But do you know that there are plenty of hidden gems around Sydney waiting to be explored? Fret not, because we’ve got you covered! Take a step back from the towering skyscrapers and city marvel to explore some of these coolest, lesser-known places in Sydney.
Psst, did we mention all of these places are super Instagrammable too?
#1 Blue Mountains
Nature lovers, be sure to have Blue Mountains on top of your must-do list because you're in for an all-green trip! Located just 90 minutes by car from Sydney, be ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New South Wales. Feast your eyes on the majestic views of the mountains, the popular Three Sisters rock formation from Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba, breezy waterfalls, and serene valleys.
There are also plenty of hidden lookouts where you can enjoy a bird’s eyes view of the area such as the Pulpit Rock Lookout, Cahill’s Lookout, Boar’s Head Rock and Elysian Rock.
#2 Wendy’s Secret Garden
If you need to take a break from the city sights, make your way to this whimsical secret garden. This garden’s not your typical garden and its backstory will make melt your heart.
In 1992, when Wendy Whiteley lost her famous husband - a prolific painter - she channeled her love and grief by planting new seeds of love at an unused railway land near her house. Wendy’s well-kept secret is now out of the bag and she’s sharing it with the whole world. The place is surrounded an abundance of flora and a myriad of colourful blooming petals which keeps the place lively, just like Wendy’s love for her husband.
Psst, you can also catch views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the garden!
If you can’t get enough of greenery in Sydney, be sure to check out the Paddington Reservoir Garden right after. It also boasts the same gorgeous greenery as Wendy's Secret Garden, and coupled with its century-old architecture, you'll have plenty of beautiful photos for your Instagram feed.
The Paddington Reservoir Garden is quite an architecture marvel on its own as it is a blend of the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its sunken garden is also something you may not find in any other gardens.
#3 Angel Place Bird Cages
This is definitely the spot for all you Instagrammers out there. Tucked away between George St and Pitt St, this hanging artwork boasts 120 suspended bird cages and it comes complete with sound recordings of extinct or threatened bird species in central Sydney.
Designed by Michael Thomas Hill, this installation named ‘Forgotten Songs’ comes with a meaningful message for visitors to reflect upon – to explore how Sydney’s fauna has evolved and adapted to co-exist with increased urbanisation which after some time took a toll on certain species and ultimately resulted in its extinction.
#4 Circular Quay, The Rocks
Want your pictures to be extra whimsical? Then make sure you plan your trip between late October to November to enjoy the purple-hued jacaranda season. Explore Circular Quay and The Rocks to experience Sydney like you've never seen before where 'explosions' of jacarandas bloom beautifully amidst concrete jungles and steel skyscrappers.
And if you happen to be a history buff, Circular Quay is definitely the right place to be. This area is where Captain Arthur Phillip, commanding the First Fleet, landed in 1788 and established the first European colony on the Australian continent.
Navigate your way through the quay area up to the cobbled streets at The Rocks and you’ll find plenty of picture perfect spots, featuring the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as well as some very quaint cafes!
#5 Bronte Baths
Looking forward to taking a dip to cool down from the heat but you’d like to enjoy views of Sydney at the same time? Then make your way to Bronte Baths. Built into a rocky cliffside, this pool offers a beautiful view of Sydney’s coastline. Bronte Baths is one of the many ocean pools in Sydney that is a unique feature in New South Wales as they have been around since the late 1800s.
It is also said that you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunrises on Earth here, so be sure to come before 7am to get that Insta-worthy shot! If you’re already planning to go there, try to take a more scenic route via the Bondi to Bronte walk where you get to enjoy unparalleled views of the rugged coastline.
And if you happen to be in Sydney between 24 October to 10 November 2019, Sculpture by the Sea – Bondi will be taking place along the 2km stretch from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach. There will be 100 sculptures on display, which means more Insta-worthy photos, yay!
#6 Newtown Street Art
What’s a trip to Sydney if you don’t stop by the suburb of Newtown, touted as one of Sydney’s coolest neighbourhoods? Go on a scavenger hunt along King Street, Church Street and Lennox Street and you’ll be amazed by the delightful displays of art waiting to be found by you and your camera lens!
Vivid colours, intricate patterns and pretty illustrations can be found at almost every corner of the street. Follow this Newtown Graffiti Map and see if you can find them all. Your Instagram feed will definitely thank you for this trip.
If you’re itching to pack your bags and head to Sydney, there’s no better time to do it than now.
You can book your flight now with Malaysia Airlines as they have some pretty interesting deals, and travel until 31 March 2020, so you have plenty of time to save up for your trip.
For more information and to book your tickets, click on this link right here.