Secrets of Sydney: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Hidden Gems

Looking for hidden gems in Sydney? The city has a lot more than meets the eye and can be especially rewarding for those willing to explore beyond the main attractions.

There are many secret spots and lesser-known attractions, each with a unique appeal. Hidden beaches, sunken gardens, underground bars. They all offer something interesting that’s different than the norm.

In this guide, I’m using my years of experience in Sydney to dive deep into the city’s fabric. I’ll uncover the must-visit secret spots that show off Sydney’s lesser-seen charm.

Ready to explore the city like never before? Let’s uncover the secrets of Sydney.

1. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

If you want to find a hidden gem away from the city noise, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is the perfect spot for peace and relaxation. If you’re near Lavender Bay, take advantage of this one.

• The garden was created by Wendy Whiteley (naturally) from old railway land. It’s full of flowers, native plants, and paths along the harbour. It’s excellent for picnics, reading a book, or taking a quick walk (I did it in 10 minutes).

• There are some steps, so I’d avoid going here if you’ve got a pram or wheelchair.

• The big draw is the greenery and the views, including some unexpected views of the bridge from vantage points you rarely see in Sydney.

2. Shark Island

Shark Island is an island located perfectly in the middle of the harbour but in the closest proximity to Rose Bay.

• I left from Circular Quay on the Captain Cook Hop On Hop Off ferry, which I recommend doing, as it was an easy process.

• The island is relatively small, but it’s a nice way to spend a couple hours. It’s mainly natural scenery, with beaches and stunning views of the harbour, Sydney Opera House, and city skyline. During whale watching season, you can spot whales on the horizon.

• It’s roughly 250 meters long and 100 meters wide, so you can easily walk the perimeter. There aren’t any cafes, so I recommend bringing food and utilizing the picnic tables.

PRO-TIP: It’s an ideal vantage point for watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks. If you do that, book early; it fills up quickly.

3. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

This sunken garden is truly a hidden gem in Paddington. It’s discreetly off Oxford Street but feels like something from Rome.

• Similar to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, they’ve been repurposed from their original purpose. They were once part of Sydney’s water infrastructure, so you can walk on boardwalks above the garden’s sunken areas, surrounded by the reservoir’s original brick and iron framework.

• When you go downstairs to the sunken area, there isn’t a huge amount to see, mainly plants, flowers, and a pond, but it’s fun to be surrounded by old architecture and a green oasis in the middle of the city.

• It’s free to enter, and you can expect to spend about 5-10 minutes here at most (unless you want to sit). I recommend grabbing a coffee from Paddington Grind next door before walking the premises.

• When I went, one section of it (the “east” side) was locked, but that may have been bad luck. From what I could see, that part was a bit creepy, like an abandoned haunted house.

4. Camp Cove

With its west-facing view, Camp Cove Beach is one of the best spots for a sunset in Sydney and one of my personal favorites in the city.

• It’s easy to miss, but it’s worth stopping at if you’re on the Watsons Bay ferry or the South Head Heritage Trail.

• The beach is small, only about 200 meters, but the sand is pristine, and the water is crystal clear and great for swimming and snorkeling.

• A kiosk on the beach serves coffee and snacks, making it possible for the activity to become more prolonged.

• Because of its small size, it can become crowded, so prepare accordingly. Parking is limited, so I recommend using public transport to get there.

5. Angel Place

In Angel Place, you walk under “Forgotten Songs,” an art installation of empty bird cages suspended above the alley.

• Don’t be surprised when you hear bird noises; the cages play recordings of birdcalls as you walk under them.

• It’s a hidden gem in the CBD that’s visually interesting, unique, and makes for a great photo op. It’s a relatively short experience that can be done in a few minutes.

• After checking out the bird cages, Angel Place also has restaurants and bars that are easily accessible (especially given its CBD location). I recommend Ragazzi, an Italian place about a minute’s walk away.

6. Badu Mangroves

Looking for a short yet quiet walk? Check out Badu Mangroves, which are located within Sydney Olympic Park, but feel totally removed from the city.

• Passing through the mangroves on the breezy 1km boardwalk is a fantastic way to spend a sunny day. In my experience, it’s usually not very crowded, so it’s great when you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

• It overlooks ponds and has a nice river outlook at the end. Wildlife thrives here, so you’ll surely see birds, lizards, and more.

• When you’re there, look for the Homebush Bay Shipwreck, remnants of a ship easily accessible from the boardwalk.

7. Martin Place’s Underground Bars

Martin Place in the CBD has a series of hidden bars worth visiting. Here are my top picks:

• Old Loves: a huge selection of rum with over 320 types, including a Mango, Pandan, and Coconut Daiquiri.

• The Baxter Inn: contains a massive whiskey collection, located in a candle-lit basement setting.

• Apollonia: for a Sicilian twist, located in a basement heritage warehouse serving cocktails with a story.

• Double Deuce Lounge: a fun ’70s-inspired aesthetic.

• Door Knock: an entrance through concrete stairs, a long hallway, and a cocktail upon arrival.

• Employees Only: a speakeasy vibe and tarot readings.

8. Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk

Starting in Manly, this coastal trail stretches about 10km and has a mix of beachfront, bushland, and clifftop paths.

• On the walk, you’ll pass by secluded beaches like Castle Rock and Reef Beach.

• Two highlights are the Grotto Point Lighthouse and Aboriginal rock engravings.

• Plan for tide times; high tide can cover parts of the path, especially near Forty Baskets Beach.

• Allow around 4 hours if you want to go at a leisurely pace.

PRO-TIP: If you’re looking for an alternative coastal walk on the other side of the bridge, try the Bronte coastal walk from Bronte to Coogee.

9. The Coal Loader in Waverton

The Coal Loader is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.

• Once a coal transfer depot, it now hosts community gardens, sustainable living displays, and historical aspects like an old wharf.

• There are also underground tunnels, which are fun to explore.

• The top platform has views across to Greenwich, and below, bushland tracks lead to Bulls Head Reserve. I recommend walking along the dockyard, especially when it’s lit up at night.

• To get there, you’ll take a short walk from the Waverton Train Station.

10. Golden Age Cinema

Golden Age is a quaint cinema and bar in the Paramount Pictures Building in Surry Hills.

• The atmosphere is cozy and has a charming 1940s design, including candles and velvet curtains.

• The screening room is small, which enhances it by making it more of an “experience.” You can expect to see classic and cult movies, not mainstream blockbusters.

• At the bar, I got a Mai Thai that was delicious, and you can choose from a few snack options. Sometimes they even place live music!

11. Bare Island Fort

Bare Island Fort is connected to La Perouse by a wooden bridge with military structures, tunnels, and cannons.

• The island feels like a European settlement, containing connections to Captain Cook and La Perouse, and has beautiful views of Botany Bay.

• There’s also a monthly event with bush tucker and ceremonies by Aboriginal elders.

• A guided tour is the only way to experience it. The island is pretty small, so the tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs $15/adult.

12. Hermitage Foreshore Track

This walk has incredible views of the Sydney skyline.

• It starts at Bayview Hill Road in Vaucluse and follows the Hermitage Foreshore Track for a 2 km walk to Nielsen Park.

• It’s relatively easy, takes about an hour, and you can stop for a swim at Queens Beach, Hermit Bay Beach, Shark Beach, or Milk Beach.

• There’s a carpark at Neilson Park, so if you’re driving, you should reverse the route, as there isn’t much parking on the other end. For more walking, extend your hike towards Watsons Bay or Bondi Beach via additional trails.

PRO-TIP: There are a lot of stairs, so plan accordingly.

13. Milk Beach

The best stop on the Hermitage Foreshore Track is Milk Beach, a small beach hidden in Sydney Harbour National Park.

• It’s about 15 minutes from Neilsen Park, and you get panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour bridge and the city skyline. In fact, the sunset views are some of the best in the city.

• However, I’ve noticed the beach becoming busy on weekends and holidays, so arrive early.

• The beach is around 50 meters long and the water is calm, more for swimming in a bay than surfing.