Sydney’s Best Kept Secrets
Jay Martin
Guest Blogger
Sydney’s Hidden Gems – A Guide to Some of Sydney’s Best Kept Secrets
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You’ll never be short of things to see or do in Australia’s busiest city. A swim at Bondi Beach, a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and all the attractions of Sydney Harbour are always on the itinerary for first-time visitors – but where do you go when you want to get away from the crowds?
If you’re looking to experience Sydney and don’t mind a bit of an adventure, then you’ve come to the right place! I’ve compiled a list of some of my absolute favourite secret spots in Sydney for you to explore.
Check out these hidden gems during your stay, and don’t forget to let me know how you liked them. If you stumble across any other noteworthy, secret hangouts on your travels, be sure to let me know as well; I’d love to add them to the list!
Gordon’s Bay
Nestled between Clovelly and Coogee, less than 10 kilometres southeast of the CBD, is a secret beach that can only be accessed via a pathway along the cliffs. The path and boardwalk stretches from Clovelly Beach all the way down to Coogee Beach and will take you on a journey through a small wetland area fed by a natural spring. Abundant with dense native vegetation, the area is a haven for many birds, lizards and other wildlife.
After a small hike down from past the racks of boats of the local fishing clubs, you will reach the gorgeous waters of Gordon’s Bay Beach. The pint-sized beach is secluded and quiet; however, on clear, sunny days, it is not uncommon to find some locals lying in the sun or snorkelers enjoying the crystal blue waters of this hidden bay.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Aptly named, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is well hidden in a section of Clark Park, near the waterfront of Lavender Bay. Wendy transformed the garden from a neglected, weed-infested lot into its present state after the passing of her husband, well-known Australian artist Brett Whiteley, in 1992.
The park overlooks the water with a breath-taking view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge set to a backdrop of the Sydney city skyline. Filled with sculptures, native fruit trees and herbs, set along a crisscross of garden paths, you’ll feel as though you’re actually in someone’s private garden rather than a public space.
Despite the beauty and central location of Wendy’s Secret Garden, the area is rarely busy, and there are plenty of seating areas for you to enjoy the serenity and admire the gorgeous views. Perfect for some relaxing alone time or a romantic rendezvous.
Angel Place Sydney
Angel Place, connecting George and Pitt Street, is undoubtedly one of Sydney CBD’s best-hidden gems. Located in the heart of the city—this laneway is home to some of Sydney’s finest restaurants, including Indu, Long Chim, China Lane and Ragazzi Pasta and Wine. But this laneway is not just known for its fine dining. Suspended above the laneway are a collection of birdcages, part of an artwork entitled “Forgotten Songs,” designed by Michael Thomas Hill.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Heritage-listed Paddington Reservoir was once a vital water source in 19th Century Sydney. It has since been transformed into a public park, with the reservoir’s original framework playing a key feature. The park is a perfect blend of old and new, with immaculate gardens, boardwalks, original brick, timber and iron fixtures, a rooftop with a sunken garden and colourful graffiti in the eastern chamber.
Auburn Botanic Gardens
To avoid the city crowds, Auburn Botanic Gardens is a lush sanctuary for nature lovers located in West Sydney. Established in 1977, the Gardens represent diverse environments from the Australian rainforest and native garden to the riverside ecosystem and Ryoan-Ji style Japanese Garden. The gardens are home to natural highlights, including the aviary, the scented garden, the reflection pool and the impressive sunken-rose-garden.
Fairy Bower Pool
Sydney is known for its spectacular ocean pools, but the triangular pool at Fairy Bower in Manly is one not to be missed. Found along the scenic walk between Manly and Shelly Beach, the Fairy Bower Pool is a favourite amongst locals – providing the perfect spot to sunbake along the perimeter of the pool or take a refreshing dip in the hot summer months.
Badu Mangroves
The little-known Badu Mangroves—a 56-hectare natural ecosystem set between Bicentennial Park and Homebush Bay—is nestled within Sydney Olympic Park. Visitors can explore the rich riverside wetlands on an elevated boardwalk system that winds through the lush vegetation. The mangroves are also home to more than 200 species of native birds—perfect for avid birdwatchers.
Queenscliff Tunnel
Another Northern Beaches gem, the Queenscliff Tunnel, also known as the Manly Wormhole, is thought to have been constructed by fishermen in the early 1900s. The 40-metre tunnel, popular amongst locals, connects Queenscliff and Freshwater Beach, providing a handy shortcut and the perfect sunset spot. The wormhole is not clearly signposted to help keep this spot one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.
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Jay Martin was born in Brisbane, Australia, but has spent his life traversing the world in search of excitement and freedom. From tearing up the slopes in Canada, the U.S. and New Zealand to backpacking across Europe and living the high-life in Asia, there’s always a new challenge on the horizon for this intrepid adventurer.
After graduating from the University of Queensland with a BBM (Marketing), and working at a few advertising agencies, Jay went out to start his own digital marketing firm. Assisting other businesses build their brands through the development of interesting and exciting content has helped him fine-tune his own passion for writing.
He is currently based between Hong Kong and Australia, with his job allowing him the freedom to travel and work from wherever his next escapade begins- as long as they have internet there.