Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2023

Overview

Hanami and Japan go hand in hand, but what if you could indulge in the art of flower viewing a bit closer to home? Well, that's where the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival comes in. It's an annual celebration of everyone's favourite pink flora in Sydney's west.

Between Saturday, August 19–Sunday, August 27, the Auburn Botanic Gardens will transform its Japanese Gardens into a beautiful, blooming wonderland for 2023. Across the nine days, you'll be able to ramp up your appreciation of the fleeting natural phenomena that is cherry blossom season by viewing the eye-catching blooms in the leadup to spring. Tis the season, after all.

Taking in the spectacular scenery isn't the only thing you'll be doing. There'll be a Japanese food village serving up an array of bites inspired by the country's culinary culture. Also on offer: a nine-hole mini-golf course, traditional Japanese musical performances, origami workshops, flower-arranging demonstrations and DJs spinning Japanese city pop tunes.

Each day, you can choose between three different sessions depending on when you want to explore the festival. Tickets are free for Cumberland City Council residents — or else entry will set you back $15.30 for an adult, $6.65 for kids aged between five and 16, or $41.85 for a family. Children under five are also free if you want to take your little ones.

Images: Destination NSW.