12 Tranquil Secret Gardens in Sydney

If you're looking to escape the city's hustle with the family, Sydney's stunning secret gardens are the perfect green havens for outdoor adventures.

Whether you're lusting after relaxed picnic vibes, a run through flowering fields, or just a wander around a tranquil lake or two, these gardens offer something special for kids and grown-ups alike.

Let's dive into the best secret gardens Sydney has to offer–trust us, they're bloomin' beautiful!

12 Tranquil Secret Gardens in Sydney

1. E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens, Caringbah

This hidden gem in the Sutherland Shire is a peaceful oasis filled with blooming camellias and meandering paths.

The Jade Teahouse on-site serves up a classic Devonshire tea, and there's a lovely duck pond that's perfect for keeping the kids entertained. After a stroll through the garden, hit up the nearby playground and picnic area for some post-walk fun.

Extra tip: Bring some chopped lettuce to feed the ducks! 

Location: 104R President Ave, Caringbah South

2. The Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens, Cremorne

The Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens in Cremorne is a serene hideaway that feels like a secret garden right by the harbour. Tucked away along the Mosman foreshore, this stunning spot offers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm.

The gardens are an absolute win for families. The winding pathways are lined with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and cool sculptures that the kids will love. And if that isn't enough, the gardens also offer unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour, making it the perfect spot to kick back and take in the scenery. It's a blend of tranquillity and Sydney's iconic backdrop rolled into one.

Extra tip: This place is still a bit of a local secret, so you'll often have the garden mostly to yourself—ideal for a peaceful family day out.

Location: Cremorne Point Reserve (east side of Cremorne Point peninsula, off, Cremorne Rd, Cremorne Point)

3. Wendy's Secret Garden, Lavender Bay

Top of the list for obvious reasons, this one is a favourite amongst the cluey Sydneysiders who are lucky enough to know about it.

After her ex-husband’s death, Wendy Whiteley transformed a weed-ridden wasteland into this little piece of magic. She intended for it to be enjoyed by the community, and after a 30-year lease granted to the council by the state government, her legacy lives on.

Find Wendy's Secret Garden at the top of a set of stairs in the gorgeous Lavender Bay! It features a gorgeous bushland trail, playground and more.

Location: 25 Lavender St, Lavender Bay

4. Blackburn Gardens, Double Bay

Another peaceful garden with gorgeous harbour views, Blackburn Gardens in Double Bay offer a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor fun.

The gardens are actually part of Woollahra Library and are surrounded by towering trees, providing plenty of shade and a tranquil atmosphere. During summer, the gardens are the perfect after-swim spot to relax since they're only a short stroll away from nearby Murray Rose Pool (formerly Redleaf Pool). Pack your swimmers!

Location: 548 New South Head Road, Double Bay

5. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Reservoir turned petrol station turned sunken urban garden, you’ll miss this one unless you know exactly where to look in Paddington’s shopping district.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens is the perfect combination of forgotten and aged with lush green and the lively pond in its centre: the perfect little hidden garden gem. Reminiscent of a Roman ruin – architecturally and horticulturally, everyone will adore this one.

Location: 251-255 Oxford Street, Paddington 

6. Swain Gardens, Killara

Friends of the Swain Gardens and the council take care of this little garden in Ku-Ring-Gai.

Mick Swain built it himself but left it to the council after his death in 1982. It is a rather English-style garden tucked away in the middle of a normal street.

There are a gazebo and BBQ facilities – perfect for a special outdoor birthday venue!

Location:  77 Stanhope Rd, Killara

7. Cat Alley, Surry Hills

The infamous Cat Alley is not so much a garden as it is an enchanted walk.

It is a garden made by local residents at McElhone Place, Surry Hills. This is the epitome of an inner-city haven, which started with a few garden boxes and blossomed into a council award-winning, famous street (prowled by cats, hence its name)!

This street exemplifies community spirit – when you visit, take the time to say hello to neighbours watering the plants or enjoying the sunshine with a book in hand. Hey- maybe you could even start your own!

Location: McElhone Place, Surry Hills

8. Lisgar Gardens, Hornsby

This little beauty on Lisgar Road, Hornsby, is beloved for its many species of plants, including over 90 kinds of camelias!

The gorgeous gazebo would be a wedding-vow paradise, and it even has a small waterfall – almost too good to really exist! Lisgar Gardens has a very rainforest/tropical feel, is lush, and dense, and gives a sense of true seclusion.

Dr. Max Cotton apparently planted water lilies in the ponds to protect the goldfish from birds—and you're sure to find hidden insect friends in this space!

Location: Lisgar Rd, Hornsby

9. Fagan Park, Galston

Known as one of the most scenic parks in the Hornsby Shire, Fagan Park offers expansive grounds, themed gardens, and plenty of space for the kids to run wild. Plus, it's packed with enough activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.

Spanning a whopping 55 hectares, Fagan Park is like a rural wonderland that's just a 45-minute drive from Sydney's CBD. Think wide open spaces, beautiful gardens, and picturesque lakes. The park is also rich in history, originally belonging to the Fagan family, who were prominent early settlers in the area, so there's a dash of heritage charm, too! 

One of the park's main draws is its Gardens of Many Nations, an 11-hectare section that transports you to different corners of the globe. Each garden is themed after a country, including Dutch, Mediterranean, and Japanese landscapes. It's like a quick world tour without leaving Sydney! There are also a couple of kids' playgrounds to check out, plus a dedicated children's forest!

Location: 38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston

10. Cooper Park, Bellevue Hill 

This Bellevue Hill gem has all the hallmarks of one of the best secret gardens in Sydney; a creek, native trees, shrubs, and extensive, weaving walking paths with shelters built in and picnic areas throughout.

Cooper Park is also home to a gorgeous playground for little ones to immerse themselves in! 

Location: Suttie Rd, Bellevue Hill

11. Muston Park, Chatswood

Another sublime garden on the North Shore, Muston Park is most famous for its wisteria tunnel!

Every spring, Muston Park tranforms into a purple wonderland when all of the parks wisteria bloom around the famous wisteria tunnel. We recommend visiting from the end of September through to October so you can wander through a purple haze when the blooms are at their peak. There's also an adorable kids' playground and plenty of picnic spots to enjoy.

Location: 375-389 Penshurst Street, Chatswood

12. Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Blackheath

Pack up the kids and head to one of the Blue Mountains' most colourful gems—the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath. This floral wonderland is the perfect mix of nature and adventure for families looking to take a break from the Sydney scene.

The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are just over a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney, making it an easy day trip option for families. Think vibrant rhododendrons, lush azaleas, and towering trees all rolled into one stunning garden that bursts into life every spring. With winding pathways perfect for little explorers and hidden spots for family picnics, this place will have the kids in awe. The gentle trails mean you can bring the pram if you've got younger kids, while older ones can run wild exploring the garden nooks. If you're lucky, you might even spot a cheeky bird or two—they love it here as much as we do.

Make sure you time your visit between late October and early November when the blooms are at their absolute best. You'll feel like you've wandered into a magical, floral dream!

Location: Bacchante St, Blackheath

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