The jacaranda season might be the best time to visit Brisbane. When they bloom, the city becomes a lovely purple paradise. But, this beauty doesn’t last long. Usually, jacaranda trees in Brisbane show off their purple flowers for about a month, from late September to early November. Just keep an eye out because the timing can change a bit!
For just a short time, around two weeks, Brisbane becomes a purple paradise with jacaranda trees in full bloom, carpeting the ground with their lovely flowers.
The usual time for these beautiful trees to show their colours used to be from mid to late October, depending on how cold the winter was. However, in 2018 and 2020, they surprised us by starting to bloom in mid-September after a warm winter. This suggests that the Jacaranda season might be coming a bit earlier now. In 2021, I captured my first photo of a blooming jacaranda tree on September 18th, and they were still looking gorgeous, with flowers all around, a month later. In 2022 and 2023, we noticed the first jacaranda blooms at the end of September, and by mid-October, they were in full bloom, painting the town in purple once again.
Purple flowers pop up all over Brisbane. Surprisingly, jacaranda trees aren’t originally from Australia; they actually come from South America. Back in the 60s, Brisbane Council began planting these trees in parks and even shared some with residents for free. Now, during spring, they fill the town with dazzling colours. It’s an exciting time for everyone to walk around the city, whether you’re a visitor or living in Brisbane!
Did you miss the jacaranda season in Brisbane?
Don’t be too sad if you couldn’t catch a glimpse of the best jacaranda trees from my list below. Right after that, the flamboyant tree season arrives, and it also brings vibrant colours to Brisbane. Personally, I find them just as stunning as the jacaranda trees.
If you’re planning your trip to Brisbane and looking for accommodation, check out these tips.
The best places to find jacaranda trees in Brisbane
No need to go hunting for jacaranda trees when you’re out and about in Brisbane. They pop up all over the place. But I do have some special spots that I absolutely love for enjoying the jacaranda beauty. These spots offer perfect settings for leisurely strolls and soaking in the lovely views. You can use the numbers to find their locations on the map at the end of this article.
1. Jacaranda trees at the University of Queensland (UQ)
My top spot for a wonderful walk in Brisbane during the jacaranda tree season is the Saint Lucia campus. It’s my absolute favourite. The pond in the park, surrounded by jacaranda trees, adds to its charm. And those jacaranda trees by the University of Queensland’s main building are simply stunning. You can either take a bike or enjoy a leisurely walk around the campus. For the best jacaranda tree route around UQ Campus, check out this map!
The University of Queensland regularly hosts a special event during the Brisbane Jacaranda season called “Bloom.” This festival is a one-of-a-kind chance to experience the jacaranda trees at night, thanks to the beautiful light displays adorning the gardens and trees along Jacaranda Lane.
2. Jacaranda trees at New Farm Park
New Farm Park is a strong contender on my list of top spots to admire jacaranda trees in Brisbane. These trees line the park’s edges, and it’s a picture-perfect scene when the sun is out. A great idea is to take a bike ride from New Farm to the UQ campus in Saint Lucia, following the river for a wonderful experience.
3. Jacaranda trees along the Brisbane River
Strolling, jogging, or biking by the river is always delightful, no matter the season. That’s one of the great things about living in Brisbane. But during the Brisbane jacaranda tree season, I love it even more! As you make your way from New Farm to Saint Lucia, passing through the Botanic Garden and Kangaroo Point, you’ll spot beautiful jacaranda trees brightening up the scenery!
You’ll find a lovely row of jacaranda trees near the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point, right by Rotherham St. There are a couple of cafes close by, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely brunch or lunch with a little purple beauty detour.
4. Jacaranda tree at Wilson’s Lookout
Wilson’s Lookout is one of my top sunset-watching spots in Brisbane. And during the jacaranda tree season, it becomes even more special. At this spot, a stunning jacaranda tree lines up perfectly with the cityscape and the iconic Story Bridge, creating a captivating view.
Once you’ve soaked in the view, you can hop on the elevator and head down to Howard Smith Wharves, which happens to be one of my go-to places for a great time in Brisbane. If you’re eager for more jacaranda tree sightings and a short stroll, you’ll discover another lovely purple tree with the Story Bridge as a backdrop at the end of Howard Smith Wharves, near the city, right before you reach the river walk. On the opposite side, as you walk along the boardwalk towards New Farm, you’ll encounter yet another beautiful one.
5. Jacaranda trees in Goodna
This spot is a tad farther from Brisbane City, about a 25-minute drive toward Ipswich, compared to the other jacaranda locations on this list. Nevertheless, I can assure you that the drive is absolutely worth it. Evan Marginson Park boasts a delightful assembly of these purple trees.
However, my personal favourite views can be found on the roads nearby. It’s like passing through a purple tunnel with a lush purple carpet underfoot. Arguably, it’s one of the finest places for snapping photos of jacaranda trees in Brisbane.
6. Jacaranda Park in Yeronga
With a name like that, this little park in Yeronga unquestionably secures its place on the list of top spots for viewing jacarandas in Brisbane. While the surroundings may not be as picturesque as some others mentioned here, the trees themselves are absolutely breathtaking. When they all burst into bloom simultaneously, it creates a truly magical sight.
7. Jacaranda trees in Brisbane City Botanic Garden
The Brisbane City Botanic Garden is a always a wonderful option for a pleasant stroll in the heart of the city. I’m so grateful we have this beautiful park right in the middle of the CBD. That’s why I frequently suggest considering accommodations in this area when exploring Brisbane.
You’ll find some lovely jacaranda trees near the entrance on Alice Street.
8. Jacaranda trees at Guyatt Park
I appreciate the way the jacaranda trees are neatly lined up in this Brisbane park. It forms a stunning avenue of these trees, and the lush green grass sets off their vibrant purple blooms beautifully. Guyatt Park is conveniently near the UQ Campus, but personally, I prefer exploring the enchanting purple scene on the UQ campus. However, it serves as a fantastic backup if you’re looking to capture photos without crowds during peak times at the UQ campus!
Do you have a favourite spot to see jacaranda trees in Brisbane? Add your tip to the comments below!
Map of the best places to see jacaranda trees in Brisbane
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wow such a magnificent place! are those leaves? the purple ones? I’ve been dying to see the cherry blossoms in Japan but this one makes me want to Brisbane right now. Stunning!
I’d love to see the cherry blossoms in Japan too! The purple ones are flowers. When it’s fully blossoming, there is no leaves, which looks super pretty. The flowers fall down on the ground and then the green leaves start appearing again.
Wow amazing pictures. Had no about that in Brisbane of all places! Kinda reminds me of the cherries in Japan. Amazing!
Thank you, Sreekar. I’d love to see the cherry blossoms in Japan! Pretoria in South Africa is another city very famous for the Jacarandas trees. It’s funny as they’re not originally from Australia or Africa, but they actually come from South America!
I haven’t been to Brisbane, but those pictures are truly engaging and encourage me to see Jacarandas in actual. I would love to have pictures with it and hopefully can share with you.
I hope you’ll make it happen one day, Eliza. If so, please come back here and send me the photo! Pretoria in South Africa is also very famous for all its Jacarandas.
This is my first time hearing of Jacarandas but they look absolutely stunning. Seeing them reminds me of the cherry blossoms throughout Asia…just a purple version!
Yes, they do remind of the cherry blossoms. I haven’t seen many cherry blossoms yet, but I’d love to. But I really love the colours of the Jacarandas. Depending on the light, they look somewhere between pink and blue purple 😉
Like everybody else, if somebody says the phrase “flower viewing”, I immediately think about cherry blossoms, particularly in Japan. I was lucky enough to be in Japan during cherry blossom season and it was spectacular. I’d never realized that there were other “flower viewing” events outside of cherry blossoms in Japan. This definitely deserves more attention!
I was in Brisbane 11 years ago and wish it was the right time of year to see these. All of the pictures are great :
I’ve never seen anything like that before. Those trees are beautiful! It would be so magical to walk on a path covered with purple leaves! I am adding Brisbane to my bucket list.
Thank you for your comment 🙂
They’re hard to get as they don’t last for too long, but they’re amazing!
I am so jealous, I never knew there was such a thing as Jacarandas. I wish i lived in Brisbane to see these beauties.
Yes, we’re lucky to have them here! And I’m glad we realise it, so we can enjoy them even more 🙂 It’s so easy to take the local things for granted…
I am so in lovely with purple trees! In northen Europe we don’t have jacarandas at all so that makes them even more fascinating for me. To visit a place like that is like a dream come true for me! Simply gorgeous!
Hi, Tiina! Where are you in Europe? If you can get to Athens in Greece, I was told they have beautiful Jacarandas there during Spring!
The jacaranda blossoms are so beautiful! I always find it such a shame that they only stick around for such a short window of time – a bit like the cherry blossoms in Japan. Imagine planning a trip for ages to see them, only to find the seasons are out of kilter and you go the wrong week! I’d love to see both for myself one day 🙂
Hi, Anna! I know exactly what you mean! My in-laws arrived a few days ago and really wanted to see the Jacarandas so we were hoping they’d last until then as winter was warm and the season started early! (and they did see them, phew!)
I guess you really need to plan other exciting things to see in the region so you’re not too disappointed if you’re a bit too late… 😉
Oh my gosh, I’m not even kidding right now that I was wondering just the other day while driving around in Brisbane, where I could see more Jacarandas! It’s almost as though you wrote this just for me haha So far I’ve only seen the odd one here and there and love them SO MUCH. Thank you, I can’t wait to go and check out all these great Jacaranda gems in Brisbane!
Hi, Michelle. I’m very happy my post can help! Don’t wait for too long though… We were driving around Brisbane today and noticed the green leaves are starting to come out! 😉
Oh my these trees are just gorgeous! Great guide! I would love to stumble upon these!
Thank you, Andrea. Spring is full of surprises 🙂
Wow never seen trees like this before!! So so beautiful – I will defiantly go hunting for them when I finally make it to Brisbane 🙂
Aim at being here in Spring if you want to see them! They’re in Sydney too (in Kirribili I believe, and one not far from Circular Quay) if you’re around there.
The jacaranda trees are beautiful! I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before but would be obsessed with photographing them if I did. Love your photos!
Thank you, Susan! Yes, I am a bit obsessed. I leave earlier than necessary just to make sure I have time to take a few shots. And now I have too many pics in my phone! 😀
Purple is such a therapeutic color! I’ve never seen jacarandas trees, but they seem a little similar to the cherry blossoms. Thanks for this detailed guide! I would love to see this in person.
Thank you. I find purple relaxing. You’re right, they’re a bit like the cherry blossoms. I hope to see these ones some day 🙂
This is so beautiful. Purple is my favorite color. I would love to see this in person <3
Hi, Olga. I hope you’ll get a chance to see the beautiful Jacarandas. If purple is your favourite colour, no doubt that you’d LOVE it!!!
I am glad you mentioned New Farm Park, the jacaranda trees there are absolutely gorgeous. They are among the most memorable sights I have come across while living there. I do not remember the ones in Brisbane City Botanic Garden as much, on the other hand QUT Gardens Point campus has a few nice specimens.