I'll update on my post we've got the schedule for the next couple of weeks so the end is in sight!
I drove past your block on Saturday, my daughter and I went to Woollies and I bought us both a snickers at the checkout, we couldn't eat them in the 3 minute drive home so we had to drive around until we were finished so the boys didn't know we'd snuck a treat in for us and not them!
Anyway, I saw your tap and your back retaining wall, it's not as high as I thought it might be so that's good. You did say 8 foot above, I just didn't read it very well! I think your idea of some raised beds is great, will really disguise it. Your block is in a great position for the northern sun too, no other places around are going to block it, good news.