The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is back and ready to bloom, as it prepares to bring a “slice of Japan” to Auburn.
Described as Sydney’s most “Instagrammable” flower festival, the annual event will kick off this Saturday and run until Sunday, August 27.
Thousands of visitors are expected to wander through the Cherry Trail at the Auburn Botanic Gardens this year, with multiple sessions set to run throughout the day.
The family-friendly event will also offer a line-up of live entertainment, food and fun activities – including a chance to win a free trip to Japan.
Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said Council is proud to host this iconic event that showcases Japanese culture and the attractions at Auburn Botanic Gardens.
“The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of Japanese culture, traditions and food to mark the cherry blossom trees coming into bloom. We’re looking forward to bringing a ‘Slice of Japan’ to western Sydney,” she said.
“Our program and vendors are really engaged with Japanese culture. As we head into spring it’s a wonderful time of year to get out and experience natural attractions at the Auburn Botanic Gardens.”
Along with snapping plenty of shots of the cherry blossoms, Cumberland Council said visitors will also be able to enjoy activities like the 9-hole mini golf course.
Japanese inspired drinks will be available at the Izakaya Bar, with the Japanese Food Village offering Japanese fusion cuisine from the likes of Tokyo Lamington, Brooklyn Boy Bagels, Thicc Cookies, Onigiri Lab, Chatime, FirePop, OMU, 15cenchi and more.
Sydney based Japanese bakery, 15cenchi, will be making its debut this year, serving authentic Japanese cheesecakes and custard pudding with burnt caramel sauce.
“We are thrilled and delighted to be a part of the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival,” a bakery spokesperson said.
“It provides us with the perfect platform to share our love for Japanese culture and cuisine with the community.”
Eddie Stewart, founder of Tokyo Lamington, said he can’t wait to be back.
“We are so excited to be coming back for more cherry blossom fun again! We have a whole new menu this year with a few surprises,” he said.
With limited parking available near the gardens, festival goers and residents are being encouraged to use Council’s free bus transfers from Auburn Station to the site.
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival tickets are on sale now. To book your tickets, head online to http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.