Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden

Indeed, a secret garden! Small steps lead to a hidden getaway—a quiet and serene place full of trees and plants, with arrangement of chairs at the end of steps. Perfect for a date if you're looking for a quiet, private, secluded, and nature-friendly spot. Just a bit gloomy, and the chair and table arrangements could be better maintained.

It is one of the best urban sanctuaries that is pretty much an open secret of Sydney. I have been here a few times now and love it every time I come here. Some key highlights & tips: - It is within walking distance from Milsons Point Train station or Milsons Point Wharf by ferry through Lavender Bay. It is possible to get here by car, but street parking may be limited. - I highly recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes. While it is not a difficult hike in the garden or to & from public transport, a comfy pair of shoes will make the trip here more enjoyable. - Every season provides a different experience when visiting the garden. There are flowering plants that flower at different times of the year. Also, there are sculptures in the garden. - The garden has multiple entrances. Look out for the various entry points. - It has never been crowded for the times I have visited. Though, at times, you may bump into couples doing wedding shoots or hiring a section of the garden for a garden wedding. - There are seats along the walkways and at the bottom of the garden, tables & seats as well. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic rugs. I have also seen other visitors bring a book to read or have lunch in the garden. - As the garden has slopes and stairs to access different parts of the garden, it is not wheelchair or pram friendly. - A visit here can span between half hour to 2 hours (depending on how you like to spend your time here). - From the top of the garden and parts of the walkways, it has one of the best views of the Harbour Bridge. From what I have read, this garden is maintained by volunteers, and they are truly doing an amazing job. I highly recommend visiting this amazing, not so secret garden.

This beautiful garden feels more like a forest to me. It's also a lot bigger than I thought with a lot of uphill and downhill. It could be a fun maze for kids as it consists of a lot of different paths. There are also tables and chairs for picnics and lunch. There are multiple entrances, so you can't miss it.

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is a tranquil and secluded spot, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. Many tourists visit looking for breathtaking views, but some might miss the hidden perspective it offers. The secret isn’t just about exploring the garden itself—while the greenery is beautiful, the real surprise lies in walking down the stairs to the tunnel. From there, you’ll discover a unique angle to view the Harbour Bridge, offering a fresh and stunning perspective that’s truly worth the visit. If you're driving, you can park your car along Harbourview Crescent for up to 1 hour, which is plenty of time to explore. Whether you’re here for the serene garden or the unexpected view, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone exploring Sydney’s lesser-known treasures.

This garden is in front of a very special house that I believe Brett Whitely lived in. The garden is on a slope and paths wind down to the water. There are interesting old bric a brac placed in the garden. Then you have spectacular lavender bay. Walk along to Luna park where there are interesting statues of Australian comic characters

A hidden gem!!! Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden offers an amazingly beautiful place to chill out and enjoy the beauty of the nature in the heart of the Sydney. It also offers incredible views over harbour bridge. Easy access via public transport and plenty of car park spots in the surrounding area. Highly recommended!!!

Such a wonderful spot to walk around or have a picnic! It’s open green area on top is deceiving to it wonderfully twisting path adventure as you walk further down. There are seats and wild chickens at the bottom of the walk in a shaded canopy of trees and wilderness. An amazing view of the harbour bridge with sunny and shady spots to sit in. Definitely recommend a visit if in the area, a serene and beautiful location.

Superb location, went on Easter long weekend not as crowded as expected. Peacefully had some us picnic time. Parking was bit of pain but eventually got one.

No pictures cuz photos don't capture the beauty nor location of this garden. This not too secret garden (lots of people when we visited) can be a bit difficult to find so use mapping apps. Basically a terraced jungle setting in the middle of a metropolis, lots of paths and steps so be prepared for a bit of a workout in the summer. Located near Luna Park, though access between the garden and Luna Park is only through an underpass at the north end of the garden. Lots of shade, tables and benches to sit, and truly nice views of the Harbor Bridge. Free to boot so it's really a must-visit.

A must see when in Sydney, best to enter via Lavender Street, Milsons Point. Walk down the stairs read the plaques and savour the serenity. Take a seat and reflect on how magical the secret garden is within a heart of an inner city suburb. Walk down the stairs when finished to the Lavender bay pier and walk back around the path to Milsons Point. Take in the miniature monuments of Australian figurines located along the path.

I found it! Wendy's Secret Garden! It was tough at first, as Google Maps seemed to direct me through a hotel, but I found my way out and around it and down a steep street. I happened upon an open harborside green space called Clark Park then managed to locate Wendy's Secret Garden tucked down in the greenery where the stairs with handrails lead down to cleared spaces covered with wood chips. There art and seating areas abounded, all gently carved out of nature. A nice spot to cozy up with a book for a moment of relaxation.

Probably the best stop on my trip. The most beautiful garden with an amazing view of the harbour. This place didn't even feel like real life. If you can go when the Jacaranda's are blooming, you are in for a serious treat! I missed it by about two weeks. Not hard to find but a little off the beaten path. (Next to Luna Park basically). If the weather is nice it would be a gorgeous place to have a picnic on the grassy knoll or just sit on one of the tables or park benches in the garden. The house that Wendy lives in is right in front of the park as well as a newspaper write up on the story behind it all. I would recommend reading it. A must stop on any trip to Sydney! You won't regret it!

The best word to describe this place: beautiful. Located near Luna Park, this garden is a great escape from the craziness of the outside world. I originally thought this place was very small so I had only planned to walk through it within 15 minutes. Even when I walked in I thought it was cool, but small. As I walked further, I realized the garden was actually fairly large and had multiple different paths to explore. Definitely bring a packed lunch because there are a lot of tables to sit at. Awesome "secret" place to get away.

This "secret garden" is located near the North Sydney St. and Luna Park. There's a footpath that leads from Luna Park to this place. It's like you are in a private garden, but is open to the public. Thanks to Yelp I could know this place! It's an unusual and calm place: first, you can avoid crowded spots and yet take a beautiful picture from Harbour Bridge; second, you'll have a different angle from any other tourist. Besides the view, you can enjoy hidden trails and the nature itself. It's perfect for lunch time or picnic at the weekends. The day I had visited this garden a wedding's session photo was happening and for sure we can't expect less about this beautiful and charmed place!!!

Absolutely one of the most incredible experiences in Sydney. I visit every time I am in New South Wales because it is a tranquil spot in the middle of a busy city. There is nothing finer than basking in the beauty of the gardens, looking over the Harbour and discovering gorgeous flora. It is a favorite for all age groups. My grandchildren love visiting because in the words of my granddaughter, "It looks like fairies live here."

Peaceful, restful, fabulous expansive gardens with hidden trails and flowering nooks and crannies. Sweet sounds of birds, clanging of tack on the sailboats drown out the drone of the motorway. Bring a packed lunch. Plenty of tables dotted about, some with shade umbrellas and gazebos. A beautiful pocket to just relax and unwind.

Thanks to another Yelp reviewer, I found out about these "secret gardens" and paid a visit on the weekend. Not so secret after all! I saw at least 10 others; turns out I was late to the party. Well maintained, lush gardens with glimpses of the harbour over the plants. Lots of plants including some tropical ones. The gardens are shady, damp and cooler than the outside air temperature. I imagine it would be more enjoyable in warmer weather. The gardens themselves aren't big but it's very steep, around 5 levels made up of narrow paths with wooden railings, joined together by with massive steps. They were hard to find, perhaps that's what made them secret!

Wendy Whiteley's 'Secret Garden' is nestled between Clark Park on Lavender Street and the Lavender Bay railway shunting yard. This park used to be a derelict, unruly weed infested area that was used for railway dump for surplus trains and is leased by North Sydney Council from Railcorp so it can be enjoyed as a public space. When one of Australia's most famous artists Brett Whitely died in 1992 the area was transformed by his widow Wendy into a tranquil lush enchanted haven that it is today as she channelled her grief into beautifying this land that has expansive views of Sydney Harbour. Within the park there are sculptures, herbs, Moreton Bay fig trees, romantic seating, and nature paths that criss cross or meet each other. It appears to be a private garden but it is open to the public to enjoy. The park is an ode to a lost love and has been created for all to take a moment out of the daily grind to reflect. It can also be hired for private functions, contact North Sydney Council to request a permit to use this area for your special occasion.

Wendy's secret garden is a great spot to unwind. The houses along the path leading up to the garden also show character. The Standout to me was the view from the top of the gardens overlooking the back of Lunar Park, Lavender Bay and of course the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you're a garden buff there's the large Moreton Bay fig tree, Bangalore palms, flowers and shrubs, secluded paths with steps and seven tables with chairs in quiet spots. Dotted amoung the garden is an antique fountain, sculptures, an old tricycle and a rusty wheel barrow none of which look out of place...they are the product of an artist's imagination. A word of caution; being always open to the public it's not the sort of place you'd want to find yourself after dark, especially down the bottom, so time your visit. If you don't know the exact location type it into Google maps on your smart phone and it will lead you right to it (see photo).

Wow! Simply wow! I was on my way to my next cafe and happened upon a set f stair that led down... and down... and almost like Alice in Wonderland, this magical little park/space appeared. Totally unexpected, this hidden area is kind of like a tardis. Just when you think it is finished, there is another bench, another grassy area, or path. This place is brilliant! If you are looking for a spot that next to no one will know about, then absolutely check this place out.

I work nearby and this is a beautiful spot to take your lunch and relax on a sunny afternoon. When I am in here, I feel like I have entered an enchanted fairytale... it truly is a treat. I am not sure how "secret" this garden is, though. On the weekends it is positively packed, so keep that in mind.

Awful place. Just horrible. Nothing to look at. A lot of common garden plants, forgettable trees and weeds opposite a rather average body of water and big metal bridge. Don't come here!

Magical place, worth a look. Easy walk from North Sydney station. Some picnic spots available. Or continue on to the boardwalk and walk east to Milson's Point for an enjoyable stroll.

Shhh, don't tell anyone, it's one of the few quiet places in North Sydney to get away from it all. For example during lunch. It's a DIY garden by Wendy, grown over many, many years, and only recently got some permanence when state government leased it for the next couple of decades. It's amazing what a person's persistence can achieve.

guess this isn't a secert anymore... :o i love this little park that's stacked with picnic benches, lookouts, tables, all amongst the greenery and scenary of the sydney harbour. this park affords the best views of the water and if you find your way out - it leads you to the boardwalk and luna park. :) very enjoyable for 1/2hr - 1hr. some scrambling and hiking needed.

One again if it wasn't for the internet I would never have known this place existed. In fact it isn't even signed so I didn't realised that I had walked into it until I was literally in the middle of it. However once you are there it will slowly click that this isn't any ordinary park. Personally, I really don't know anything about the back story to this place, all I know is that apparently it is a secret garden owned, or built, by somebody named Wendy. Secret it is because, as I indicated, it isn't even sign posted so you don't realise that you have found it until you realise - hey, this doesn't look like a council park. The reason I say that is because it has been set up as if it were someone's backyard garden, so you will find a variety of seats and garden ornaments amoug a rather lush and well tended garden. What's even better is that it is actually free to enter (which is the best price as far as I'm concerned). It certainly is a place worth checking out, especially if you like gardens (though you may need to stumble around a bit until you actually find it).

It's a very balmy 33c in Syd .. the type of night you just can't bear to be sitting indoors for a feed, so you decide to grab some cold cuts, cheese, wine and a quarter watermelon for an old school picnic. Perfect spot for one right here folks ... however, if you're a human mozzie repellent for your fellow picnic-er, you stay away. You have been warned (unfort I wasn't privvy to this prior to coming here and found out the excruciatingly painful way barely 2mins in ... close to 30 bites on one leg. This park is truly breathtaking with various levels and seating and little nooks and crannies (im starting to think Sydney is pushing to top the 'who has the most secret rendezvous spots' - Melb is winning this by a nose). It's a seriously quiet spot so you're almost guaranteed you'll be the only folk there so if you need to switch off from society for a bit, head down here and re-connect with yourself.

Australia is such a beautiful place. I would love to visit here again and thank God to my job I am able to travel as much as I can afford due to my job is done remotely. This place is definitely a good place to visit. Maybe one day I live in Australia part-time.

A beautiful place of calm and serenity created from loss and despair!! Lucky to have met one of the two full time gardeners today. Congratulations to Wendy and her helpers - a little bit of heaven!! A must come to place in Sydney!!

An absolute gem on the foreshores of Sydney Harbor. Testament to the dedication of Wendy Whitely in creating a magical place for young & old to enjoy.

Good place to visit - close to CBD, close to the train, yet very private and picturesque. Parking, however, might be a bit of a problem - you would need to know how to parallel-park on a street or along steep slopes.

Glorious haven of peace in the inner suburb. Photos don't fully do it's environment justice. Not easy to find but well worth the effort. We got off at North Sydney station and walked for 10 minutes towards the harbour. I had the added pleasure f talking with Wendy herself. A true bonus.

peaceful and beautiful garden in the middle of the city.

Beautifully quiet. When the sun is high and filters through the leaves it makes for a beautiful day in the garden. When the sun is hidden behind mountains of clouds on a cold, post-rain day the ground gets a little gunky and muddy, but still a lovely place to hang around, though I would suggest sitting on the furniture provided instead of the ground.