Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
5
About
Everyone needs a secret garden in their life and you’re invited to visit Wendy's, a public garden and much loved oasis in the heart of Sydney. Located a short walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or stroll from Milsons Point and North Sydney train stations, the Secret Garden is a haven where you can explore meandering pathways discovering sculptures; enjoy a picnic basket or read a book at one of the tables beneath the garden’s canopy; or simply enjoy the nature and serenity of your beautiful surrounds. You may even stumble across a fairy. Created over 20 years by artist Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse of Australian artist Brett Whiteley, the Secret Garden is nestled behind Luna Park in one of Sydney's most spectacular suburbs, Lavender Bay. While its free and open seven days a week, there are steep inclines and a range of steps. Visitors with limited mobility may only be able to access the uppermost sections of the garden but we're sure you'll enjoy your visit.
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The area
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How to get there
- Milsons Point • 5 min walk
- North Sydney • 5 min walk
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- AtlasmothIpswich, United Kingdom50 contributionsWell worth a visitWe went on the ferry from Circular Quay to Milton Point (took 5 minutes) and walked to the left of Luna Park around the bay. when we reached the tunnel under the railway bridge we ascended some steps up into the garden. We were very surprised to encounter Wendy Whiteley herself watering the garden. We had a lovely chat with her about the garden and then explored the whole of this remarkable place. It is beautiful with lots of lovely shady areas to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. Thank you so much Wendy for allowing us to share your fantastic Secret Garden.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 November 2023
- AnuHKochi (Cochin), India314 contributionsDo not miss!!We were staying very close to this place. How can do much quiet and greenery exist just seconds away from traffic & mayhem? Amazing place. Walk down and reach Peter Kingston walkway. My husband and I walked till Kirribilli Mary Booth Lookout. What a view of the Harbour bridge & Opera house!!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 December 2023
- Rochelle FRandolph, New Jersey1,162 contributionsLovely spot if you are in the areaWe were at Milson’s Point at the market, so decided to wander over to the gardens. They are not marked so you need to follow the steps down all the way to the bottom. I would NOT make a special trip for this garden-it is a lovely local spot but not worth a separate tripVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 January 2024
- heathway53Surrey, United Kingdom192 contributionsGo find this secret gardenWe went hunting for this secret garden whilst the kids were at Luna Park. And we’re glad we found it. It’s a quiet spot away from the noise and we’ll set out in the hill. The planting was well laid out and this gardener was vey happy to have spent some time there.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
468 reviews
Excellent
368
Very good
93
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
jennydowell
Lismore, Australia287 contributions
June 2022 • Solo
A wonderful spot for quiet contemplation or active exploration with glimpses of the busy harbour. Free access and open every day. If you love gardens, this is a place to go. Construction of the north Sydney baths and the closure of Luna park meant that access was a little different but the extra walk was well worth it.
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,200 contributions
Dec 2022
Located a short walk from ,and behind Lunar Park is a private park and garden that is a small patch of rain forest in the suburbs. The Whiteley's lived on the hill above the railway lands, having purchased the property in 1974 and on Brett's death in 1992, Wendy started work on reclaiming the railway lands below and turning it into an elaborate garden with paths and small secluded areas, with sculpture and seats. Well worth a visit and accessible by ferry to Milsons Point or train.
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen M
Sippy Downs, Australia17 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
A beautiful peaceful garden to visit with amazing views of the harbour. Not suitable for anyone with walking limitations or for strollers, walking frames, walking sticks etc.
Take a thermos and morning tea for the perfect outing.
Take a thermos and morning tea for the perfect outing.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M4verick14
Sydney, Australia37 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
This was the perfect way to start a romantic Sunday.
We arrived around 9am or a little before and the garden was virtually empty. Queue many photo opportunities and discussions about future visits to enjoy picnics and the possibility of hosting a wedding in the garden (we aren’t engaged as yet but maybe it’s just the magic of the garden...). Every little nook and cranny of the garden is just beautiful. And what better way to start the day than gorgeous harbour views as the sun rises.
I’ve also been told I need to buy us a house in Lavender Bay to go with that preemptive wedding so I imagine if I’m that fortunate I’ll be here on the daily
We arrived around 9am or a little before and the garden was virtually empty. Queue many photo opportunities and discussions about future visits to enjoy picnics and the possibility of hosting a wedding in the garden (we aren’t engaged as yet but maybe it’s just the magic of the garden...). Every little nook and cranny of the garden is just beautiful. And what better way to start the day than gorgeous harbour views as the sun rises.
I’ve also been told I need to buy us a house in Lavender Bay to go with that preemptive wedding so I imagine if I’m that fortunate I’ll be here on the daily
Written 7 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon E
Richmond-upon-Thames, UK88 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
Tucked away in North Sydney this lovely haven of peace and plants is a welcome refuge from surrounding concrete towers. On severe sloped ground be prepared for exercise but worth it. Views if harbour and bridge makes this a unique way to experience sydney. Probably what it would have been like before developers got their hands on everything. Interesting sculptures exist and great location for a picnic. Recommended.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
red shoes ballet
Adelaide, Australia9 contributions
Sept 2019
A beautifully relaxing garden created a long time ago by a local woman who transformed a derelick railway yard & on a slope. Enjoy the peace, beautiful trees & plants, views to the bridge & read the plaques about the creation history. Many little spots throughout to have a picnic. Tucked away & not that easy to find...
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,162 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We were at Milson’s Point at the market, so decided to wander over to the gardens. They are not marked so you need to follow the steps down all the way to the bottom.
I would NOT make a special trip for this garden-it is a lovely local spot but not worth a separate trip
I would NOT make a special trip for this garden-it is a lovely local spot but not worth a separate trip
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren S
Bright, Australia2,760 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
A must visit a little hidden gem.
Catch the ferry over to Luna Park and it is a 5 to 10 minute walk to the garden's.
A few steep steps but we'll worth it.
Beautiful views back towards the Bridge and Opera House from Lavender Bay.
Always visit when I visit Sydney such a great place to spend a few hours soaking up the Gardens and View
Catch the ferry over to Luna Park and it is a 5 to 10 minute walk to the garden's.
A few steep steps but we'll worth it.
Beautiful views back towards the Bridge and Opera House from Lavender Bay.
Always visit when I visit Sydney such a great place to spend a few hours soaking up the Gardens and View
Written 1 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin H
Newcastle, Australia53 contributions
May 2023
The (not so) secret garden was a pleasant surprise. We went to Sydney with friends who showed us around the garden. We travelled from Circular Quay to Milsons Point (Luna Park) and walked around to Lavender Bay. It was a enjoyable walk with lots to see. Once we were at the gardens, the steps were not difficult to climb if you take your time and stop and gaze over the beautiful harbour or at the gardens themselves.
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Polley
Ashfield, Australia349 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
We ripped into Loulou for some coffee and croissants and walked down to this little sanctuary in the city. How amazing! It was raining so we took shelter under the canopy looking out over Lavender Bay. Bush Turkey babies everywhere and not scared of humans. A beautiful rainforest, wow
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs allowed in this garden
Written 22 August 2020
Hi, We are staying near to the Opera House later in the year. Would we be able to walk over the bridge to the gardens or is it too far? Also, are there any other places to visit near to the gardens?
Written 26 September 2019
Yes, its a good walk over the bridge- probably take you 20- 30 minutes depending on what pace you're going at.
The other fun place just close by and especially if you have children with you in Luna Park. Wendy's Garden is surrounded by beautiful parks, and you could just sit in the grounds with a picnic and watch the sunset.
There's also a sweet modern Indian restaurant at the top of the garden which is open for dinner from 5 pm called Lavendra, which is at 5, Walker Street.
Written 15 October 2019
staying in St Leonards near train station. should we walk to the garden or take the train to the North Sydney stop?
Written 7 January 2018
I would catch the train. A long walk from St Leonards.
Written 8 January 2018
Got a question about visiting Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden?
Visit our website for directions, accessibility and other Frequently Asked Questions.
Written 11 August 2017
Hi Karen - I don't know what the council regulations are but I did see several people with dogs on leads walking through, and past, the garden. Hope that helps, Kathy
Written 17 April 2017
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs within close walking distance in Milsons Point, McMahons Point and Kirribilli. If you visit the Wendys Secret Garden website you can find links to local eateries.
Written 11 August 2017
Is OK to go as a group, would be about maybe 80 people kids and adults? If so do you think we can drive there on a bus??
Written 26 August 2016
North Sydney Council requires bookings for all groups at the Wendy Whiteley garden.
Further details can be found at the North Sydney Council website > Recreation & Facilities > Parks & Reserves > Parks & Reserves Hire & Fees
Written 28 August 2016
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