Rose Bay gets a glow up

Published on 20 February 2023

We’ve given forgotten laneways and bland car parks in Rose Bay a new lease on life with fresh paint, new murals, plants, lighting and seating.

Take a walk through Rose Bay to see the installations, snap some pics and stick around for an alfresco meal or coffee.

This project was made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program, where we're trialling a number of temporary activations in the Rose Bay Centre over summer. 

Have a look at these before and after pictures: you won’t believe it!

Collins Lane

Collins Lane has been given a new lease on life thanks to artist Alice McAuliffe's colourful work, Concrete Carpet, which was inspired by the colourful baroque and high renaissance styles of Italy.

Before

After, image by Steven Siewert

Percival Lane

At Percival Lane, Sharon Billinge’s giant artworks called Beach, Bark and Banksias pays tribute to Rose Bay’s famous dog beach and its native flora.

Before

After, image by Steven Siewert

Wilberforce Avenue carpark

Claire Foxton's artwork Boowambillee (Shark Island) has livened up the otherwise drab concrete carpark walls. The artwork is inspired by Boowambillee (Shark Island), the roughly shark-shaped island surrounded by the waters of Rose Bay. It also features Rani, the first Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner which launched from Boowambillee/Shark Island on Boxing Day 1945.

Before

After

Collins Avenue Parklet

We've installed a new parklet (temporary seating area) at Collins Avenue opposite Percival Park. The parklet is designed to be enjoyed by all so why not sit down and enjoy a takeaway coffee by one of the many cafes nearby or stop by after a day at the beach.

New parklet on Collins Avenue

Percival Park

You will also notice upgrades to Percival Park with a newly planted garden installed by IndigiGrow, festoon lighting and colourful bollards. Be sure to take your pup to Rose Bay Dog Beach and snap a picture of your fur friend in front of the bollards #PupparazziShot.

Image by Steven Siewert