Best places to visit in NSW this spring

Spring has sprung, at least in the Southern Hemisphere, which means it’s time to phase out the heavy winter jackets and to get back out into nature. And with the days warming up – and the holidays and October long weekend fast approaching – New South Wales has an amazing array of destinations to explore. Which is where our list of spring travel ideas comes in...

Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Sydney, a longer road trip or even a staycation, our list is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for an excuse to see what NSW has to offer.

And did you know that while European culture is accustomed to four seasons a year, First Nations peoples often divide the year into six or even eight seasons? In the Dharug and D’harawal Country where Sydney sprawls, the months of September and October are known respectively as Dugara Guwara or Ngoonungi. Though the changing seasons are measured differently, there are common themes: it’s getting warmer, and flowers are coming out (such as miwa gawaian, which is also called waratah).

Spring day trips near Sydney

If you only have a day here and there to spare, there are plenty of options just a short drive from Sydney that can put you right in the middle of orchards, gardens and mountain towns. Perfect for families or anyone after a quick reset without the overnight stay.

And if you’re looking for the perfect travel companion, download the My NRMA app. It’s an essential guide for NRMA members to benefit from discounts and travel advice.

Brighten up your day in Darkes Forest

Head south from Sydney and you’ll soon hit Darkes Forest just inland from Coalcliff, where the famous Sea Cliff Bridge is. Darkes Forest is home to the annual Apple Pie Day, hosted at Glenbernie Orchard on September 7th. This ticketed event is packed with fun for the family including a petting zoo, old-fashioned lawn games, musical entertainment, and of course the quintessential element – an apple pie competition.

Sample the fine cider on offer to go with fresh-baked pie, then afterwards walk it off at Maddens Falls. Going home, turn south on the highway to take the Bulli Pass, then drive north along the coast to experience the Sea Cliff Bridge for a stunning scenic loop back to the city. If you’re after a caffeine hit to get you home, Saltie Dog in Thirroul is a top stop!

Poke around in Pokolbin

Caption: Rose Garden section of the Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin. Image: Destination NSW

Two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin are in full bloom during spring. From September 27 to October 12, these gorgeous gardens open up with a whole gamut of spring-related activities, including lamb petting, bonsai and beehive workshops, face painting and horticulture talks on the many themed gardens on the premises.

After getting the spring fix with the kidlets, there are of course also plenty of wineries and culinary delights to visit. Every Saturday from September 6th , Sobels Wines hosts the Handmade in the Hunter Markets: the perfect chance to combine wine-tasting with some early Christmas gift shopping. If you plan on making a weekend of it, Twine Restaurant in Pokolbin is a local favourite, and the Blaxland Inn offers somewhere to rest your weary head.

Tiptoe through the tulips in Bowral

Caption: Annual Tulip Time Festival in Corbett Gardens, Bowral. Image: Destination NSW

An hour and a quarter south of Sydney, Bowral turns into a sea of colour during Tulip Time. With the crisp chill of winter finally easing off and winds dying down, more than 100,000 tulips push their way through the soil to bring a dose of cheerful colour. Many are planted across Corbett Gardens, but the full Tulip Trail links neighbouring villages and gardens of Mittagong and Mossvale, spreading the colour across the Southern Highlands.

If you’re looking for a boost of energy to power your tulip-viewing, Janek’s Cafe and Bar and Coffee Culture are a good bet.

Pitch a tent and join the NRMA to camp for connection

With the weather warming up, spring is the perfect time to get outdoors. And what better way to explore NSW than by camping or caravanning? NSW is full of incredible camping spots – NRMA members enjoy discounts at our parks and resorts – and camping is one of the most affordable and accessible ways to explore new destinations, which is especially helpful at a time when Australians are feeling cost of living pressures.

This spring will also see the NRMA introduce its new ‘Camp for Connection’ campaign. Taking place over the weekend of October 25-26, Camp for Connection is a nationwide call out to reclaim the magic of shared experiences. The style is totally up to you: pitch a tent in your backyard, hire a caravan or head to your favourite national park. It’s all about connecting your way. Any bookings made at NRMA Parks and Resorts will also help support kids with cancer, with 50 per cent of all site fees being donated to Camp Quality.

Further afield

When you’ve got a weekend or a couple of days up your sleeve, the longer drives come into play. Inland and coastal towns are bursting with spring festivals, offering a deeper dive into regional life.

Do this in Dungog

Caption: James Theatre, Dungog. Image: Destination NSW

Two and a half hours north-west of Sydney, the country town of Dungog celebrates spring with a community-wide festival aptly named Dun This, Dun That. Across the weekend you’ll find art, theatre, live music and plenty of local food. While you’re there, drop into the historic James Theatre, a rare chance to watch a film in Australia’s oldest purpose-built cinema.

Canola Trail colour pop

Caption: Citrus Sculptures on display at Griffith Spring Fest. Image: Destination NSW

If you’re really after a burst of colour, late September sees the fields turn bright yellow on the Canola Trail between Junee, Temora and Coolamon. While it’s a five hour drive from Sydney, it’s worth the trip to see how these bright flowers transform the landscape into a rolling yellow sea. The drive itself is half the experience, looping through historic towns that invite you to stop for coffee or a country bakery pie. 

Further along the Riverina, Griffith stages its Spring Fest, a two-week celebration in October featuring citrus sculptures and open garden tours. It’s a relaxed time to explore the region’s winemaking heritage, grab a gelato, and sample the region’s produce.

Staycation in Sydney

Sometimes the best spring experiences don’t require a long drive at all. Sydney’s parks, suburbs and nearby ranges offer easy options if you’d rather stay close to home.

Caption: Flora located within the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, St. Ives. Image: Destination NSW

Gabrugal-Yana walk in Western Sydney

Caption: Artwork along the Gabrugal Yana bushwalk. Image: Greater Sydney Parklands

Closer to home, the Dharug seasons come to life on the Gabrugal-Yana track in Western Sydney Parklands. Guided walks explain how plants, animals and skies mark seasonal change. The 11km track takes 4-4.5 hours and includes six ‘art trees’ that help tell the story of the Dharug annual cycle. It also offers spectacular views of Gulamada (the Blue Mountains) and is a reminder that spring has been observed and celebrated here for thousands of years.

Springwood Spring Festival

If you’re chasing a classic street fair atmosphere, Springwood delivers on the third Saturday in September with its annual Spring Festival. Expect market stalls, music and a parade through the village centre. This non-profit event is easy to get to, too – just hop on the train and disembark at Springwood Station.

For those after a more sophisticated experience, the Jazz and Wine event on October 18th at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge offers an afternoon of live music and local wine, while The Laneway offers a locally sourced bite.

Discover Ku-ring-gai's hidden secret

In Sydney's north, the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden explodes with seasonal blooms. This tucked-away pocket of pristine bushland comes alive across 123 hectares, where numerous bush tracks invite exploration to make a down-to-earth day with the kids.

There are plenty of affordable discovery activities on offer, too: families can, for example, take part in the D’harawal “Season of Ngoonungi” nature play sessions that connect First Nations knowledge with hands-on activities. Finish off the day with a bite at Stanley St Cafe, St Ives.