Where to See Melbourne❜s Jacaranda Trees in Full Bloom

You have to give it to Mother Nature - she knows how to put on a show. When you're standing under a canopy of abundant lilac blooms that flood suburban streets with a spectacular burst of freshness and colour, and blanket the ground with their vibrant hue, there is a little bit of magic in the air! Melbourne's jacaranda season comes to life in summer, adorning the landscape with large trees covered in vivid purple flowers and, as legend has it, blessing you with good fortune if a blossom lands on your head. 

Curious about when is the best time to see jacarandas in Melbourne? Jacarandas only flourish in the warm summer months, so it's usually around the end of November and the beginning of December that Melbourne can see these amazing trees in all their glory, and they only last for up to two months, so best to see them early!

Due to the generally cooler climate, they are not as prolific as they are elsewhere in Australia, however, you can still experience this unique purple phenomenon at a few special spots around the city. 

Where to See Melbourne's Jacaranda Trees in Full Bloom

1. University of Melbourne

In summer, the streets of the university campus are awash with jacaranda trees, creating a stunning display of this enchanting floral splendour.

The historic uni grounds make a grand backdrop for capturing this summer spectacle. 

Location: Parkville

2. Royal Botanic Gardens

This inner-city sanctuary turns into a purple paradise during the jacaranda season.

Wander through the gardens and you’ll be treated to splashes of violet under the canopy of towering trees. The mix of native Australian flora and the striking lilac blooms is a match made in floral heaven!

Fun tip: Pack a picnic, claim a spot on the lawn, and snap a few pictures with these gorgeous blooms as your backdrop. Perfect for a lazy afternoon with nature.

Location: Melbourne CBD

3. Parliament Garden Reserve

Take a stroll through Parliament Garden Reserve in East Melbourne and you'll find a collection of jacarandas lining the walkway of this pretty park. It's a sweet little spot to retreat from the city and witness this fleeting bloom. 

Location: 489/531 Albert St, East Melbourne

4. Parkville

Try to keep this location on the down-low! It's a little-known secret that Parkville houses some of the best jacarandas in Melbourne.

All you have to do is wander along Royal Parade and Royal Park during the season and you'll see gorgeous purple hues to brighten your summer.

Location: Streets around Royal Parade and Royal Park, Parkville

5. Edinburgh Gardens

As the weather warms up, Edinburgh Gardens draws in crowds who gather beneath the stunning jacaranda trees that line its perimeter.

With their purple blooms creating a magical canopy, it's the perfect spot for Christmas catch-ups, picnics, and lazy afternoons.

Location: Alfred Cres, Fitzroy North

More Locations

Jacarandas trees also line Murray Road in Preston and Holden St in North Fitzroy. They've also been spotted in Carlton Gardens, Greensborough, Moonee Ponds and Heidelberg.

Find More Summer Fun

32 FREE Things to Do in Melbourne For Families
The Best Swimming Pools in Melbourne For All-weather Fun
12 of the Top Kid-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne
 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!