Sydney harbours a plethora of amazing experiences.
Some are well-known, others are truly hidden away and known only by the initiated, and there are those in plain sight yet missed by most. ‘Secret Sydney’ reveals some of my favourite Sydney spots from cafes to restaurants, bars, parks and cultural experiences.
Cooper Park falls into the second category. It’s hidden away in the heart of the Eastern suburbs of Sydney, and known mostly by the locals only.
This hidden gully stretching between Woollahra and Bellevue Hill is a magical tree-covered rainforest-like valley and park, with a picnic spot, tennis courtsand a little cafe, much loved by the locals.
The purchase of land to create a recreational park started in 1885. It wasn’t until 1913 that Sir William Cooper agreed to give up the whole of the gully stretching from Victoria Road in Bellevue Hill to Manning Road in Double Bay. Further additions over the years have brought Cooper Park up to its present area of 38 acres.
The beautiful creek that runs though Cooper Park is natural, and follows the line of a volcanic stretch from the Jurassic age.
It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon walk, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets, and dogs are also allowed on a leash, if you would like to take your best friend with you.
It’s also a great spot to exercise, especially the steep stone steps at the Victoria Street end of the park, and the tennis courts are also very popular and open seven days a week.
In a short walking distance from Cooper Park lies another Sydney secret, the Creme Brûlée Patisserie, the home of some of Sydney’s best cakes and desserts. But more about that in the next Secret Sydney …
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