Clark Park, Lavender Bay & Wendy's Garden

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Lavender Bay is sandwiched between Milsons Point and McMahons Point on the north-western side of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Recently I discovered Clark Park, a picturesque and restful green space on the corner of Harbourview Crescent and Lavender Street.



It's about 10 minutes walk from North Sydney Railway Station and 5 minutes from Milsons Point Wharf. The park is filled with towering gums, a sweeping lawn and bench seats that face the harbour. With such fantastic views it is a special place to come; enjoy the surrounding gardens, or just sit and daydream.



Paths lead off in several directions and are edged with flower gardens overflowing with colour. Swaths of lavender plants and purple jacaranda trees filled the cityscape before me.





Assuming the colour theme was the reason behind the name, I continued to explore the harbour foreshores. It was originally called 'Hulk Bay' after the ship hulks that were moored here to transport convicts to Norfolk Island. In charge of one of these 'hulks' was George Lavender, who had made his home in the area.

And exploring the area lead me into some unexpected and delightful places:

Wendy's Secret Garden
Sitting quietly below Clark Park and bordering the harbourside walkway is Wendy's Garden. The widow of the late Brett Whitely, is the caretaker of this beautiful garden, and her love of flora and fauna is evident in the serene habitat she has created. Flowers surrounded me - red grevillea, dramatic bird-of-paradise, mauve iris, deep purple alliums, and swathes of ornamentals to attract the birds. Rustic wooden tables and chairs provided somewhere to perch and share lunch with a friend.










Lavender Bay Wharf
Rustic steps lead down to Lavender Bay Ferry Wharf, where an old wooden pier provides access for private boat owners. Small vessels dot the water in front of me. An amenities block with baby-change-table, and nearby water-bubbler is a handy public convenience. The pedestrian pathway continues in both directions - west towards McMahons Point and east towards Kirribilli and under the Harbour Bridge.





Royal Art Society of N.S.W and Gallery
This independent, not-for-profit Gallery and School was established in 1880, its aim to encourage and promote visual arts. Exhibits include paintings and sculpture, and art classes are available. It's positioned opposite Clark Park in Walker Street. Phone 9955 5752 for more information.



Dining
The Harbourside Indian Restaurant was closed when I walked past, so at this point I can't personally recommend the food, but I had to stop and take a peek inside. I grabbed a menu from the door. The prices seem very reasonable, with mains around $15 - $17.00, and a banquet option @ $29.90 p.h. It's licenced and BYO. Phone for 9922 2787 for bookings.



With such an amazing vantage point and views of the harbour, I've promised myself another trip back to the area when I can do some damage to the waistline. After all that exploring I think I deserve it.

#picnic_spots
#parks
#outdoor
#nsw
#north_sydney
#north_shore
#new_south_wales
#lavender_bay
#indian_restaurants
#galleries
#day_trips
#attractions
%wnsydney