St. Thomas' Rest Park

One of North Sydney's special places. Not only does it have social and historical significance as the site of the first European cemetery on the North Shore, but it is also the largest park in the densely populated Crows Nest area.

Getting There

St. Thomas' Rest Park is in West Street, Crows Nest. Buses run regularly along West Street and on-street parking is available in surrounding streets.

Rest Park Features

• The Sexton's Cottage dates from around 1850. It was restored and opened as a museum in 1985.
• An interpretive history trail provides 24 hour access to historical information.
• Many monuments and headstones are located within the sandstone-edged historic precincts while others are scattered around the Rest Park.
• Other features include a striking fence along West Street, toilets, lights, seats, picnic tables, a bubbler, and a custom-designed, fully-fenced playground with a 'retro' theme.
• The Commemorative Tree, a mature Bermuda cypress, is a species traditionally grown near places of burial.
• Dogs are welcome in the Rest Park however they are not permitted within 10m of the playground.

History

The former St. Thomas' Cemetery was the first burial ground established on the North Shore. The land for the Cemetery was donated to the Anglican Parish of St Leonards in 1845 by the prominent landowner and merchant, Alexander Berry.

In 1967 the Cemetery was handed over to North Sydney Council by an Act of Parliament granting the area as 'community land' and green-lighting its conversion from a Cemetery into a Rest Park. The new park opened in 1974.

More detailed historical information can be found in:  Sailors, Soldiers & Civil Servants (262KB) and  St Thomas Rest Park walking guide (867KB)

The park is managed using:  St Thomas' Rest Park Plan of Management (210KB)