Late October to mid November is considered jacaranda season in the Hawkesbury. There are now some magnificent trees on display already and some just starting to show their purple blooms.

The local jacarandas are admired for their stunning purple displays and magical lilac petal scatterings. It's an Instagrammers dream with plenty of stunning photo ops - many with heritage building backdrops!

Jacarandas are well distributed throughout populated areas of Australia, tricking many of us into thinking they may be an Australian native, which they are not.

Whilst there are over 30 species of Jacaranda, the one we see here is the Jacaranda Mimosifolia.  The stunning purple flowered tree originates from South America, more specifically the North West of Argentina and into regions of Bolivia.

It’s a relatively tough specimen which grows well in harsh arid conditions therefore making it a good fit for Australian streets and suburban parks.

The first Jacarandas were brought into Australia in the 1850’s. Best sprouted from fresh seed rather than stale seeds brought in by ships the seeds would have been often years old. Australian gardeners therefore struggled to propagate the sought after tree.

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens led the way and had one of the first successful plantings of the species in 1855.

The Sydney Botanic Gardens weren’t far behind; their own first fruitful planting is reported to have been in the late 1850s or early 1860s. A horticulturalist from Double Bay managed to discover a method of propagating from cuttings in 1868 making the tree readily available to gardeners. The popularity of the tree increased as people became aware of its beauty and suitability to our tough climate.

There is no better time to get outdoors to enjoy them in the Hawkesbury -  hurry as blossoming is short and the peak can be gone in a couple of weeks!  Our favourite jacaranda locations are:

Windsor
- Court Street
- Pitt Street
- The Terrace (in Howe Park)
- George Street (in Governor Phillip Park)
- Bridge Street (near the Toll House) and
- Thompson Square

Richmond

- Lennox Street
- Toxana Street (near Francis Street)
- Windsor Street (Richmond Park)
- Bourke Street, Dight Street (near Icely Park).

North Richmond

- Beaumont Ave (in Hanna Park), North Richmond.

Jacaranda Trail Itinerary

The Hawkesbury is great place for a day out and Jacaranda season gives you the ultimate reason to visit. Just an hour from Sydney and so easy to access from the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, South Coast and Hunter regions. Allow a few hours or a whole day to really take in the sights. There’s so much to see, even stay the night, so you can keep exploring!

Here’s a suggested itinerary of our favourite Jacaranda locations, as above.

As you begin your jacaranda adventure, make your first stop the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre. The perfect place to grab information, local maps and ask any questions. Be sure to pick up some local merchandise before you leave, we have a great range of local products that make great stocking stuffers or treats for yourself. We are open 9-4pm 7 days. Grab a coffee at the Valleyway Café next door and then you’re on your way!

Head to Windsor and park your car in ‘The Terrace’ and here begins your first jacaranda trail. Walk along The Terrace under Windsor Bridge towards Governor Phillip Park. Be sure to look back at the Doctors House framed by beautiful jacarandas. Walk down Palmer Street stopping at Pitt Street then down Court Street. Once you get to Windsor Road turn left for a short detour down the footpath to the Toll House. Turn back and head up along Windsor Rd towards Thompson Square. When you’ve taken in all those purple delights head around the corner to the Hawkesbury Regional Museum for some Hawkesbury history or head to one of our many cafés in the centre of town. Tip: The Windsor Mall Craft Market is held every Sunday in the Windsor Mall.

Next stop Richmond. The Jacarandas here are scattered throughout the town so take the scenic route. From the main road in (Hawkesbury Valley Way), turn right into Pitt St, continue to the end, turn left into Clarendon St and left into Dight St. View the jacarandas here in Icely Park. Now head down Dight Street and turn right into Frances Street. Take the first on the left into Bourke Street where you will drive past beautiful jacarandas. Turn right into Lennox Street for more purple sightings. Drive into Windsor Street find a parking spot and view the jacaranda in Richmond Park. This may be a good time for a meal break and what better place than the Bank Café with its spectacular jacaranda in the courtyard. There’s also plenty of other cafés and eateries within an easy walk. Take a wander along to Toxana Street if you are still wanting more. Tip: If you visit on a Saturday, you will find the Richmond Good Food Markets near the oval.

End your Jacaranda adventure with a visit to Hanna Park in North Richmond, just across the mighty Hawkesbury River. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the stunning sights walking along the riverside path.