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  1. Snap a selfie under the jacaranda canopy, McDougall Street

In the heart of Sydney’s north is a little bit of magic by the name of McDougall Street. Come Spring, tourists and locals alike flock to the fairy-tale avenue in Kirribilli, where the splendid arch of jacaranda trees creates a dreamlike, lavender-hued dome. The branches curve up and across the street spreading their purple blooms over the sky, creating a Jacaranda bloom backdrop, just perfect for those Spring selfies.

WHERE: McDougall Street is on the north side of Sydney city and is a 5-minute walk from Milsons Point train station.

  1. Sip a cocktail at Henry Deane

Perched atop the historic watering hole Palisade Hotel, is a beautiful, airy cocktail space. The Palisade was built in 1915 by engineer-in-chief to The Sydney Harbour Trust, Henry Deane — and the split-level cocktail bar bears his name. While the entire building lay empty for years, it was restored in 2015 with celebrated interior designer Sibella Court styling the character-filled pub and rooftop nooks. Indeed, Court’s ‘rough luxe’ style is evident throughout the glamorous rooms and the marble bathroom with delicate wallpaper is a hidden gem. Settle upstairs on one of the millennial pink couches with a Sun-Kissed Spritz in hand (Plymouth gin, Regal Rogue White, Suze, honey, basil, soda) and take in the breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Sydney.

WHERE: Henry Deane, The Palisade Hotel, 35 Bettington St, Millers Point, Sydney 2000

  1. Stroll through the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, Mount Tomah

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is the only Botanic Garden in the world positioned in a World Heritage area. The enchanting cool climate garden is about a two-hour drive west of Sydney and the drive along Bells Line of Road is a scenic Spring fest in itself, with pretty orchards and fruit picking. The garden is 1000 metres above sea level, so once you arrive you’ll see stunning vistas all the way back to Sydney as you stroll the tranquil trails. Wander amongst timeless trees, daffodils, arches of wisteria and sit by beautiful ponds dotted with lily pads. Afterwards, relax at The Potager Café and share a tasting board and a luscious apple pie made with local Bilpin apples.

WHEREBlue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah is on Bells Line of Road. By car from Sydney: Take Bells Line of Road from Richmond. Mount Tomah is 40 kilometres west of Richmond. Look out for the signs. Entry is free, visit www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

  1. Have breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

This former pie factory nestled in Sydney’s industrial centre has become something of a Sydney foodie icon with its kitchen-garden vibe and hearty, innovative eats. Built into the remnants of the heritage-listed factory, the brick walls, vegetable gardens, flower pots and old-fashioned stalls selling homemade soda, berries and donuts create a bustling modern village. Sydneysiders and travellers come from near and far to line up for the house-roasted coffee, signature polenta chips and The Grounds breakfast burger.

There are many awe-inspiring eating and drinking spaces to choose all with a greenhouse feel. Sip a Hillbilly Apple Cider at The Potting Shed; try a Hale The Kale salad bowl in The Garden, or settle in with a group of friends at The Café and tuck into a red velvet shake (just like the cake) and buttermilk pancakes with roasted peaches.

WHERE: The Grounds of Alexandria – 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015

  1. Stroll the Spring Walk, Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

If a five-minute stroll through an avenue of ornamental flowering peaches and Chinese wisteria takes your fancy, theSpring Walk stretching from the Royal Botanic Garden creek to the Lion Gate Lodge is a must-see. You’ll see pink and white flowering Prunus persica ‘Versicolor’ and breathe in the scents of Osmanthus and Rondeletia. For a little history tour, Lion Gate Lodge, a charming sandstone cottage built in 1878 for the head gardener sits at the eastern end of the walk.

WHERE: Finding the Spring Walk can be a little tricky. It’s only around 50 metres in length. To begin, a statue of Spring marks the creek end of the walk – and that’s close to the Palm Grove Centre. The Spring Walk is on the Macquarie Walk within the Royal Botanic Garden. It is behind the Botanic Garden restaurant and to the side of the gardening shop. Check out the garden map here.

  1. Experience Sydney’s secret garden: Auburn Botanic Gardens.

Sydney is full of secret gardens and the Auburn Botanic Gardens in Western Sydney is not to be missed during Spring. That’s when the gardens are in full bloom — an Insta-queen’s dream.

From 17 – 26 August, you can wander underneath the canopy of pink during the Cherry Blossom Festival and there are quaint decorative bridges and a traditional tea house too.

For a Spring wedding, the Scented Garden is most popular with an undercover wedding pavilion, reflection pool and a garden designed to enhance the scents of frangipani, lavender and sage.

For animal lovers, there’s a well-maintained fauna reserve where you can see Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Red-necked Wallabies, Swamp Wallabies, Emus and Common Wombat.

Where: Chisholm Road and Chiswick Road, Auburn

  1. Have a champagne lunch at The Gantry Garden

The Gantry Garden opened earlier this year and it’s just made for Sydney’s Spring weather. The open-air, waterside dining space has a botanical-inspired ambience featuring bespoke floral installations and a floor of green ‘grass’. Perch in a white wicker hanging chair and sip champagne on a spectacular Sydney Spring day or settle in for lunch with free-flowing Perrier-Jouët Champagne available from $99 per person.

The menu is structured around seasonal plates to complement the Champagne. Tuck into natural Oysters with finger lime and mignonette or charcoal-grilled kangaroo with pickled pear, radicchio and juniper.

Lunch is served Wednesday to Sunday, from noon to 2.30pm

WHERE: 11 Hickson Road, Sydney