Regardless of whether you’re planning on visiting Sydney, Australia, for the first time or the tenth time, the best way to actually experience everything it has to offer is to get off the beaten track and hit up some of the more unexplored spots in Sydney.
They may be less popular, but they are still gorgeous and amazing sights to see. It can help you understand the history of this country, and it will show you that there is always something new to see even when you think you’ve seen it all. If you like this idea, here are five attractions in Sydney that you should definitely see as soon as you get the chance.
Wendy’s Secret Garden
Perhaps not as unexplored, but still less famous than it should be, Wendy’s Secret Garden is a gorgeous garden built by Wendy Whiteley as a show of love for her late husband. It is located in Lavender Bay, at the foothill of Wendy’s private home and it is filled with both local and exotic plants, benches to sit on and relax, and paths leading from one gorgeous area to another.
There are also many sculptures, wooden carvings, and bronze busts, which were donated by numerous artists to serve as an inspiration. The view from the garden is also quite breathtaking ‒ you can see the Harbour Bridge and the city centre. The garden is both public and private so it’s definitely one of the places every tourist and native should visit, as it is a perfect symbol of love, loss, and rebirth.
Mortuary Railway Station
This station is a gothic building built in 1868 to transport the deceased to Rookwood Cemetery. It is no longer functional, but it is still worthy of a visit. It was designed to look like a church, so the walls were covered in drawings of angels, gargoyles, and cherubs.
However, it was never used as a church. It was restored in 1985, which cost more than $500,000, and the carriages were used to house the diners of a pancake restaurant from 1986 to 1989. It was also recognized as a heritage site and after closing, it was often used as a space for holding different celebrations and important events.
⇒ You Might Also Like:Explore Australia Off the Beaten Path
Long Reef Beach
Although not as well-known as the Bondi Beach, the Long Reef Beach is a perfect beach for all those who enjoy taking walks on white sand, windsurfing, and kite surfing. This is also a place where you can find the best North Shore golf club, so if you enjoy this sport, make sure to visit this beach.
There are many offshore reefs in the north and lots of tall waves for all the surfing enthusiasts. And, if you prefer something more relaxing, there are plenty of grass areas, which makes this beach great for family picnics, BBQ gatherings, or a game of cricket with your friends. Don’t forget to check out Sydney‘s beach cafe culture, while you’re there.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
This gorgeous park combines history with beauty, which makes it perfect for all kinds of educational excursions. It is also a great place for enjoying picnics, camping, cycling, fishing, and simply relaxing in the amazing scenery. Located in the north of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park allows you to experience the nature without actually leaving the city area. There are also numerous Aboriginal engravings along the walking paths, so if you like Australian history, this is one of the best places for exploration.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
This garden, which is located in the heart of Paddington, has many water features, echoing chambers, high walkways, and hanging gardens. It used to be a functional reservoir that had many facilities, like a petrol station and a parking garage, but it was closed for a while and only reopened in 2008 after the restoration.
You can still find some of its original architecture, including the original timber, iron, and brick structures that lead to the reserve on the roof of one of the well-preserved chambers. It has a lot of peaceful, beautifully landscaped areas that are perfect for photos, and many seating areas so you can always just relax and enjoy the calming environment.
There is more to Sydney that its opera house and gorgeous beaches. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with visiting the “usual” sites, and you should see as much of this amazing city as you can. However, when you find the time, you should use it to also visit some of the less famous places that can show you the true beauty of Sydney.
Angela Morris loves traveling around the world and exploring fun new things to do and foods to eat. She lives in Oregon with her two kids.