As flowers start to bloom, the scent of Spring is in the air. Escape the hustle and bustle on the Lower North Shore with our Top Five green spaces.
WENDY’S SECRET GARDEN
Lavender Street, Lavender Bay
Wendy’s Secret Garden epitomises peace and tranquility. If you start on Lavendar Street and take the left- hand steps which lead down to the boardwalk on the Harbour, the garden is a short distance down on your left. Keep an eye out for a gigantic Moreton Bay Fig tree.
Wendy and her husband, the well- known artist Brett Whitely, lived together in Lavender Bay for two decades. After Brett died in 1992, Wendy threw herself into clearing up the mess in the valley in front of her house.
Wendy’s Secret Garden.
Wendy created a haven of nooks and crannies overflowing with native and exotic shrubs. Towering trees along the pathways attract a wide variety of birdlife.
You can enjoy the gardens seven days a week, but because of its embankments and lack of lighting, it is advisable to visit during the day.
MAY GIBBS NUTCOTE
Neutral Bay
Nutcote is the historic harbourside home of renowned children’s author May Gibbs (1877-1969), who is famous for her iconic story The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
Located in Neutral Bay, the home is now a museum where visitors can learn all about May’s life and work in a 1920s and 1930s style restoration.
There’s also a cafe and the kids will enjoy the special room for children with books, games, dress-ups and colouring.
Children and adults alike will marvel at the beautiful gardens, which were restored to reflect the English country garden that May planted.
With a relaxing view of Sydney Harbour, it’s a magical place to visit.
MUSTON PARK
Penshurst Street, Chatswood
Muston Park is named after Thomas Muston, the original owner of the land and the Mayor of Willoughby in 1890.
It’s a peaceful place with Scotts Creek running through the park. A fenced playground has lots of equipment the kids will love, including a spectacular rocket and trike track.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the park and spot some very old trees such as a Camphor Laurel and two Bunya Pines, which May date back to the 1880s when Muston Park was part of a pleasure ground known as Royal Park.
Why not bring a picnic or use the barbeque?
BLUES POINT RESERVE
North Sydney
This gem of a park is hiding in plain sight. One of North Sydney’s most popular parks, it deserves a mention with its spectacular views of the city and of course the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
It has a maritime themed playground to keep the kids happy while you soak up the views. Take a ferry from McMahons Point over to Barangaroo for an ice cream to make it a day out.
ARTARMON RESERVE
Artarmon
Right in the middle of Artarmon sits bushland that was originally part of 150 acres granted to William Gore (1765-1845) in 1810.
Gore was Provost-Marshal under Governor Bligh in the Rum Rebellion of 1808. While only 19 acres remains today, it has a sportsfield with a great walking or bike riding track, cricket nets, and a fantastic playground up on the hill. There you will find a flying fox, slides, sandpit, trampolines and swings. Further up is the Artarmon Community Garden which is also nice for a stroll. Just don’t pick the veggies!