Discovering a quiet pocket to take a little time-out amid the commonly crowded and chaotic streets of Sydney is often not the easiest of tasks. With bustling traffic, pesky pedestrians, the regular kerfuffle of construction and some combination of being buffeted by a breeze or seared by the sun, finding such a place of peace and quiet ain’t as easy as it might sound.

But, as many locals of Potts Point and surrounds can attest, there remain some perfect little spots where lovely natural surrounds and a serene setting coalesce to create a tranquil haven, ideal for some quiet time.

One such spot, literally just steps from Macleay St, is the much-loved Arthur McElhone Reserve in Elizabeth Bay, a remarkable pocket of genteel greenery, sandstone landscaping, shaded lawns and seating, with views across to the harbour.

The reserve’s history stretches back almost 200 years, to a time when much of Elizabeth Bay formed part of the grand estate of colonial administrator and keen botanist Alexander Macleay.

His magnificent Elizabeth Bay House, completed in 1839 and standing just across the road from the reserve, was once surrounded by extensive gardens and landscaped grounds, with the land now occupied by the park forming part of the estate’s sweeping lawns overlooking the harbour.

As Sydney grew and Elizabeth Bay gradually developed into the densely populated suburb we know today, much of the original estate was subdivided and built upon. Remarkably, however, this little pocket of land survived, eventually being acquired by Sydney City Council in 1948 and transformed into a public reserve.

Named in honour of former Sydney Lord Mayor Arthur McElhone, the gardens were subsequently landscaped in the early 1950s, with their ornamental pond, stone bridge, winding pathways and lush greenery creating the delightful setting that remains today.

In a welcome development, the City of Sydney has recently proposed heritage listing for the reserve, recognising its historical significance and distinctive landscape design. The proposal is now under review following a period of public consultation, with locals having had the opportunity to contribute to the future protection of this much-loved little pocket of Sydney.

And it is this combination of history and natural beauty that makes the reserve such a special place. With its mature trees, shaded benches, gentle lawns and picturesque koi pond, it offers a welcome escape from the bustle of the surrounding streets. There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about the place, a sense of a quieter Sydney that seems increasingly difficult to find, yet remains right here, tucked away in plain sight.

So grab a book, perhaps pack a picnic lunch, or even just pick up a takeaway coffee from one of the many local cafes such as Greenknowe Café, Poppi’s Place or The Lookout at Beare Park, and settle in for as long as your heart desires in this pretty pocket of a bygone era.

By Adam Gibson

Photo by Adam Gibson