Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Tucked into the hillside above Lavender Bay, this informal garden was created by artist Wendy Whiteley on disused railway land and has grown into a layered, overgrown wonderland full of texture and character. Winding paths lead you through dense tropical planting, past sculptures and seating spots, and eventually open to stunning views across the bay toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Shoot through the foliage to frame the bridge in the background, or work the garden's shaded tunnels and stairways as leading lines. Early morning gives you soft diffused light filtering through the canopy, and the low crowds mean you can shoot without people cluttering your frame. A wide angle works well for the lush, immersive garden scenes, while a short telephoto lets you compress the bridge against the water. Access is free and the paths are uneven, so wear good shoes. (Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia)
