Sydney is the kind of city that opens up to you like a storybook: Shimmering skyline, beautiful harbor, soft-sand beaches and all. While we think anybody should start with the well-known highlights — like the Sydney Opera House (surely you’d recognize its iconic white-shelled roof) and the Harbour Bridge (hello, world’s tallest steel arch bridge) — there are plenty of plot twists to discover in this city.
While the Sydney Opera House is iconic — we have more in mind for your next visit to this incredible city. (Photo Credit: @kewal)
We have gathered our top 10 picks of lesser-known — but still alluring — attractions in Sydney, and they’re all located within easy reach of Kimpton Margot Sydney, which is housed in the former Sydney Water Board Building. There’s no better place to start (or end!) a day than with the following adventures.
For Local Flavor: Paddington Markets
Every Saturday at 10 a.m., more than 150 designers, craftspeople, and artisans fill the grounds of Paddington Uniting Church and prove that Sydney has quite the creative streak.
From handmade soaps and handbags to bonsai trees and bread, the selection will make you happy that you brought a spare suitcase. Don’t miss the international food hall, where locally made chocolate is a highlight.
For Instagram Inspo: Taronga Zoo
With some of the best views of Sydney, the Taronga Zoo has plenty of Insta ops, including a breathtaking view of giraffes with the Harbour Bridge.
The Taronga Zoo has both an iconic skyline AND giraffes — yes please. (Photo Credit: Nico Smit)
And lions too — Mufasa. (Photo Credit: Cassie Lafferty)
The zoo is also home to five African lion cubs and an exclusive koala encounter — which is a must when in Australia! The Taronga Zoo team also leads conservation efforts and helps to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild.
For a History Fix: Hyde Park Barracks
Set in the old convict barracks from the 18th century, this “living museum” illustrates what early colonial life was like in Australia.
Immersive, multi-media experiences are based on accounts from early settlers, historical information, artifacts, and historical re-creations, resurrecting the past through a fresh and cutting-edge lens.
For a Breath of Fresh Air: Federation Cliff Walk
This five-kilometer trail from Watsons Bay to Dover Heights puts you on top of the world with panoramic views of the coast and Tasman Sea atop massive sandstone cliffs.
View the Tasman Sea atop massive sandstone cliffs. (Photo Credit: Athithan Vignakaran)
You’ll also meander through beautiful parklands and open spaces, and cross an architecturally impressive timber walkway with viewing platforms. To get there, take a ferry into Watsons Bay and walk to the starting point in Robertson Park.
For Family Fun: Luna Park
Old-school thrills are waiting at the retro amusement park, Luna Park. From a boomerang-style rollercoaster to a hot air balloon-themed sky ride, there is something for all ages.
Go for the day and embrace the throwback vibe — evident in the shouts of excitement coming from the mega-slide and the crash of the bumper cars. Take the ferry from Circular Quay — the kids will love going underneath the Harbour Bridge – or for a different perspective, jump on the train at Milson’s Point Station to go back over the bridge into the city.
For an Island Adventure: Cockatoo Island
Sydney’s largest island — Cockatoo Island — was once used to house convicts and is now a UNESCO World Heritage and National Heritage listed site.
Cockatoo Island is a unique blend of nature and concrete. (Photo Credit: Siarhei Plashchynski)
Over the years, it’s also been a shipbuilding yard and Commonwealth naval base. Being almost completely covered in concrete, structures, and industrial equipment, the site offers a somewhat jarring — yet insightful — perspective on wartime and maritime history. The island is reachable via a 10-minute ferry ride.
For Peace and Tranquility: Wendy’s Secret Garden
Built over an abandoned train yard in Lavender Bay, this botanical wonderland guides you down winding gully paths and offers views of Sydney Harbour.
The garden was created by notable local Wendy Whiteley, who drew inspiration for the landscape from the paintings of her late husband, Brett. Keep your eyes open for parrots, kookaburras and wagtails; the garden is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise.
For a Great Day Trip: Blue Mountains
A two-hour train trip (or drive) west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains will tempt outdoors lovers with one million hectares of tall eucalyptus forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls.
In case you forgot and are driving out to the Blue Mountains. (Photo Credit: Thandy Yung)
Trust us — it’s worth the day trip. (Photo Credit: Jacques Bopp)
Hikers will be in paradise exploring the Blue Mountains. (Photo Credit: Laura Barry)
Set out on one of the many bushwalking trails — just be sure to hire a local Darug guide from Blue Mountains Walkabout, who will help you stay on course and also teach you about the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
For a Culture Break: White Rabbit Gallery
Solely focused on Chinese contemporary artworks produced after 2020, the provocative White Rabbit Gallery is housed in a former Rolls Royce showroom.
The gallery also features a street-level teahouse, where you can get your teapot topped off so long as you’re thirsty.
For an Oceanside Escape: Manly Beach
Of the scores of beaches in Sydney, this one has it all — and doesn’t get overly crowded mid-week. Take your pick of two scenes: A long, surfer-friendly beach facing the ocean, or a quieter, relaxation-sparking beach facing Sydney Harbour. They’re connected by the Manly Corso, a pedestrian mall lined with pubs, cafes, surf shops, galleries, and street entertainment.
Which beach will you explore when visiting Sydney? (Photo Credit: Ghiffari Haris)
If you’re keen for a more local hang-out, walk further to Queenscliff Beach, Shelly Beach, or over the headland to the locals’ absolute favourite – Freshwater Beach. (It’s worth it!)
Where to stay: Kimpton Margot Sydney
