Sydney in autumn brings mild sunny days, clear skies, and vibrant foliage, ideal for open-air adventures. During the cooler months of this shoulder season, Google searches for what to do in Sydney during autumn always surge.
Visiting this time lets you enjoy everything from nature walks to scenic harbour views. This guide highlights the best things to do in autumn in Sydney for families, couples, and travellers.
Exploring Sydney’s best spots for scenic autumn landscapes
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales (NSW), bursts with colour each autumn. Stroll through parks and gardens in Greater Sydney for a seasonal fun experience.
Explore breathtaking autumn views at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
- Address: Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah NSW 2758
- Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Many travellers wondering where to see autumn leaves in Sydney are usually directed here. Plan your visit for mid-April to enjoy peak colours and crisp mountain air.
Discover vibrant autumn foliage at Auburn Botanic Gardens
- Address: Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144
- Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This is a family-friendly spot with wildlife enclosures and lakes. Arrive early on weekends to beat crowds and enjoy the best views.
Unwind with an outdoor picnic at Barangaroo Reserve
- Address: Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Barangaroo Reserve is one of the city’s popular picnic spots, especially in autumn when the weather is mild. Choose a spot on the terraced headlands for some of the best harbour views.
Exciting outdoor adventures for thrill seekers in Sydney
For adventure seekers, Sydney’s autumn outdoor activities offer plenty of fun. Below are some of the best things to do in Sydney for adventurers of all levels.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Address: Sydney Hbr Brg, Sydney NSW
This iconic climb delivers panoramic views across the harbour. Book a twilight climb for stunning sunsets followed by the city lights coming alive.
Paddle by the iconic Opera House
- Address: Lavender Bay, Sydney NSW
- Opening hours: Tours run daily, starting around 5:30 am
This early-morning paddle is one of the most unique things to do in autumn in Sydney. Guides often pause under the Harbour Bridge for rare photo angles and share stories about the city’s history from the water.
Go kayaking on Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson Bay)
- Address: Port Jackson Bay
- Opening hours: Most kayak tours run daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to explore hidden coves and bushland. Morning tours offer calmer waters and fewer boats on the harbour.
Try canyoning in the Blue Mountains
- Address: New South Wales, Australia
Guided canyoning tours explore rainforest gullies, waterfalls and sandstone canyons, with many suited to beginners and including abseiling practice.
Horse riding in bushland areas
Sydney’s outskirts offer nature outings on horseback for all skill levels. The two locations below provide a fun way to explore Sydney’s outdoors.
- Royal National Park: Explore bushland trails on horseback through eucalyptus forests and coastal escarpments.
- Centennial Park: Ride along dedicated equestrian tracks in one of Sydney’s most historic parks.
Autumn days out: family-friendly outdoor fun in Sydney
Pack a picnic and enjoy these outdoor activities that combine hiking, education, and quality family time.
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
- Opening hours: Daily: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pair your visit to this waterfront garden with a ferry trip to Rose Bay, Sydney, for beachside dining or a relaxed coastal walk.
Explore kid-friendly zoos and wildlife parks in Sydney
These family-friendly parks allow kids to feed kangaroos and see koalas up close.
Taronga Zoo
- Address: Bradley’s Head Rd, Mosman NSW
- Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
This world-class zoo houses over 4,000 animals. If time allows, take a scenic ferry from here to nearby Watsons Bay, Sydney, for beautiful harbour views and a relaxed coastal walk.
Sydney Zoo
- Address: 700 Great Western Hwy, Eastern Creek NSW 2766
- Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
It is located in Western Sydney and features open-range habitats with native and exotic species. Plan to stay for at least half a day to explore the large grounds comfortably.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Address: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767
- Opening hours: Daily: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
This park lets visitors hand-feed kangaroos and meet Australia’s iconic wildlife. Arrive early to enjoy quieter encounters before the midday crowds.
Experience Luna Park Sydney with your children
- Address: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW
This historic amusement park lights up the harbour with vintage rides and games, and is one of Sydney’s most photographed landmarks, especially at night.
Romantic outdoor outings for couples in Sydney this autumn
Below are the perfect date ideas for lovebirds:
Enjoy a sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour
- Address: Circular Quay, Sydney NSW
- Opening hours: Cruises depart daily from around 5:00 pm
See Sydney sparkle from the water as the sun dips below the Harbour Bridge. This romantic experience is perfect for couples seeking outdoor activities with stunning views.
Have a beachside walk at Bondi Beach
- Address: Bondi Beach, Bondi NSW 2026
Autumn’s calm weather makes this beach the perfect spot for sunset strolls. For a longer walk, follow the Bondi to Bronte coastal trail for sweeping ocean views.
Soak in hot outdoor pools amid autumn colours at the Japanese Bath House, Blue Mountains
- Address: 259 Sir Thomas Mitchell Dr, South Bowenfels NSW
- Opening hours: Friday: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Couples love the luxury outdoor onsen pools surrounded by fiery autumn maples. It offers natural mineral water baths and steam rooms for a full ritual experience.
Top seasonal autumn events in Sydney to discover
Autumn brings a lively events calendar to Sydney, with lots of festivals. Here are some fun things to do in autumn in Sydney that add local culture to your trip.
Catch open-air jazz concerts at The Rocks Square
- Address: Playfair St, The Rocks NSW 2000
- Opening hours: Thursday evenings: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Historic Rocks Square comes alive with free jazz performances under fairy lights.
Sample fresh produce at Sydney’s outdoor farmers’ markets
Meet local producers and explore the market with friends or family.
Paddy’s Markets (Haymarket)
- Address: Shop R1.05/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
- Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
This is Sydney’s oldest market, which sells produce, street food, and quirky souvenirs and homewares in a lively setting.
Carriageworks Farmers Market (Eveleigh)
- Address: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
- Opening hours: Every Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
A trendy market in an old railway workshop, featuring organic veggies, gourmet cheeses, and food stalls.
Bondi Farmers Market (Bondi Beach)
- Address: Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
- Opening hours: Every Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bondi Farmers Market brings fresh produce, baked goods, and live music together on the lawns of Bondi Beach each weekend.
Make lasting memories in Sydney this autumn with L’Abode Accommodation
Looking for the perfect base near Sydney’s autumn highlights? L’Abode Accommodation offers a wide range of luxury holiday accommodation in Sydney, tailored to suit couples, families, and groups.
From stylish apartments to luxury houses for rent in Sydney, each property combines comfort and hotel-quality service. After a day of exploring, unwind in a space that feels truly yours.
Browse L’Abode’s Sydney accommodation options and start planning your autumn escape today.