Secret Places to Visit in Sydney for a Memorable Adventure

With stretches of beautiful coastline, enchanting gardens and swathes of national parkland, Sydney isn’t short of a visual masterpiece. But beneath the surface of our cherished Harbour City sits a stack of lesser-known hideaways just waiting to be explored. 

Go off the beaten track and discover some of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. From backstreet cocktail haunts to forgotten parklands, these secrets of Sydney are tucked away from prying eyes and kept secret from those not in the know for a reason. But we’re willing to share our favourite secret spots, so feel free to take your pick from our favourite undercover hideouts. Just remember—don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret.

Secrets of Sydney: Coming Soon

Sydney’s Abandoned Train Tunnels

There’s something so appealing about hidden tunnels and abandoned spaces. History buffs and explorers alike will be thrilled to learn that Sydney’s abandoned tunnels within St James Station are set to open to the public later this year. Located 20 metres beneath the CBD and built over 100 years ago, the tunnels are to become the base for immersive walking tours with multimedia and soundscape elements. The attraction will unveil Sydney’s wartime past, passing through the abandoned tunnels that were once used in World War II as an air raid shelter. Stay tuned for an open date later this year.

Secrets of Sydney: Hidden Places

Maccallum Pool

Charming Maccallum Pool on Sydney Harbour comes complete with a wooden boardwalk and picket fence—we guarantee you’ll be in your vintage bathers in no time. Situated on the western side of Cremorne Point, this Lower North Shore secret also boasts uninterrupted views of the city. At only 33 meters, it has a tendency to fill up on hot days, so get in quick.

Milson Road, Cremorne Point 

Swain Gardens

One of Sydney’s most stunning and unknown secret gardens, Swain Gardens is like something out of a fairytale. The sprawling, manicured lawns are ideal for a picnic or even a wedding ceremony. In fact, it’s so peaceful here that more often than not, you’ll have the whole place to yourself. 

77 Stanhope Road, Killara 

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

Thanks to Instagram, this might not be so much of a secret anymore, but this magical oasis in North Sydney is still well worth a visit, instantly transporting visitors to another world. The enchanting gardens are brimming with native plants and flowers that spill over every inch of the space, making this the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll. With plenty of picturesque corners to explore, why not settle in for a picnic as well?

Lavender Street, Lavender Bay 

Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Hidden, but also right under our noses, this sunken garden will appeal to anyone with an appetite for architecture or those who just like a little peace and quiet away from bustling Oxford Street. Paddington Reservoir Gardens were inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with its enormous chambers, hanging gardens and striking water features. 

251-255 Oxford Street, Paddington

Collins Laneway

Collins Laneway was once like any other but after the NSW Government got involved in a ‘Streets as Shared Spaces’ program, it has transformed into a scene straight out of a colourful Italian village. Splashes of vibrant paint, murals, plants, lighting and alfresco seating have elevated this tiny laneway into a must-visit destination—but it’s yet to be discovered by most of Sydney! Swing by for a bite and pretend you’ve arrived for your very own Euro summer, right here in Sydney.

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EG Waterhouse Camellia Gardens

A favourite spot among Sutherland Shire locals, the EG Waterhouse Camellia Gardens overlook the beautiful Yowie Bay, and are full of colour all year round. Named for a leading world authority on camellias, the first plantings were made in 1969, with the garden now boasting blooms year round, including camellias in autumn and winter, and roses in the summer months.

A great family day out, there are plenty of picnic spots, with duck food available to buy for just 60 seconds. There are two playgrounds within the garden grounds, a BBQ area and a Teahouse where visitors can enjoy Devonshire tea, High Tea, breakfast or lunch.

104R President Avenue, Caringbah South

Wolli Creek Walking Track

A bushwalk in the heart of the city? Yes, please. This 2km track (part of the longer Two Valley Trail), links Campsie to Bexley North, with the riverside trail passing through Canterbury, Undercliffe and Bardwell Park.

A vital vegetation corridor assisting native plants to survive, its also home to amazing birdlife like Australian pelicans, egrets and tawny frogmouths. A favourite with locals for a brisk walk, early mornings and dusk are the best times to spot local wildlife, with the peaceful walk easily accessible from Turella, Bardwell Park and Bexley North train stations.

Allow at least half an hour, one way, or if you want to enjoy a full day out and about, take the whole 13km Two Valley Trail walk (which also has some great places to stop for coffee along the way).

Secrets of Sydney: Hidden Bars

La Prima

A bar within a bar? We love to see it. Popular Sydney Mexican cocktail bar El Primo Sanchez has welcomed a secret speakeasy concealed by a hidden door. La Prima will transport you straight to Oaxaca with an intimate and exclusive 10-seater bar (which you can also book out in its entirety for added privacy). You can expect a candlelit space, old-school Mexican tunes and a rotating menu of cocktails by the Maybe Sammy team. Picture yourself sipping on the Perfume de Gardenias (Patrón Reposado, peach & citrus cordial and jasmine soda) whilst ordering a selection of share plates. Perfection. 

Oxford House, 27-33 Oxford Street, Paddington 

Apollonia

Apollonia is an understated and exquisite place for a rendezvous. This secret place in Sydney, tucked beneath an old wool store in the heart of the city, exudes a charming sense of nostalgia and old-word romanticism. The dimly lit cocktail haven unveils Sicilian romance with each sip. The cocktail menu, thoughtfully curated, showcases a range of delicious libations. Not into mixed drinks? They’ve also got an excellent selection of wines to satisfy your palate.

Basement, Hinchcliff House, 5-7 Young Street, Sydney 

Earl’s Juke Joint

You could easily walk right past this place—after all, the1920s-style bar is disguised as a butcher from the street. Pretty cool, right? Inside, Earl’s Juke Joint pays homage to New Orleans with low lighting, eclectic music and strong cocktails. If you’re in Newtown, you need to seek out this neat little gem.

407 King Street, Newtown

Old Mate’s Place

Old Mate’s Place in the CBD has the best of both worlds; a well-hidden, stately drinking den, and outside, a bright, sun-drenched open-air bar. Hidden inside a rundown office building,  this two-floor juxtaposed venue serves up a broad range of signature and classic cocktails alongside American-styled bites. There’s also a new bar, Old Love’s, downstairs which is inspired by the creation of tiki and all things rum. Expect playful and delicious cocktails with great food offerings, too.

Level 4/199 Clarence Street, CBD

The Cumberland

If you’re after something a little different, The Cumberland is the place to be. Tucked behind a fridge door in an unassuming laneway, this venue brings an underground speakeasy to the heart of Manly—with a Spanish twist!

The stylish basement eatery has a selection of over 250 whiskies, natural wine, craft beer and an extensive cocktail menu, including prohibition classics, tipples inspired by original counties from Sydney as well as a section dedicated to ingredients that have been locally foraged and found. As for bites, you can graze from their tapas menu or their deli and cheese plates. 

17/19 Central Ave, Manly

Secrets of Sydney: Hidden Restaurants

Rising Sun Workshop

So cool it hurts, this motorbike shop-come-dining destination is a buzzing hive of activity most days of the week, albeit off the beaten track. Famed for its warming bowls of ramen (not just for dinner, breakfast and lunch, too), but their coffee and modern Australian-Japanese café fare is equally as good. 

1C Whateley Street, Newtown

Secrets of Sydney: Hidden Beaches

Store Beach

Store Beach quietly beckons those in the know. Located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, this 200-metre strip of pristine sand and azure waters is accessible only by kayak, a 20-to-30-minute paddle from Manly Wharf. Its sheltered cove and the lush bushland surrounding it provide an intimate escape, perfect for couples seeking a romantic date spot or families looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches.

The beach has another special resident—fairy penguins. For their safety, beach access is off-limits after dusk so plan accordingly.

Collins Beach Road, Manly

Collins Flat Beach, Manly

Tucked away on the harbour side of Manly, Collins Flat Beach is an idyllic spot that offers sprawling skyline views and a ton of privacy. It’s accessible only via water or walking trails, and is the kind of place that prompts Instagram posts captioned with, “How’s the serenity?” And serene it is.

Collins Beach Road, Manly

Lady Bay Beach, Watsons Bay

Perched between South Head and Camp Cove, this tiny beach is one of the best secret beaches on Sydney’s coastline—and that’s a pretty big call! It boasts stunning views of the harbour and skyline, and the water is gentle and inviting. Oh, and your swimmers are completely optional (if you know what we mean!).

Wolseley Road, Point Piper

Parsley Bay, Vaucluse

Next time you’re heading out Vaucluse way, skip the popular Nielsen Park and stop in at Parsley Bay instead. This local gem is as pretty as a postcard, with crystal clear water, a waterfall and a wooden bridge harking back to the 1920s.

Parsley Road, Vaucluse

Mackenzie’s Bay, Tamarama

Now, Mackenzie’s Bay isn’t ‘hidden’ as such—it just doesn’t exist most of the time. Usually, this small cove between Bondi and Tamarama Beach is just a rocky bay that attracts surfers, fishermen and a few brave sunbathers. But every few years at the beginning of winter, the bay becomes a beach overnight. Yes, really! It’s a mystery in that no one knows exactly when it will happen, but experts believe it’s due to a special combination of shifting sand and low tide. How cool is that?

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, Tamarama

Secrets of Sydney: Hidden Gems

Purikura Photoland

A slice of Japan right in the heart of Sydney, this hidden gem is filled with dozens of coin-operated games and amusements like arcade games, claw machines and gachapon. The major drawcard of Purikura Photoland, though, are the purikura photobooths that allow you to create super kawaii stickers and pictures. Enjoy a fun afternoon of posing and snapping pics, while you decorate them with anime-style effects, stickers and backgrounds.

Level 1, Capitol Square, 730-742 George Street, Sydney

Museum of Human Disease

Boasting a unique collection of over 1500 specimens, the Museum of Human Disease at UNSW in Kensington is a must for curious minds who want to better understand diseases and their complications. With examples of both infectious and non-infectious diseases, some of the exhibits showcase rare diseases like typhoid and diphtheria which are now (thankfully) rare due to vaccination and public health programs. There are also exhibits on smoking, obesity, alcohol, drugs and mental health which provide great evidence of the impact of unhealthy lifestyle factors on the body and community.

Samuels Building, UNSW Kensington Campus

If you liked our round-up of the best secrets places in Sydney to uncover, we’ve got plenty more things to do in Sydney that’ll keep you entertained. After that, why not take a look at our romantic restaurant round-up?