Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Wendy Whiteley's Garden in Lavender Bay is a guerrilla garden planted over more than 20 years by Wendy Whiteley, with a labyrinth of 12 terraced paths cut into a steep hillside above the Harbour. It is heritage-listed by the NSW government and free to visit, with sculptures, a hidden fairy house and tables beneath the canopy.
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About Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Terraced Paths and Harbour Views at Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Wendy Whiteley's Garden is laid out as a labyrinth of 12 terraced paths cut into a steep hillside, with meandering pathways linking each level. The tiered gardens carry flowering plants, and from the upper terraces visitors look out to the Harbour Bridge. A series of ramps has been added within Wendy Whiteley's Garden so that people can move between its levels with greater ease, although the steep inclines and range of steps still make the site demanding on foot. Visitors with limited mobility can reach the uppermost sections through Clark Park.
Picnic Tables and Benches at Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Wendy Whiteley's Garden provides seating in many places across its terraces, so visitors can stop to rest at almost any point on the walk. A picnic area with tables and benches sits beneath the garden's canopy, giving people a shaded spot to eat and relax among the plantings. Wendy Whiteley's Garden suits a slow lunch or a pause to take in the Harbour views, because the benches are spread across the site rather than grouped in one corner.
Sculptures and Fairy House at Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Wendy Whiteley's Garden displays sculptures along its pathways, so artworks appear as visitors work their way down and across the terraces. A small fairy house is tucked into the planting, and it is one of the garden's most memorable details for children and adults alike. The art and the fairy house are part of the garden itself rather than a separate exhibit, which means Wendy Whiteley's Garden rewards people who take the time to explore its winding paths slowly.
Facilities at Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Visitor tips for Wendy Whiteley's Garden
- ✓Wear sturdy footwear, as the terraces involve steep inclines and a range of steps.
- ✓If you have limited mobility, enter through Clark Park to reach the uppermost sections with the least climbing.
Getting to Wendy Whiteley's Garden
Lavender Street via Clark Park, Lavender Bay NSW 2060, near the junction with Walker Street. North Sydney station is about 350 m away, and Milsons Point station is also a closer stroll from the garden. The garden is also a short walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Lavender Bay
- 📍Amio (cafe, about 100 m)
- 📍Lavendra (restaurant, about 100 m)
Frequently asked questions about Wendy Whiteley's Garden
What is Wendy Whiteley's Garden in Lavender Bay and what makes it special?
Wendy Whiteley's Garden is a guerrilla garden planted by Wendy Whiteley over more than 20 years, and it is heritage-listed by the NSW government. Its standout feature is the labyrinth of 12 terraced paths cut into a steep hillside.
Can I have a picnic in Wendy Whiteley's Garden?
Yes, Wendy Whiteley's Garden has a picnic area with tables and benches beneath its canopy. Additional benches are placed across the site.
What are the opening hours for Wendy Whiteley's Garden?
Wendy Whiteley's Garden is open to the public at all times, seven days a week, and admission is free. No specific hours are published.
Is Wendy Whiteley's Garden wheelchair accessible?
Wendy Whiteley's Garden is not wheelchair accessible because of its steep inclines and range of steps. Ramps have been added between levels, and visitors with limited mobility can reach the uppermost sections via Clark Park.
How do I get to Wendy Whiteley's Garden by train from Sydney?
Take a train to North Sydney station, which is about 350 m from the garden, or to Milsons Point station, which is a short stroll away. The garden is also a short walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.