Arthur McElhone Reserve
Arthur McElhone Reserve is a small public garden in Elizabeth Bay, opposite Elizabeth Bay House. Its standout feature is an ornamental water garden built around an original lake, crossed by a stone bridge and stocked with goldfish, with panoramic views from the lawn toward the heads of Sydney Harbour.
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About Arthur McElhone Reserve
Ornamental Water Garden at Arthur McElhone Reserve
Arthur McElhone Reserve has an ornamental water garden built around an original lake. A stone bridge crosses the lake, and the pond holds goldfish. The lawn sits within the original carriage loop in front of Elizabeth Bay House, so the historic house can be seen from the grass. Shaded benches beside the water look over the lake and down to the heads of Sydney Harbour. The garden is small and immaculate, which suits quiet relaxation and short visits rather than active play.
Heritage and History of Arthur McElhone Reserve
Arthur McElhone Reserve was named in 1950 after Arthur McElhone, an alderman for 44 years who died in 1946. Sydney City Council acquired Lots 4, 5 and 6 of the 1927 subdivision of Elizabeth Bay House in 1948 to create the park. Council employee Ilmars Berzins, an immigrant from Latvia reputedly the first formally trained landscape architect in Australia, designed the garden, one of the first public parks the council designed after World War II. From the 1840s the lawn was known for massed bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope, and outdoor entertainment took place on the site from 1829.
Weddings and Ceremonies at Arthur McElhone Reserve
Arthur McElhone Reserve is a popular venue for garden wedding ceremonies, with the water garden and harbour views as the backdrop. The City of Sydney open space bookings team handles ceremony bookings at openspacebookings@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au, and fees are price on application. A wheelchair-accessible entrance lets guests with mobility needs enter the garden, and the lawn gives room for a small gathering in front of the lake.
Facilities at Arthur McElhone Reserve
Visitor tips for Arthur McElhone Reserve
- ✓Confirm your ceremony date with the bookings team well before the event.
- ✓Call (02) 9265 9333 with any questions about the reserve.
Getting to Arthur McElhone Reserve
Corner of Billyard Avenue and Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011, opposite Elizabeth Bay House. Map coordinates: -33.86985, 151.22695.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Elizabeth Bay
- 📍Elizabeth Bay House
Frequently asked questions about Arthur McElhone Reserve
Is Arthur McElhone Reserve wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the reserve has a wheelchair-accessible entrance into the small garden.
Can you get married at Arthur McElhone Reserve?
Yes, ceremonies are held in the garden and booked through the City of Sydney, with fees on application.
What is special about Arthur McElhone Reserve?
It pairs a lake with a stone bridge and goldfish with views to the heads of Sydney Harbour, right opposite historic Elizabeth Bay House.
What are the opening hours for Arthur McElhone Reserve?
The reserve is listed as open 24 hours a day.