Top Things to do in North Sydney
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6 Hidden Gems Things to do in North Sydney That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in North Sydney, Australia including Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, Cremorne Foreshore Walk, Royal Art Society of NSW, May Gibbs' Nutcote, Blues Point Reserve, Balls Head Reserve.
Restaurants in North Sydney
1. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 433 reviews
Everyone needs a secret garden in their life and you’re invited to visit Wendy's, a public garden and much loved oasis in the heart of Sydney. Located a short walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or stroll from Milsons Point and North Sydney train stations, the Secret Garden is a haven where you can explore meandering pathways discovering sculptures; enjoy a picnic basket or read a book at one of the tables beneath the garden’s canopy; or simply enjoy the nature and serenity of your beautiful surrounds. You may even stumble across a fairy. Created over 20 years by artist Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse of Australian artist Brett Whiteley, the Secret Garden is nestled behind Luna Park in one of Sydney's most spectacular suburbs, Lavender Bay. While its free and open seven days a week, there are steep inclines and a range of steps. Visitors with limited mobility may only be able to access the uppermost sections of the garden but we're sure you'll enjoy your visit.
Reviewed By tmellin - Kihei, United States
A quick one-stop ferry ride from Circular Quay to Milton’s Point with great views of the harbor and Opera House, then a walk thru Luna Park and along Lavender Bay. A somewhat wild garden, a beautiful place to wander a bit and then to sit and relax, enjoying the peacefulness of the garden.
2. Cremorne Foreshore Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
This walk offers a brilliant showcase of some of jewels that Sydney Harbour has to offer. We walked from Mosman Bay ferry wharf around to Neutral Bay. While there are a few stairs and inclines, it is quite an easy, straightforward walk. The path is excellent - concrete for most of the way. You do have to walk along suburban streets for a couple of short stretches, but given the decorative richness of the architecture in this neck of the woods, that was hardly an imposition. It took us less than two hours and we dawdled. The highlights: from Cremorne Point the views of the harbour are just sensational, especially towards the CDB; the 'smaller' views across Mosman Bay are equally beautiful in a more picturesque way; architecturally there is much to admire, from the many prominent harbourside mansions to the elegant 1920s-style blocks of flats. Last but not least among the highlights is the extensive 'natural' bayside garden established on public land over decades by local couple Les and Ruby Graham, who started the massive task of transforming what had been a dumping ground back in 1959. The story of the makeover of a weed-covered garbage tip to a delightful, serene landscape is a remarkable one, and is recorded on a noticeboard at the site. It is worth a read.
3. Royal Art Society of NSW
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Art classes and gallery in North Sydney. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Wonderful exhibitions by contemporary Australian artists. Studios upstairs with dedicated teachers taking classes 7 days a week and continuing a tradition of excellence established in 1880. Just 3 minutes walk from North Sydney Station via the stairs next to the Harbourview Hotel. Parking at rear of the building is available for students and there is limited street parking.
4. May Gibbs' Nutcote
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
May Gibbs' Nutcote is the former house and garden of May Gibbs, one of Australia's foremost children's authors and illustrators and creator of Australia's classic children's' story Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Nutcote was designed by prominent architect B. J. Waterhouse and built for May Gibbs and her husband, James Ossili Kelly, in 1925. May occupied the house for 44 years until her death in 1969. The house has been listed on the Register of the National Estate and has been furnished to reflect the style of the 1920s and 1930s and includes effects owned by May Gibbs, such as her easel, paint box and folio stand.
Reviewed By Dot-153 - Hornsby, Australia
We, our group of 17 seniors, were given a tour of Nutcote with the history of May Gibbs and her children's books. We dressed up in gumnut hats, saw May Gibbs explaining her life on a video and sat in the garden to view the harbour. We all had stories to relate of reading Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and saw some of her old books. The little house was delightful. We had lunch in the cafe and bought at the souvenir shop. This place is a piece of Australia's history.
5. Blues Point Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By 838SusanB - Gladstone, Australia
This is the perfect place to get an up-close view of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
6. Balls Head Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Balls Head Reserve is a hidden Gem in the city! In fact it's relatively close to where we live, but have not known about it until finding it by chance! The views are exceptional and the bonus is that those visitors who so wish can find a seat or two and have a picnic, while at the same time making full use of the limited BBQ facilities available. Go early and you will probably be lucky. You can either drive or catch public transport. Waverton train station is about ten minutes walk from there.
