month filled with over 450 exciting events hosted in more than 70 venues across Greater Sydney? That can only mean one thing: Sydney Fringe Festival is back. Featuring a diverse lineup of theatre, comedy, music and visual arts, paired with its community-driven atmosphere, the annual festival offers an exciting way to dive into the city’s creative scene while enjoying the contagious energy of spring.

Read more: A guide to Sydney Fringe Festival

Credit: Sydney Fringe Festival

Rise with the sun (and with a dip)

With daylight savings kicking in, spring mornings in Sydney offer the perfect opportunity to start the day with a refreshing dip in one of the city’s stunning ocean pools. As the sun rises and the water is still cool and inviting, a swim in places like Bondi Icebergs or Bronte Baths feels like a rejuvenating way to embrace the season.

Sunrise over Bondi Icebergs

Go alfresco at an outdoor dining spot

With its mild temperatures, spring in Sydney is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s alfresco dining scene. Whether you’re sipping a coffee by the harbour or indulging in fresh seafood with a view, Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and its eateries are primed to make the most of its natural assets.

The Newport, Newport

Day trip to a flower festival

Travel 1.5 hours southwest of Sydney’s CBD to attend one of Australia’s oldest flower festivals. Each spring, tens of thousands of bulbs burst into bloom for the Tulip Time Festival in the Southern Highlands, transforming the beautiful Corbett Gardens in Bowral into a sea of colour. There are also market stalls, art installations, live music and roving performers.

Read more: A guide to Tulip Time Festival

Tulip Time Festival, Bowral

Escape the city on a camping trip

If you’re craving a break from the city buzz, escape to one of Sydney’s nearby campsites for the weekend among nature. Just a short drive from the city, spots like Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offer peaceful settings where you can reconnect with nature amid blooming wildflowers and fresh spring air. Some options are even closer to home for those short on time (or patience for longer car trips!), such as Cockatoo Island and Lane Cove National Park.