Friday, 29 August 2025

Parramatta Park’s Wistaria Gardens will transform into a colourful oasis this September when thousands of flowers come into bloom for the annual ‘Weekend in Wistaria’ event.

Over two days (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025), visitors are invited to wander the historic gardens which have been brought back to life in recent years with primulas, snapdragons, pansies and violas, hanging wisteria, cherry and peach blossoms.

Now in its fourth year, ‘Weekend in Wistaria’ is set to delight the community with almost 20,000 blooming plants, marking it as the most vibrant and colourful celebration of the gardens since they became part of Parrmatta Park in 2022 and under the custodianship of Greater Sydney Parklands.

This year, the event is partnering with RiverFest 2025 to offer a variety of stalls and educational activities that highlight Parramatta’s living landscape and promotes sustainability.

Visitors can also enjoy free live music, a range of food and beverages, browse a selection of unique craft stalls, enjoy a picnic and take photographs with a stunning floral backdrop. 

Built in 1906, Wistaria Gardens were the personal gardens of the then Medical Superintendent of the Parramatta Lunatic Aslyum, Dr William Cotter Williamson and were cared for by patients as part of their treatment. 

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said: 

“Every year Wistaria Gardens awakens for spring and becomes a colourful destination for community to roll out a picnic rug and spend the day with friends and family.

“Celebrating spring in Wistaria Gardens has been a strong local tradition for almost 100 years, attracting thousands of visitors through the gates to appreciate the beauty of these magnificent gardens.  It's wonderful to see them coming back to life and more vibrant every year.”

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive, Joshua French said:

“We’re proud to showcase our biggest floral display yet with almost 20,000 flowering plants that offer a rare glimpse into the how the landscape may have appeared more than a century ago.

“Greater Sydney Parklands continues to care for this culturally significant place, recognised as one of the most intact surviving Edwardian gardens.”

Weekend in Wistaria:

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025, 10am-4pm

Access to Wistaria Gardens is via Parramatta Park only. There is no access or parking via Cumberland Hospital. We encourage public and active transport options. Limited free parking is available inside the park.

For more information, visit: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/weekend-wistaria