Wendy's Secret Garden

A lush, rambling garden that artist Wendy Whiteley carved out of derelict railway land below her Lavender Bay home after her husband Brett's death — free, unfenced, open daylight hours, with harbour glimpses through the greenery. It's the local-secret answer to 'where should I go that tourists don't?' Steep paths and steps; wear real shoes.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I picnic there?

Yes — there are scattered tables and benches tucked into clearings, and bringing food is part of the local ritual. Take every scrap of rubbish out with you; the garden runs on goodwill and volunteers.

What's the story behind the garden?

After her husband, painter Brett Whiteley, died in 1992, Wendy Whiteley channelled her grief into clearing the derelict railway land below their Lavender Bay home — without permission, initially — and built this garden over decades. The ashes of Brett and their daughter Arkie are buried here. It's a deeply personal place that happens to be open to everyone.

Is Wendy's Secret Garden free? What are the hours?

Free, open seven days, with no gates or official hours — but there's no lighting, so visit in daylight. It's public land (leased to North Sydney Council), maintained by Wendy's team and volunteers.

What's nearby to combine it with?

Luna Park and the Milsons Point foreshore are five minutes away, and the Lavender Bay boardwalk toward McMahons Point has knockout bridge-and-Opera-House views. Walking back across the Harbour Bridge to the city caps it perfectly.

How long should I spend there?

An unhurried hour lets you wander the layered paths, find the hidden tables and sculptures, and sit with the Harbour Bridge views through the foliage. It rewards slowness — this isn't a checklist stop.

Is it suitable for prams, wheelchairs or unsteady walkers?

Honestly, no — the garden is built into a steep slope with irregular steps, dirt paths and no handrails in places. The adjacent flat foreshore at Lavender Bay offers similar views if mobility is limited.

Are there toilets or a cafe?

No facilities in the garden itself — the nearest public toilets and cafes are around Milsons Point station and Luna Park. Bring water; it's a garden, not a venue, and that's exactly its charm.

How do I find it? It's genuinely hidden.

Walk downhill from Milsons Point station toward Lavender Bay, past Clark Park — the garden tumbles down the slope below Lavender Street, behind Luna Park. There's no signage tradition here; look for the winding paths into the greenery beside the railway land.

Nearby in Ask Sydney

• Luna Park SydneyAttraction0.5 km · 6 min walk
• Sydney Harbour BridgeLandmark1.01 km · 13 min walk
• Balls Head ReservePark1.07 km · 13 min walk
• Sydney Harbour Bridge ClimbAttraction1.53 km · 19 min walk
• The Lord Nelson Brewery HotelBar1.6 km · 20 min walk