Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a free public garden on Lavender Street in Lavender Bay, Sydney. Wendy Whiteley created it on neglected railway land after the death of her husband, artist Brett Whiteley. Winding paths lead past freely growing plants, sculptures and quirky garden pieces to tucked-away seats and picnic spots. Pause to look across Sydney Harbour towards the Harbour Bridge and city, or find a quiet corner with a book. The garden is built on a slope, with stairs and some rugged paths, so it is less suitable for visitors who have difficulty walking.
How the garden began
Wendy Whiteley began transforming neglected railway land beside her Lavender Bay home in 1992, after the death of her husband, Australian artist Brett Whiteley. The overgrown site became a garden shaped by her own artistic eye and care. Over time, local gardeners and volunteers have helped tend the public space.
The garden is a personal place as well as a public one. Brett Whiteley painted Sydney Harbour scenes at the family home, which stands near the railway line above the garden. The space is associated with both artists, but its plants, paths and arrangement are Wendy’s creation.
Paths, plants and art
Winding paths run through a mix of freely growing greenery, flowers, ferns, trees and other plants. Sculptures and decorative pieces appear among the foliage, giving different corners their own character. A large fig tree is one of the garden’s central features.
The paths lead to small sitting areas, with seats and other places to pause tucked among the plants. Some corners work well for a picnic or a quiet read. Parts of the garden can feel overgrown, and the ground is stepped and uneven in places, so closed shoes are a sensible choice.
Harbour views and wildlife
Look out from the garden towards Lavender Bay and Sydney Harbour. Views include the Harbour Bridge and city, though greenery and the garden’s layout mean that the outlook changes from one spot to another. At sunset, the harbour makes a fine focus from a seat or a quiet corner.
Bush turkeys roam through the garden. They are part of the local wildlife, but they may come near food, so keep a picnic within reach. The garden’s seats make it easy to pause and watch the surroundings rather than follow every path.
Getting around the garden
The entrance can be difficult to spot, so allow time to find it on Lavender Street. The garden is close to Milsons Point and North Sydney train stations. Access within the garden involves stairs, and some paths are rugged or uneven. This can make a visit challenging for anyone with limited mobility or knee problems.
Admission is free, and the garden is open to the public at all hours. Please take any rubbish away with you and respect the plants and shared spaces. Visitors can also volunteer at certain times.
FAQ
Is Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden free?
Yes. The garden has free admission.
How long should I spend at Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden?
Allow 1 to 2 hours to wander the paths, pause at the seats and enjoy the harbour outlook.
Is the garden accessible for wheelchair users?
The garden has stairs and some rugged, uneven paths, so getting around can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Can you bring food to the garden?
There are tucked-away spots for eating, but bush turkeys may approach your food. Take your rubbish with you.
