Lavender Bay houses a beloved local treasure — Wendy’s Secret Garden, a public space filled with little gems and a story for the ages.
There’s so much to love about the lush gardens around Sydney especially when the flowers are blooming and the sun is out. But sometimes these popular spots can get a little crowded. If you’re looking for a sanctuary in the heart of the city, Wendy’s Secret Garden is the place to visit. Long-time Sydneysiders are well aware of its many charms and it’s rightfully dubbed the city’s worst-kept secret because of how beloved it is by locals. Despite its popularity, you’ll easily find a corner for yourself to enjoy a picnic, read a book or soak up the views. The Sydney institution has been flourishing since the early 90s and has now taken a life of its own with many flowering beauties, artefacts, native and exotic plants, wooden carvings and sculptures to explore.
The story behind the garden and how it came to be is equally sad and heartwarming and it’s one worth sharing. Wendy and her celebrated artist husband, Brett Whiteley set up their home in Sydney’s Lavender Bay and lived there for two decades. After his passing in 1992, a grief-stricken Wendy got to work clearing overgrown rubbish and weeds from a patch of land at the foot of her house. No one told her to stop, so she continued channeling her grief into creating something special: her very own secret garden. Ten years later, after her daughter Arkie’s passing, she continued working on the garden, this time with renewed vigour.
While she didn’t own the land, it was granted a renewable lease of 30 years in 2015. Today it continues to thrive and flourish. Along its many winding paths, visitors can find herbs and towering trees, lilies and plants and a variety of birds making it a popular spot for bird watchers. Over time, little artworks and sculptures have been planted across the garden such as silver owls, a bird bath, an ancient wheelbarrow, a sewing machine, Tinkerbell, cherubs and more which are a delight to discover. And if you look hard enough you could stumble upon a hidden fairy house or two. It also provides picture-perfect views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and beyond.
Wendy’s Secret Garden is located at Lavender Bay on the lower North Shore of Sydney Harbour. It is always open and entry is free. The closest train stations are Milsons Point and North Sydney stations.
Read Wendy’s moving life story here and find more information about the garden here.
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