Event details
When: Saturday 22 August to Sunday 30 August, 9am to 4:45pm daily
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens. Chiswick Road, Auburn
Cumberland City Council’s premier and award-winning Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival returns this August. Held over 9 enchanting days, Auburn Botanic Gardens transforms into a canopy of delicate pink blossoms combined with Japanese culture, cuisine and creativity.
Festival tickets
All festival tickets must be pre-booked online for entry into the festival.
Cumberland resident entry to the festival is free, however tickets are required to be pre-booked to reserve your spot as numbers are capped within the gardens.
Unfortunately, there are no sales booths at the event and door sales are not available. No entry will be permitted to the venue without a ticket.
Companion Card Holders - A ticket holder requiring a companion card will need to contact the Oztix Customer Experience team via email info@oztix.com.au. The request needs to provide proof of the paid ticket order along with photographic proof of carer card to enable the Customer Experience team to issue a companion card ticket for the day.
For further information visit Festival ticket FAQs
Group bookings
Group bookings do not attract any additional discount.
Bookings up to 20
- For bookings of up to 20, complete two transactions until you have the total number of tickets required. Get tickets
- The maximum number of tickets per single transaction is 10 tickets.
Bookings of 21 or more
- For Group Bookings of 21 tickets or more, please complete the group bookings form
- For School Groups from Cumberland Local Government area, student and teacher entry is free.
- For School Groups outside Cumberland LGA price per students is $7.90 and $15.80 per teacher/adult.
What's happening at the festival
Daily from 9am to 4:45pm
The Cherry Blossom Trail
Take a self-guided walk through our Japanese Gardens and experience the wonder of our cherry blossom trees in different parts of the garden.
Daily from 9am to 4:45pm
Eat and Drink
The festival offers an authentic culinary journey that delights every palate. From a wide selection of traditional Japanese street eats to innovative fusion dishes.
Various days and times
The Sakura Stage
Experience the beating heart of the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival at The Sakura Stage, where the rich heritage of Japan comes alive through captivating traditional and contemporary performances.
Daily from 9am to 4:30pm
Takumi Pavilion
Step into the heart of Japanese tradition at the Takumi Pavilion. A lively hub where creativity, culture, and hands-on learning come together to spark wonder for all ages.
Daily from 9am to 4:45pm
The Zen Zone
Amid the colour, music and excitement of the festival, discover a peaceful escape designed for rest, reflection and rejuvenation at the Zen Zone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket?
All festival patrons require a ticket, including residents of the Cumberland Local Government Area. Tickets are required to ensure the venue does not exceed its maximum capacity.
How much are tickets?
Ticket Type | Price |
Cumberland City Council Resident | Free |
Children (4 years and under) | Free |
Children (5 to 16 years) | $7.90 |
Adults (17+) | $15.80 |
Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children aged 5-16 years) | $44.50 |
Senior Card Holders | $7.90 |
Companion Card Holders | Free |
All prices are subject to additional booking/ticket delivery fees.
Can children attend the festival alone?
Parents/carers must supervise their children at all times when accessing Council venues, programs and events. Children aged 12 years and under must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible adult aged 18 years or over at all times while attending the festival. Young people aged 13 years and over may attend without a parent or guardian; however, Cumberland City Council recommends that parents/carers assess their child's maturity, ability to manage emergencies and travel arrangements before permitting independent attendance.
Where are the Cherry Blossom trees located?
The Cherry Blossom Trail is located inside the traditional-style Japanese Garden.
Are there guided tours of the gardens?
No. Festival patrons are invited to explore the Japanese Gardens and view the cherry blossoms. Please follow staff instructions and observe all ‘No Entry’ signs for your safety.
Is the Cherry Blossom trail accessible?
The full trail is not completely accessible due to narrow paths (approximately 83cm width at the narrow bridge).
An Express Cherry Blossom Trail is available and recommended for double prams, wheelchairs. This route is also a quick option for those wishing to view the famous Cherry Arbour.
How long does it take to walk the Cherry Blossom trail?
The time can vary depending on crowd levels, but most visitors spend 20–40 minutes walking through and enjoying the trail, with additional time often spent taking photos.
Can I touch or pick Cherry Blossoms
No. To preserve the trees we ask that patrons respect our venue by not touching, pulling or picking the flowers. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in removal from the festival.
When is the best time to visit the Cherry Blossom trail?
Weekdays and early morning sessions are generally less crowded. Weekends are extremely busy and may sell out.
What happens if it rains?
The trail remains open in light rain. However, conditions may become slippery. Please follow staff advice and take care when walking.
Can I take photos on the Cherry Blossom trail?
Yes. Photography is encouraged. Please be mindful of other visitors and follow staff directions to keep pathways moving safely.
How do I get to the festival?
We encourage all patrons attending to catch public transport and plan your trip visit https://transportnsw.info/#/.
I am driving to the festival. Where can I park?
Street parking around Auburn Botanic Gardens is limited. To avoid fines, please observe all parking signage and do not block resident driveways.
Additional parking is available in Tavistock Avenue and Killeen Street, approximately a 5 minute walk to the venue.
I am travelling by train. Are shuttle buses available?
Free shuttle buses will operate on festival days between 8:30am and 5:30pm, running in a continuous loop between Auburn Train Station and Auburn Botanic Gardens approximately every 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
We are travelling as a group and will be on a bus/coach. where can we park?
Limited bus and coach parking is available in Killeen Street, Auburn.
Unfortunately, we are unable to reserve parking spaces in advance. While our team will do our best to assist upon arrival, parking cannot be guaranteed.
To improve your chances of securing suitable parking, we recommend arriving early. Please allow extra time, particularly during peak arrival periods, as parking availability may be limited.
I am riding my bicycle or scooter to the festival. Can I take this into the venue?
Bicycles and scooters are not permitted inside the festival venue. If you ride to the event, you will need to leave your bicycle or scooter outside the venue and bring your own lock to secure it to the designated fencing or bike parking area. Please note that any bicycle or scooter left outside the venue is the responsibility of its owner.
Where can I drop and pick up festival visitors?
Entry to the festival drop zone is via Killeen Street, Auburn.
This zone is designated for quick drop-offs and pick-ups, including taxis, UBER, buses and rideshare services.
Please do not use bus zones for drop-off or pick-up.
What are the conditions of entry for this festival?
The following items and/or activities are prohibited from the venue:
Airhorns and silly string
Animals (except for registered assistance animals)
Alcohol
Smoking/vaping
Glass
Fireworks, flares or explosives
Illegal substances
Weapons or knives
Scooters/Bikes
Drones
Chairs
Marquees or any other temporary infrastructure
Removing flora and fauna out of the park
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all patrons must follow the Festival Conditions of Entry and staff directions. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in refusal of entry or removal from the venue.
Is there accessible parking available?
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available at the venue. We recommend arriving early, as spaces cannot be reserved and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid accessible parking permit must be displayed.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Many areas of the venue are accessible via sealed and paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility aids. Please note that some areas may include uneven surfaces, sloped pathways, grassed areas, or gravel paths due to the natural landscape of the gardens.
Are accessible toilets available?
Yes. There will be a number of accessible toilet facilities throughout the festival.
Is accessible seating available?
Seating is available throughout the festival. However, availability may be limited during busy periods.
I have sensory sensitivities. Are there quieter areas available?
There are a few outdoor spaces that may provide a break from the busy event areas. We recommend visiting The Zen Zone.
Can I bring medication and/or medical equipment into the festival?
Yes. Essential medications and medical equipment are permitted.
What should I do if I require assistance during the festival?
Please visit the Information Tent where staff will be able to provide you with assistance and information. Staff are also available throughout the event site.
Can I bring my pet with me to the festival?
Pets are not permitted inside of Auburn Botanic Gardens unless they are a registered assistance animal. This is to protect the gardens ecosystem and wildlife.
Qualified Assistance Dogs can accompany their handler into Auburn Botanic Gardens.
Permits for assistance animals will need to be sighted by staff and approved permits are from:
- Transport for NSW permit
- Guide Dogs Australia
- Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs
- MindDog Australia or
- Australian Lion Hearing Dogs.
Assistance animals need to be registered with Council and owners are required to provide onsite Event staff with evidence of said registration.
More information can be found at: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/microchipping-and-registration
What is an assistance animal?
Assistance animals are different from emotional support animals as they are specifically trained to perform identifiable tasks to create independence and/or quality of life.
Emotional support animals are not recognised by law. They do not have public access rights and are not protected by disability anti-discrimination laws if they and their owner are refused entry to a venue.
Council has authority to request reasonable proof that your animal is a genuine assistance animal.
Do I need proof for my service animal?
Yes. Patrons may be required to present valid accreditation or identification for their service animal upon entry.
Are there any conditions for bringing a service animal?
Assistance animals must:
Remail in the control of their handler at all times.
Be on a leash, harness or appropriate restraint unless otherwise required for their role.
Not pose a risk to other patrons.
Not damage garden areas or interact with plant life, including the cherry blossom trees.
Is there water or relief areas available for service animals?
Basic water access may be available; however, patrons are encouraged to bring their own water and any necessary supplies. Please use designated waste disposal areas.
What happens if a service animal causes disruption?
For the safety and comfort of all patrons, any assistance animal behaving in a disruptive or unsafe manner may result in the patron being asked to rectify the situation or, if necessary, leave the venue.
Can staff assist me during my visit?
Yes. Festival staff are available to assist with directions, accessible routes, and general support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Where are the toilets located?
Park toilets are located near the Amphitheatre of Auburn Botanic Gardens. Additional portable toilets as well as accessible portable toilets are available throughout the festival site.
Are wheelchairs available for hire?
No. Wheelchairs are not available for hire at the festival.
Is there a cloakroom or lockers available at the festival?
No. Cloakroom and lockers are not available. Patrons must keep all personal belongings (including bags, hats, prams, umbrellas) with them at all times.
Are ATM's available?
Yes. ATMs are available at the festival. Most vendors also accept card and digital wallet payments.
Will there be a road closure in place for this festival?
Road closures will be in place on Chiswick Road, Auburn from 22-30 August 2026 to ensure the safety of festival patrons.
Access to West Street will be restricted to local residents only.
For enquires or concerns, please contact Council’s Events Team on 8757 9020.
I live in Auburn how will this festival affect me?
Residents and businesses near Auburn Botanical Gardens are advised to expect increased traffic, pedestrian activity and noise during the festival period.
If you have any concerns or would like further information, please contact Council’s Events Coordinator on 8757 9000.
I have lost an item. Who do I contact?
Please email events@cumberland.nsw.gov.au with a description of the item and its last known location.
Items will be logged in the Lost Property Register and you will be contacted if the item is found.
If the item is valuable or essential (e.g. wallet, ID, phone), you are encouraged to also report it to Police.
Wanting more information?
Should you require any further information, contact Council’s Coordinator Events on 8757 9000.
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