Jacarandas, Taronga and the city

About this experience

Sydney's jacarandas turn whole streets purple in spring. North Sydney Council says the season typically runs from mid October through December. This day tour follows them: McDougall Street in Kirribilli, the University of Sydney, Glebe and Oxford Street, about an hour at each, with an English-speaking guide.

Then comes Taronga, for about two hours with admission included, and 40 minutes at Watsons Bay. Two hours covers a trail or two and a show, not the whole zoo; the zoo itself suggests about three hours for a visit. The listing promises a guaranteed departure with no minimum group size, round-trip transport and traveller insurance.

Read two lines twice. The listing says blooms may be visible depending on the season: the trees flower on their own schedule, not the tour's. And meals are not included. Lunch falls during the Glebe stop, at your own cost.

• McDougall Street in Kirribilli, Sydney's best-known jacaranda street
• The University of Sydney, Glebe and Oxford Street with a guide
• About two hours at Taronga, admission included
• Watsons Bay to end the day
• Guaranteed departure, no minimum group size

How the day runs

1. MorningPickup at Darling Harbour

   Meet at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or the Furama Hotel Darling Harbour.

2. About 1 hourMcDougall Street

   The Kirribilli street lined with jacarandas, if the trees are in flower.

3. About 2 hoursUniversity of Sydney and Glebe

   An hour on campus, then an hour in Glebe at lunchtime. Lunch is at your own cost.

4. About 1 hourOxford Street

   Time on one of the city's best-known streets.

5. About 2 hoursTaronga Zoo

   Admission included. Pick a trail or two and a show.

6. 40 minWatsons Bay

   A last stop by the water near South Head before the drive back.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• Aim for late October to late November. That's when North Sydney Council has closed McDougall Street to cars for the crowds, which it says usually matches full bloom.
• Plan your two zoo hours in advance: giraffes and the harbour view, or Nura Diya Australia for koalas and kangaroos.
• Pack a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. The zoo is steep.
• Bring a card for lunch in Glebe. The zoo is cashless too.

Read next:

• How long to spend
• What to bring

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

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