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Native tree of subtropical regions of South America, Jacaranda trees became popular in gardens and town alleys all over the world in the early 20th century. Due to the beautiful purple flowering that carpets everything around the tree is now spread through all the continents including Australia. You can even find a reference in Aussie folk culture. A poem by Lesley Sabogal, Christmas Where The Gum Trees Grow, has following lines:

Christmas where the gum trees grow
There is no frost and there is no snow
Christmas in Australia’s hot
Cold and frosty is what it’s not
When the bloom of the Jacaranda tree is here
Christmas time is near

From late October and over the November carpet of purple-blue flowers under the magnificent trees looks no less than magical. Add a historic sandstone building background of which there is no shortage in Sydney and place becomes a frame out of a fantasy movie. Interestingly enough Jacaranda is a deciduous tree not because it evolved to avoid cold winters, but rather dry seasons common in its tropical homeland. It keeps with the habit even here in Sydney where there is no distinct dry season and winters are not that cold.

Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

Royal Botanic Garden located right in the Sydney city is a great place to visit in spring. The colourful season starts with different varieties of tulips blooming late August to early September which then hands it over to cherries blossoms in October. There are quite a few scenic spots to be enjoyed with all favourite views over the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline. In late October and November you cannot go past the grand Jacarandas accentuating their presence with the colour blast. I especially like late afternoons when sun gets lower to skyscrapers and is shining through Jacarandas’ little trumpets with golden light.

Jacaranda and the palms at Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

Circular Quay

One of the central and most popular Sydney’s locations in any season is an area of Circular Quay. What many people don’t know, however, is that you can escape the crowds and get an elevated view over the blooming Jacarandas at the Quay with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the frame if you go up to the Cahill Expressway pedestrian walkway (stairs from Macquarie Street, or an elevator at the east corner of Circular Quay station ground level).

View on Circular Quay jacaranda trees from Cahill Expressway pedestrian walkway

Cathedral Street

Cathedral Street in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo is one of the hidden city gems. I discovered it by chance while jogging during one of afternoons. Going up to Dowling Street I got surrounded by Jacarandas blooming all over me. When I turned around the top of Sydney Tower was peeking through creating quite a scenic photo composition which I keep coming back to every year since.

Jacarandas in Bloom on Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, Australia

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McDougall Street

Just across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the shores of Kirribilli suburb is another worth to visit display of Jacarandas in Sydney. Dozens of trees line up along the McDougall Street creating beautiful alley of colour. Being close to the Milson Park and with the bay nearby location does get a lot of traffic, so arrive early if you like to have it for yourself or take it easy and relax with a picnic in a park to absorb the colour overload.

Alley of jacarandas at the McDougall Street, Kirribilli

University of Sydney Quadrangle

There are many Jacaranda trees at the grounds of University of Sydney, however, the giant Jacaranda at the Quadrangle is on top of my list of displays in Sydney. The majestic tree was planted around 90 years ago for the visit of Duke and Duchess of York and is enjoyed by everyone since then.

Under the jacaranda tree at the University Of Sydney Quadrangle

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The grounds of the University are vast. One can spend good few hours exploring one faculty after another and walking under the numerous Jacaranda trees planted along the walking path. Taking a break under one of them is a wonderful way to enjoy gentle spring weather and get best of the location.

What’s your favourite spot?

Students enjoying a picnic under the jacaranda at University Of Sydney