Even if you're a local, there's a chance you haven't stumbled upon Darling Park. This hidden gem may look like it belongs to the office blocks surrounding it, but the park - designed by a team from Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens no less - is absolutely open to the public.
And it's glorious.
The 3000 square metre space has a central spire, emanating from which are a series of garden beds and grassy expanses - perfect for taking a load off during a lunchtime. A circular walkway rings the garden, and it is lined with benches, tables and handy little alcoves to sit and chat. Come lunch hour of course this is teeming with white-collar folk, but if you pick your moments, this is a delightful green haven. Such a rarity in the CBD.
My favourites are the wombat statues (see photo) that frolic in one of the garden beds and are just too cute for words. You can see one is stretched out on the grass catching 20 winks, which is exactly what I've done on many a visit to Darling Park. read more