Swain Gardens — Attraction in Sydney

Nestled in the suburbia of Killara this surprisingly large English style garden (3 hectares!) has a number of charming features that make it worth visiting. It was created by Arthur Newling Swain in 1962 and bequeathed to the National Trust in 1973. Swain reportedly worked on the garden himself for many years and even hired two stone masons over a ten year period to build pathways, walls and terraces. There are stroller-friendly paved pathways or smaller crazy paved secret tracks and stepping stones to explore that meander amongst plantings of delightful flowers and shrubs. There is a rambling rose covered lattice walkway and handsome terraces covered in soft emerald green lawns that climb the hill. There are lots of mature trees like cherry blossom trees, jacarandas, fir trees and gums and also flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, clivia and camellias. Additionally, the park is well equipped with creature comforts such as public toilets, picnic seating, a pagoda, a barbeque area and water fountain. Lastly, if you feel like it, you can go on two easily navigable walks into the surrounding natural bush either side...

A quiet and peaceful refuge that is not well known unless you are a local. There are some BBQ facilities available, but not many. If you are looking for a spot in the sun the you should consider another park. Winter time is not the best time to visit here. There is plenty of shade for a summer visit though. There are two entrances; the main entrance is off Stanhope Road but there is also another walking track that enters off Nelson Road, but it is a longer walk into the gardens through a bushland reserve. The main problem is parking. There isn't any. The only parking is street parking on Stanhope Road. There is disabled parking available down the entrance road but there was no signposting that I could see that let people know that it...

A hidden gem just minutes from Lindfield and Killara train stations. there is hardly ever anyone here which is a delight! But it seems rude not to share :) Here the incredible landscaped gardens include a vast array of plants and trees which make it absolutely stunning all year round. With sandstone terraces, lots of sunny benches alongside lush lawn where you can sit and absorb, a picnic area with bbq/picnic bench/synthetic grass/toilets and a secret rotunda this is a treasure for people of all ages. When I go with my kids we walk in through the bush which is great fun. When visiting with elederly relatives we come via the road making access...