NEW SOUTH WALES
Grafton Jacaranda Festival, Oct 28-Nov 6
Expect a sea of lilac as the town of Grafton celebrates the beauty of the jacaranda tree. From the Float Parade to Drag Queen Bingo and the crowning of the Jacaranda Queen, the annual Jacaranda Festival has plenty to see and do. This year, the jacarandas will be illuminated at sunset – take a stroll through See Park after dark and enjoy the purple glow. Another highlight is Jacaranda Thursday, when the town’s main streets close, local businesses dress up and people wander throughout the CBD, enjoying the ambience. Don’t miss the spectacle of 100 colourful floats on Prince Street on the final weekend. jacarandafestival.com
Millthorpe Garden Ramble, Nov 5-6
Located just over three hours west of Sydney, Millthorpe is a charming, historic village near Orange. The region’s cool climate is ideal for cultivating gardens, and the annual Millthorpe Garden Ramble invites green thumbs to view 10 gardens across the village and surrounding countryside. With a variety of plants on display, along with vegie gardens and picturesque plots, expect a celebration of botanicals – along with the fine food and wine that the region is known
