6 Secret Magical Places in Sydney to Discover

It's no secret that Sydney is a magical city, but what about the secrets hidden within it? Yes, it could be a long list of attractions well-known to anybody who is planning to visit the biggest Australian city, but what about the treasures most tourists never get to set their eyes on? Luckily, you are about to find out which ones they are.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Paddington

The moment you step off the Oxford Street, you are minutes away from these splendid green gardens that make you forget you are in the city center. These are sunken gardens full of hanging plants, water features, huge echoing chambers and high paths to enjoy walks. This place used to be a functional reservoir, a petrol station, and a parking garage—can you believe it? It was a water supply for some parts of Sydney during the second half of the 19th century. It still has some of the original architecture. It was transformed into a garden in 2006, made of rustic bricks, timber, and iron combined with natural beauty.

Wendy's Secret Garden

This is a well-hidden park that is actually one of the best Sydney spots to enjoy your coffee or have a picnic while enjoying a bridge view. It's hidden within Lavender Bay Parklands, which are a popular part of Sydney Harbor. The garden offers a peaceful place to admire quirky statues spread around. The easiest way to enter it is through the main entrance noticeable thanks to a magnificent Moreton Bay fig tree near it. The garden is always open and free for your enjoyment in nature—a sprawling Port Jackson fig, old green bamboos, and Arkie’s Bungalow Palms. Stay as long as you want and soak in the quietness.

Milk Beach

This beach is a perfect place to spend with family or a group of friends. Hidden in the Eastern Suburbs, it is also accessible by a boat. For those who like relaxed swimming in isolation and admire the view of the whole city—this white sandy beach is the place to go. There are few cozy places to enjoy Sydney as this one is.

Collins Flat Beach

Anyone who is in search of beautiful waterfall should go between North Head and Little Manly Cove, to find Collins Flat Beach and its view of the harbor. It could easily be the most idyllic spot for a romantic picnic. Even if you spend only 48 hours in Sydney, this is one of the places you shouldn't miss—it will prove you there are true natural retreats where you can step away from the noise and hustle. Swim in the calm waters and have a wonderful meal on the beach, and maybe even spend the night there in if you feel like it.

Auburn Botanic Gardens

If it's blooming season in Sydney, don't miss visiting a couple of breathtaking gardens that offer an overload of pink. The gardens include a Sunken Rose Garden, a Scented Garden, as well as a Fauna Reserve—it is a piece of heaven available to everyone. Opt for affordable shared accommodation in Sydney and spend as much time as you can to visit these wonderful gardens. Mid to late August is highly recommended if you want to enjoy the full beauty of the gardens—cherry blossoms and shades of green, peacocks wandering around—what more do you need?

Palm Beach and Lighthouse

Built in 1888, this lighthouse is located at Sydney's most northern point—Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach. Maybe you will even recall the film Home and Away, filmed exactly at this spot. It takes you awhile to get there, but those 91 meters above the sea level, providing a beautiful view of the beaches above, won't make you regret your decision. It will take you some 30 minutes to reach the top, but you don't have to choose the challenging hike, you can opt for Smugglers track—it's steeper but shorter. And don't forget your binoculars for whale watching if you are visiting Sydney between May and September—you may get lucky! If that doesn't happen, you can always admire the panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Broken Bay.

All in All

Depending on how adventurous and persistent you are, Sydney will have a lot more to offer than it is initially expected. The hidden places of every city are gems that deserve to be discovered—start your adventure then!