St Thomas’ Rest Park

St Thomas’s is by far the «business» that I visit the most in Crows Nest, although I’ve never paid a cent, let alone a tip. Usually it’s with my little four-​legged friend in tow, for a walk and rumble with the other dogs in this off-​leash park. It’s quite busy just after work in the evening, plus Sunday afternoons. In winter time there’s a bright floodlight to make it easier for people to exercise their dogs after the earlier sunset.
During the day, it’s quite peaceful, although if it’s nice weather there’s still bound to be some kids at the playground and people around sitting in the sun/​shade. It’s a decent size park with plenty of trees (and gravestones) to break it up and create different nooks, along with plenty of benches for people to sit on.
Most of the burials took place back in the 19^th century, with a few still occurring up until the mid-​20^th century. Despite the gravestones it’s quite peaceful, and not at all alarming. The largest grave is the pyramid monument erected by Alexander Berry, and of great local historical significance. The dogs do have a tendency to eat the dirt though after rainy periods, so maybe there is something in it…
DOG TIP: Did you know that all parks in the North Sydney council area are off-​leash, except for near playgrounds and food-​prep areas and bushland reserves?

Pretty much everyone in here died from syphilis except this one guy who got struck by lightning.
This is the oldest cemetery north of the bridge, and it shows: elaborate headstones, archaic inscriptions, and lots and lots of children who dies under the age of, like, eight. To clarify, it *was* a cemetery, and was creatively re-​purposed (possibly by early hipsters) into a «rest park», because that’s a thing now.
But really, this is one of my favourite parks anywhere. It’s serene, with sun-​dappled glades and a big open area at the back where local dog owners bring their dogs, let them off the leash and watch them romp, happy as anything, drool flying. People picnic on the hill and watch the dog show on weekends and early evenings, it’s All Time.
I’m here at least 4 times a week, 5 if I’m lucky. But remember kids: not picking up your dogs poop is not okay. The rest of us have to do it. So should you.

My daughter and I really enjoy visiting the playground at St Thomas Rest Park. There are 4 swings, 3 slides, see-​saw, merry-​go-​round, train and caterpillar shapes for kids to climb, 2 picnic tables and drinking water fountain. Part of the playground is shaded. Cemetery adds unusual scenery, but feels more like being in outdoor museum then cemetery. :)

You wouldn’t often associate cemeteries with strolling, sunbathing and generally having a cheery time, but St Thomas’ Rest Park, a Victorian cemetery, isn’t all about those who have snuffed it.
Situated in the wealthy suburban district of the Lower North Shore the park is a bustling hubbub of social activity come dog walking hour.
Smart ladies and pampered pooches amble around this leafy park swapping gossip and slanderous comments about those who forgot to bring their doggy bags. There’s a notice-​board filled with evening classes to enhance the community atmosphere further. While, for those with you children, there’s a modern play park built into the corner of St Thomas’ Rest.
Having said that, there is a bit of historical interest in all these fenced off enclosures of gravestones. Featuring the well-​known names of some of Sydney’s founders, the graves offer an interesting insight into the lives and death of these Victorian settlers. Most of them struck down by your characteristically Victorian diseases; cholera, dysentery (the charming list goes on) there’s even a man who had an unfortunate encounter with a lightning bolt. So indulge a bit of your morbid or historical curiosity next time you fancy a stroll in a pretty park and head on over to St. Thomas’ Rest.