Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden: A Living Masterpiece in Lavender Bay

Sydney is a city of icons, but if you look just behind the towering silhouette of the Harbour Bridge, you'll find something much more intimate. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay is more than just a park—it is a "living painting" created from grief, love, and twenty years of dedicated "guerrilla gardening." For more Sydney hidden gardens, explore Paddington Reservoir Gardens or discover Cockatoo Island.

Once a derelict railway dump filled with rubbish and weeds, this space was transformed by artist Wendy Whiteley (wife and muse of the late Brett Whiteley) into a lush, tiered sanctuary. Today, it is one of Sydney's most cherished "open secrets."

Quick Stats

• Entry: Free (Public Access)

• Hours: Open 7 days (Best during daylight hours)

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium (The garden is set on a steep slope with many stairs and winding paths)

• Best For: Picnics, photography, quiet reflection, and romantic walks.

How to Find the "Secret" Entrance

Part of the charm is that there is no large signage. To find it, you have to know where to look.

1. By Train: Take the train to Milsons Point Station. Exit toward Alfred Street, turn left onto Lavender Street, and walk through Clark Park. You'll see small, winding timber paths leading down into the canopy.

2. By Ferry: Catch the ferry to Milsons Point Wharf. Walk past Luna Park and follow the Peter Kingston Walkway along the water. Look for the stairs leading up under the railway line—the garden will be on your right.

3. The Scenic Route: Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the CBD and descend the stairs at Milsons Point to begin your garden exploration.

What to Expect Inside

Unlike the manicured lawns of the Botanic Gardens, Wendy's garden is a whimsical maze of "rooms."

• The Towering Figs: Massive Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs create an umbrella-like canopy, making the garden feel like a cool, private rainforest even in mid-summer.

• Hidden Nooks: Throughout the garden, you'll find mismatched tables, benches, and "fairy houses" tucked away. It is the ultimate spot for a slow Sunday picnic.

• Art & Artefacts: Look closely and you'll find sculptures, old railway artefacts, and Bangalow palms—a symbolic gift from Wendy's late daughter, Arkie.