There are some places that will forever be associated with the sense of wonderment that comes upon you only during childhood. For me, Blackburn Gardens and Woollahra Library represents quiet afternoons passed in the shade of willow trees, reading "The Wind in the Willows" or "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
It seems that I am not the only one who thinks so;
Blackburn Gardens is a popular destination for weddings and children's parties. Based on
New South Head Road in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Blackburn Gardens is a heritage park, with the sculpted bushes and delicate flowers that one might expect to come across in the English countryside, rather than in the inner suburbs of Sydney.
Accessible from the main road down a large ramp, or by sandstone staircase from the Council side of the garden, there is a secret entrance to
Redleaf Pool at the back of the garden. From the elevated slopes of Blackburn Gardens itself, you can catch a glimpse of the gentle waves of Sydney Harbour.
Although the Gardens are beautiful, it is because of
Woollahra Library that Blackburn Gardens really stands out. The library is housed in an old house, with an extensive children's section on the bottom level. From those lower levels, it is possible to stroll out to a small pond - complete with goldfish - in order to read the latest literary acquisitions you have made.
