The days have been glorious here in Sydney – so much so that last weekend I went with friends for a ramble along the walking tracks around the foreshores of Sydney Harbour. We unexpectedly discovered a little jewel in Sydney’s crown – one that is not written up in most of the major tourist guides.

Known as Wendy Whiteley’s garden, this extensive track of what was once Rail Corp landfill has been cleaned up, mulched and fertilised and coaxed into producing some stunning flora complemented by statues and walking paths, centuries old oak trees and masses of flower laden, highly perfumed Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet) trees. Artist Wendy Whiteley designed and planted the garden herself, over a 20 year period.  Pathways and steps lead to secret nooks and crannies where rustic tables and chairs have been thoughtfully positioned so visitors can enjoy the views over Lavender Bay and across to the Harbour Bridge.  We had the good fortune to meet Wendy who happened to be working in the garden at the time. She told us that even though the land was government property she would like the garden to be a gift for the people of NSW to enjoy.  However, the usual governmental and council red tape is not making it easy! If last weekend is anything to go by the garden is already well used by local residents out for a leisurely stroll, picnicking/celebrating couples and families. 

The ashes of Wendy’s husband Brett, one of Australia’s foremost artists, who died tragically in 1992 and their daughter Arki are buried in the garden at a location known only to Wendy.

Milson’s Point is the nearest train station and if you  are a tourist staying at Anderledy Lodge, the Sisters of St Joseph’s accommodation centre (see GNAGB website) in North Sydney you can just stroll on down. However, be aware that there are quite a number of steps leading down to the garden which is located at the bottom of Lavender Street. From the garden harbourside walking tracks trail off in both directions.

In 2008 Wendy appeared on an ABC national talk show, Enough Rope with host Andrew Denton.  The audio or transcript can be found at: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s2440752.htm                                                                 

We are always on the lookout for a new convent guesthouse to add to the ‘Overseas Accommodation’ page on the Good Night and God Bless website.  We include accommodation which is available to tourists in countries worldwide along with photos and full contact details. We will add to this list every month. Convent and monastery guesthouses in fourteen countries are represented at the moment and the list is growing. Religious guesthouse are unique place to stay and have the added benefits of  being clean, safe, cheap and well located; so please take advantage of them and spend what you save in accommodation on having a good time!

Hello Again,

During a recent radio interview about Good Night and God Bless I was asked a question which had never been put to me before. It was:

‘Can unmarried couples stay overnight in a convent or a monastery’

At first I was a little taken aback and could only thank the interviewer very much for asking me such a question on national radio! However, I soon realised what an important question this was and tried to answer it as carefully as I could, with both the couple and the convent taken into consideration.

I am sure others must be curious to know the same thing.  Now you may or may not agree with me, but I have included my thoughts on such a situation below.

My golden rule when travelling, is – do not bring attention to yourself. Although sometimes it can be a little like the nuns in the movie Sister Act, trying to ‘blend in’ dressed in full habit while running around in a Las Vegas casino, it usually works and manages to keep me away from trouble.

If an unmarried couple turned up at a convent looking for accommodation and applied this rule then I am sure there would be no problem.  They would in all probability be accepted as a married couple, no questions asked.

However, I think it would be safe to say that even those of us who don’t follow a Christian faith would still have a pretty good idea of how a member of a religious community would view this situation. And agree with them or not, if the facts were known unmarried couples would hardly be welcome. When staying in someone’s home we are not usually told how to behave. However, it is considered normal, respectful behaviour to follow the (unspoken) rules of the household – and the same would apply when staying in a convent or monastery guesthouse.

For couples in this situation it would be much better for all concerned to find a cheap, cosy, inexpensive hotel – and come back to the convent when you are married!

‘Til next time…