22 Hidden Gems in Sydney You Can’t Miss

Australia Places To See Sydney Travel
Robbie Vai Author: Robbie Vai
Clock Icon 10 minutes read
Update Icon May 22, 2023

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and Australia’s most populous city, is home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Although these are must-see sights for new visitors, those returning to Sydney are often keen to escape the crowds and seek out more unusual attractions.

If you want to venture off the beaten path on your next visit, be sure to add these 22 Sydney hidden gems to your itinerary.

1. McDougall Street in Kirribilli

Photo Credit: Edward Howard

Kirribilli is a picturesque suburb on Sydney’s North Shore. You can reach it by catching a ferry from Circular Quay to Kirribilli Wharf, driving or strolling over Sydney Harbour Bridge. It has a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, and there are plenty of scenic spots to take great photos. A particularly good one is McDougall Street which is lined with jacaranda trees that are covered in beautiful purple blooms in the springtime.

2. North Sydney Pool

  • Address: 4 Alfred St S, Milsons Point NSW 2061
  • Website: northsydney.nsw.gov.au
  • Opening Hours: Temporarily closed for renovations, re-opens in 2024

North Sydney Pool is considered one of the best outdoor pools in the world, thanks to its incredible views of Sydney Harbour. It has multiple pools, a deck for lounging in the sun, and a number of cafes and restaurants. The pool is currently closed for renovations, but it looks set to be better than ever when it reopens in 2024.

3. Dr. Mary Booth Lookout Reserve

  • Address: 7 Waruda St, Kirribilli NSW 2061
  • Opening Hours: 24/7

There are lots of spots along Sydney’s coastline to get fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Dr. Mary Booth Lookout Reserve is a hidden gem. It’s set within the popular Bradfield Park, where many come to enjoy a picnic or soak up the sun. Visit the lookout at night for awesome views of the twinkling city skyline.

4. Barangaroo Reserve

Photo Credit: wallpaperflare.com

Darling Harbour is a beautiful and bustling part of Sydney, usually packed with people. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and find some tranquility, head to the nearby Barangaroo Reserve. This spacious headland park provides amazing views of the harbor. It’s home to over 75,000 native trees and 150 different species of bird, including Australia’s famed Kookaburra.

5. Robertsons Point Lighthouse

Robertsons Point Lighthouse, situated in the harborside suburb of Cremorne Point, is a key component in the navigation system of Port Sydney. The lighthouse was built in 1909, and it’s an impressive landmark to take in when you take a coastal walk in this area. There’s plenty of native bushland in Cremorne Point and no shortage of footpaths to explore.

6. Maccallum Pool

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
  • Address: Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
  • Website: northsydney.nsw.gov.au
  • Opening Hours: 24/7; check the North Sydney Council website for dates of closures for cleaning.

Maccallum Pool, situated on Cremorne Point’s western side, has historical charm and provides fantastic views of Sydney Harbour. It’s filled with water from the harbor so you can enjoy a refreshing saltwater dip in complete safety. Compared to the likes of Bondi Icebergs pool, Maccallum is lesser-known and a little quieter. It’s a great spot for families with young kids.

7. Grounds Of Alexandria Sustainable Garden and Café

  • Address: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015
  • Website: thegrounds.com.au
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7 am – 9 pm / Friday & Saturday: 7 am – 9.30 pm / Sunday: 7.30 am – 9 pm

The Grounds of Alexandria is a tranquil, community-minded area where you can grab a bite to eat after taking a relaxing stroll through a sustainable garden and animal farm. In addition to its cafe space and artisanal bakery, the area boasts more than 80 market stalls offering gourmet food products and handmade goods.

8. Bare Island

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
  • Address: Bare Island, La Perouse NSW 2036
  • Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
  • Opening Hours: 7 am – 8.30 pm daily November to March / 7 am – 7.30 pm daily April to October

Bare Island lies in Botany Bay just off the coast of La Perouse, around 30 minutes from Sydney CBD by car. This scenic island is a popular spot for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Visit on the first Sunday of the month to enjoy Aboriginal Workshops and learn how to weave baskets, make spears, and produce crafts out of shells. Look out for the remains of the SS Minmi, which tragically struck the rocks of Bare Island in 1937.

9. Queenscliff Tunnel

Formally known as Queenscliff Tunnel and known affectionately by locals as Manly Wormhole, this impressive passageway is worth experiencing if you’re heading to Manly Beach. The tunnel was chiseled through the headland rock over a century ago to create a direct route between Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches. Be sure to check tide times and only visit during low tide to avoid getting stranded.

10. Lavender Bay Parklands

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Lavender Bay Parklands is comprised of multiple green spaces, including Clark Park, Watt Park, Quibaree Park, and Lavender Bay Foreshore. It is best known for Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, which was created by the wife of Australian artist Brett Whitely following his death in 1992. The garden has a blend of beautiful native and exotic flora which you can take in as you stroll around its winding, narrow pathways.

11. Sawmillers Reserve

Sawmillers Reserve in McMahons Point sits on a former timber mill that dates back to the 19th century. You can learn about how it functioned in its heyday and simply enjoy the peaceful outdoor space. You’ll get great views of Pyrmont and Balmain when you climb the reserve’s embankments.

12. Manns Point

View from Manns Point, Greenwich (Photo Credit: LemonMyrtle)

Manns Point is one of the best vantage points of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. It sits on Greenwich Peninsula’s southernmost tip overlooking the Parramatta River. The green space has seats and picnic benches, so you can comfortably spend a few hours here watching the sun go down.

13. Observatory Hill

Just 10 minutes away from Circular Quay is Observatory Hill, a small elevation that’s home to Sydney Observatory. The museum in the Observatory is free to enter, but you can pay for a guided tour at night for a chance to use the telescopes and get a closer look at the night sky. Observatory Hill has been an important lookout spot for centuries because it is Sydney’s most elevated point and provides excellent views of Sydney Cove and Darling Harbour.

14. Fred Hollows Reserve

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Fred Hollows Reserve is a 5-acre vegetated gully that sits in the heart of Randwick. A boardwalk built across the gully, part of which is made from recycled plastic, allows you to take a peaceful 20 to 30-minute stroll through this natural park. The boardwalk sits at multiple levels and, at some points, reaches canopy level for incredible views and a tranquil atmosphere.

15. Badu Mangroves

Sydney Olympic Park is home to a series of popular attractions, but one of its hidden gems is the Badu Mangroves ecosystem. It’s the largest intertidal wetland to remain on the Parramatta River. You can experience it by strolling along the elevated boardwalk. Look out for a variety of water birds along the way, as the area serves as a refuge for local wildlife.

16. Knapsack Viaduct

Photo Credit: sv1ambo via Flickr CC2.0

The lower region of the Blue Mountains is a great place to go hiking, with many trails to choose from. Knapsack Viaduct is an impressive feat of engineering that was built in the 19th century. It forms part of the Lapstone Zig Zag railway line, which connected Emu Plains and Blaxland until it was closed in 1892. 

You can follow the railway via a bushwalk that starts from a parking lot on Knapsack Street in Glenbrook. It’s a moderately challenging route but well worth it when you take in the impressive architecture of the viaduct.

17. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Paddington Reservoir Gardens were created in 2009 after the reservoir sat empty for over 100 years, having been superseded by a bigger and more efficient water supply system. This peaceful city haven features much of the reservoir’s original brick archways. Look out for trendy events here, as the sunken garden is the perfect venue for a variety of art and film festivals.

18. Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
  • Address: Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks NSW 2000
  • Website: pylonlookout.com.au
  • Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily

Pylon Lookout is accessed via a walkway that runs from the Rocks to one of the four pylons of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Not only does it provide impressive views of the harbor, but it’s also home to a small museum where you can learn about the history and construction of the bridge.

19. GPO Building

  • Address: 1/1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Website: auspost.com.au
  • Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday

The General Post Office building, located on the corner of Martin Place and George Street, is one of Sydney’s best examples of 19th-century sandstone architecture. This beautiful building is impressive both inside and out, with a neo-classical facade and a grand inner atrium.

20. Angel Place Birdcages

Photo Credit: Marc Dalmulder via Flickr CC2.0

Angel Place, situated just off George Street, is home to a unique art installation called “Forgotten Songs” by Michael Thomas Hill. 50 mismatched birdcages are suspended above the alley to represent 50 species of native birds that were forced out of Sydney following European settlement. As you walk beneath the birdcages, you’ll hear the calls of the birds drifting through the air.

21. Bronte Baths

If you’re looking for a quiet spot for swimming as an alternative to Bondi Beach, consider Bronte Baths. This ocean pool has been open since 1887, and it’s a favourite with locals who want to avoid crowds of tourists. For a peaceful day out, take the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk and cool off in Bronte Baths when you arrive.

22. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Photo Credit: Camila Se

Ku-ring-gai Chase is the second-oldest national park in Australia, and it’s the perfect blend of history and beauty. The park features a mix of bushland, sandstone, and water vistas across its 36,887 acres. It’s a popular destination for walking, cycling, kayaking, and whale-watching. Although it’s 15 miles from the city center, the park is easy to access via public transport and more than worth taking a day trip for.

Explore Sydney’s Best-Kept Secrets

Now you know about Sydney’s hidden gems and secret spots, you can plan a sightseeing itinerary that beats the crowds and helps you get a deeper understanding of everything this incredible city has to offer.

Photo Credit: Ira Sokolovskaya

Robbie Vai
Author: Robbie Vai
Our journal features a diverse group of travel enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the world and sharing their experiences. From solo adventurers to family vacationers, our team of writers offers unique perspectives and insightful tips to help inspire and guide your next adventure. Whether it's discovering hidden gems off the beaten path or indulging in luxurious getaways, we're here to help you make the most of your travels. Robbie is an amalgam of these writers.
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