Secret Gardens in Sydney

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    Family

These ones won’t stay secret for long! On the next sunny day, why not take the whole family on an adventure to find one of the best secret gardens in Sydney – little green oases and hidden fairy holes sprinkled across our gorgeous city?

You’ll only wish you’d discovered them sooner! 

Secret Gardens in Sydney

1. Wendy’s Secret Garden

Secret gardens in Sydney
Wendy's Garden is one of the most popular secret gardens in Sydney! 


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

2. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Paddington Reservoir Gardens
This gorgeous east-side spot is one of the best secret gardens in Sydney.


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 

3. Swain Gardens

Secret gardens in Sydney
Soak up the tranquillity at the beautiful Swain Gardens.


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

4. Cat Alley

Cat Alley
A great spot for a stroll, Cat Alley is a gorgeous example of inner-city community gardening!


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

5. Lisgar Gardens

Lisgar Gardens
Lisgar Gardens


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

6. Cooper Park 

Secret gardens in Sydney
Cooper Park


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

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Reviews


caroline ramage

Jul 29 2016

Hi You might like to check out Cooper Park in Bellvue Hill Sydney. Natural bush with a walking track and shallow creek running through for water play. Plus playground, large open space, kiosk and tennis courts.