When visiting Sydney, you’ve probably visited the Opera House, walked over the Harbour Bridge and even been up to the Sydney Tower Eye but here’s a list of lesser known places to visit that will still show you the best of what Sydney and its suburbs has to offer.
Angel Place Birdcages , Sydney City
Originally commissioned as part of the ‘By George!’ Laneways temporary art program, this installation known as ‘Forgotten Songs’ found its permanent home in 2012 in Angel Place and commemorates the songs of 50 birds heard in Sydney before European settlement forced them out. Listen carefully and the birds’ songs change from day to night as the nocturnal birds replace the daytime birds at dusk.
Where – Angel Place, Challis House, 4-10 Martin Place (located between George and Pitt Street), Sydney
FREE – Open 24 hours
Arthur McElhone Reserve Waterview, Elizabeth Bay
Named after Arthur McElhone, an alderman for 44 years, this Reserve on the edge of Elizabeth Bay House is a beautiful, tranquil oasis minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originally part of the estate, this secret garden features manicured gardens, a stone bridge and stunning views of Sydney Harbour. To top it off, it’s dog friendly.
Where – 1A Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay
FREE – Open 24 hours
Auburn Botanic Gardens, Auburn
Not technically in the city, Auburn Botanic Gardens has had cultural significance to the people of Western Sydney since 1977. Spanning over 9 hectares, it features a Fauna reserve and bird aviary, an Ampitheatre and Pool of reflection with lakes filled with fish and ducks. It’s also home to The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival which takes place during August.
Where – Chisholm Road and Chiswick Road, Auburn
Open – 9am-5pm daily except Christmas Day, time changes to 9am-6pm during daylight saving
The Fauna Reserve and Bird Aviary open 9am-4pm daily
Free for residents of the Cumberland City Council or tickets – Adults A$7, Children under 16 A$4 or Family (2A and 2C) $20
Badu Mangroves, Homebush Bay
Be at one with nature and meander your way along the winding boardwalk between the southern shore of Homebush Bay and Bicentennial Park. The boardwalk consists of a series of low-impact walkways and take in the Badu Mangrove which is part of the largest remaining intertidal wetland on the Parramatta River.
Where – Sydney Olympic Park
Parking – Car Park P10F on Bicentennial Drive, Homebush
Open – Sunrise to Sunset
Please note dogs and cycling aren’t permitted on the Boardwalk.
The Coal Loader, Waverton
Heading to the north side of the city you will find The Coal Loader, part of Sydney’s industrial history and now heritage listed. Explore the four coal loading tunnels. Tunnel 2 is a public walkway but if you want to get a perspective on the historically importance of the tunnels, you can book a free History Tour of Tunnel 1. A great spot on the north edge of the harbour to explore, or partake in a light meal from the café.
Where – 2 Balls Head Drive, Waterton
Open – The Parklands and Platform are open to the public at any time, café hours vary but generally from 7am, 7 days a week
Collins Laneway, Rose Bay
In Sydney’s east, Collins Laneway in Rose Bay has been transformed into a vibrant hub of colour, fairy lights and lush greenery. Featuring artwork by Artist Alice McAuliffe, it’s reminiscent of a Mediterranean laneway where you can dine at an array of cafes or shop in the speciality stores.
Where – Between stores Made on Earth and Elitra on New South Head Road, Rose Bay
Fairy Bower Pool, Manly
If it’s a dip in the water you’re after than look no further than the Fairy Bower Pool in Manly’s Cabbage Tree Bay. The triangular ocean pool starts ankle deep and at its deepest end reaches a depth of 1.5 metres. While there, take in the stunning sculptures created by Helen Leete – ‘The Sea Nymphs’ and ‘The Oceanides’.
Where – 5B Marine Parade, Manly
Open – 24 hours
Foundation Park, The Rocks
Feel like you just stepped into a Ruth Park novel, and discover Foundation Park hidden behind a row of shop houses in Argyle Terrace. Found by entering a doorway on Playfair Street you will be transported into a part of Sydney’s yesteryear and is made up of eight terrace houses constructed in the mid 1870s and demolished in the 1930s. Nevertheless the foundations of the homes still stand with artistic interpretations of yesteryear.
Where – Gloucester Walk (behind the Playfair Terrace) between George and Cumberland Streets, The Rocks
Open – 24 hours
GPO Building, Sydney City
Staying in the City, be sure to check out what is hidden within the original Sydney General Post Office (GPO) Building. Construction begun in 1866 on the Renaissance style building and on its completion, it served as the headquarters of Australia Post. In 1996 with Australia’s postal needs changing, the building was privatised and you will now find The Fullerton Hotel housed within. A landmark building of Sydney, it might not necessarily be a hidden gem but check out the Heritage Tours which The Fullerton Hotel provide to inhouse guests and the public.
Where – 1 Martin Place (George Street end), Sydney
Open – Tours vary for guests and the public with evening tours added on Thursdays at 6pm, Meet at the Concierge of the Fullerton Hotel. For more details see the Fullerton Hotel website.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
On the north side of the Harbour, tucked away behind Luna Park you will come across Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. It’s probably not really a secret to Sydneysiders but you may stroll past it without realising as it’s not signposted. Throughout the tranquil setting, you will find many sculptures and artefacts as well as well as places to have a picnic while taking in some of the best views of the Harbour from under its iconic fig tree.
Where – Lavender Street via Clark Park, Lavender Bay, closest train station is Milsons Point Station
Open – Daily
We will be updating this page regularly so be sure to check back for some more hidden gems from time to time. Or if you have one that you want to share, please feel free to drop us a line.
