Guidebook for Sydney
Parks & Nature
How this ancient, outback swimming hole is virtually on top of a global city is beyond me, but secret places like this are what makes Sydney so special. Take the 45-minute path through dazzling Australian bush before arriving at a sandstone gorge, which opens to a natural emerald pool you’ll never forget. The only way in is via a 10-metre jump. Good luck!
To get here, drive 90 minutes from the city to Tahmoor. On Charles Point Road, 50 metres from Rockford Road Bridge, take the easy-to-miss dirt track to the car park. Follow the well-worn path under the bridge and along the creek. Of course, water safety is paramount—use your judgement, don’t go alone.
Mermaid Pools
How this ancient, outback swimming hole is virtually on top of a global city is beyond me, but secret places like this are what makes Sydney so special. Take the 45-minute path through dazzling Australian bush before arriving at a sandstone gorge, which opens to a natural emerald pool you’ll never forget. The only way in is via a 10-metre jump. Good luck!
To get here, drive 90 minutes from the city to Tahmoor. On Charles Point Road, 50 metres from Rockford Road Bridge, take the easy-to-miss dirt track to the car park. Follow the well-worn path under the bridge and along the creek. Of course, water safety is paramount—use your judgement, don’t go alone.
Sydney has more than 100 beaches, but locals keep the cutest pockets to themselves. Kutti is a sheltered secret spot of golden sands, picturesque boathouses, and palm trees right in the middle of the city. Head to the absolute end of Wharf Road in Vaucluse and look hard. If you’re facing the water, you’ll see a very narrow set of stairs on your left.
There are no signs leading the way to the beach—a very deliberate decision by locals—so please respect the secret, as everyone else does. In other words, don’t smoke, take your trash, and leave your boombox at home. Also, Kutti is dog-friendly. Stay away if you don’t welcome the odd sandy lick!
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Kutti Beach
Sydney has more than 100 beaches, but locals keep the cutest pockets to themselves. Kutti is a sheltered secret spot of golden sands, picturesque boathouses, and palm trees right in the middle of the city. Head to the absolute end of Wharf Road in Vaucluse and look hard. If you’re facing the water, you’ll see a very narrow set of stairs on your left.
There are no signs leading the way to the beach—a very deliberate decision by locals—so please respect the secret, as everyone else does. In other words, don’t smoke, take your trash, and leave your boombox at home. Also, Kutti is dog-friendly. Stay away if you don’t welcome the odd sandy lick!
This vast outdoor gallery of Aboriginal carvings is just casually chilling in the middle of the bush in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. It’s a big rock shelf with an emu, a rainbow serpent, and a full Dreamtime story. Find it on the two-hour Elvina Bay Circuit walking track, without even a fence around it! It should be way more famous. I’m glad it’s not.
Two minutes into the walk, turn right at a small unmarked, 75-metre track. Turn right again when the path forks, et voilà: ancient hieroglyphic wisdom, frozen in art. The rest of the track passes fabulous ocean views, the teeny town of Elvina Bay, and even a public rope swing. Does life get better?
Elvina Track
Elvina TrackThis vast outdoor gallery of Aboriginal carvings is just casually chilling in the middle of the bush in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. It’s a big rock shelf with an emu, a rainbow serpent, and a full Dreamtime story. Find it on the two-hour Elvina Bay Circuit walking track, without even a fence around it! It should be way more famous. I’m glad it’s not.
Two minutes into the walk, turn right at a small unmarked, 75-metre track. Turn right again when the path forks, et voilà: ancient hieroglyphic wisdom, frozen in art. The rest of the track passes fabulous ocean views, the teeny town of Elvina Bay, and even a public rope swing. Does life get better?
Double Bay—sometimes known as Double Pay—is one of Sydney’s most expensive shopping districts. You’d never guess this divine little cove was here. You can jump off the wharf, laze on floating timber pontoons, and admire the views of the city and bridge. Sydney’s elite flock here on weekends—partly to enjoy the beach but mostly to pose. Fascinating to watch.
It gets better: There’s a great little cafe here. I like to come mid-week, order a post-workout smoothie, and sit among the gum trees, admiring the peace. You’ll also find an exquisite little retreat a short walk behind the beach—follow signs to Blackburn Gardens—and extra parking on St Mervyns Avenue.
44 Einheimische empfehlen
Murray Rose Pool
536 New South Head RdDouble Bay—sometimes known as Double Pay—is one of Sydney’s most expensive shopping districts. You’d never guess this divine little cove was here. You can jump off the wharf, laze on floating timber pontoons, and admire the views of the city and bridge. Sydney’s elite flock here on weekends—partly to enjoy the beach but mostly to pose. Fascinating to watch.
It gets better: There’s a great little cafe here. I like to come mid-week, order a post-workout smoothie, and sit among the gum trees, admiring the peace. You’ll also find an exquisite little retreat a short walk behind the beach—follow signs to Blackburn Gardens—and extra parking on St Mervyns Avenue.
Food Scene
Cashew milk infused with lavender, orange, and mint. Just-picked flowers. Breakfast burritos. Not what you’d expect opposite Sydney’s most famous beach, but these Saturday morning markets serve up local, artisanal, and flavourful in a truly memorable location. Both locals and visitors need to experience this—it’s an exercise in what makes Sydney, Sydney.
Bring an empty stomach for a moving brunch degustation: stalls serve home-grown, handcrafted, and beautifully fresh bites, from organic flat whites and scrambled ethical eggs to baked-that-morning trays of muffins. Wash the crumbs off with a dip in that turquoise water—it’s just across the road.
391 Einheimische empfehlen
Bondi Markets
Campbell ParadeCashew milk infused with lavender, orange, and mint. Just-picked flowers. Breakfast burritos. Not what you’d expect opposite Sydney’s most famous beach, but these Saturday morning markets serve up local, artisanal, and flavourful in a truly memorable location. Both locals and visitors need to experience this—it’s an exercise in what makes Sydney, Sydney.
Bring an empty stomach for a moving brunch degustation: stalls serve home-grown, handcrafted, and beautifully fresh bites, from organic flat whites and scrambled ethical eggs to baked-that-morning trays of muffins. Wash the crumbs off with a dip in that turquoise water—it’s just across the road.
Entertainment & Activities
Yoga is big business in health-conscious Bondi, but the ultimate is an open-air class at Icebergs, home to the two dazzling aqua pools you always see on social media. Classes take place poolside, literally next to the waves, and the first to spot a whale or dolphin gets their next class free. The school does very little advertising—it’s a true local secret.
Practising in a world-famous location with the sounds of the waves for company is an exercise in gratitude–especially if you’re taking a sunrise class. Your fee also includes all-day access to the pools and sauna, which you need to check out. Only in Sydney would a sauna have ocean views!
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Yoga By the Sea: Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Manly
Yoga is big business in health-conscious Bondi, but the ultimate is an open-air class at Icebergs, home to the two dazzling aqua pools you always see on social media. Classes take place poolside, literally next to the waves, and the first to spot a whale or dolphin gets their next class free. The school does very little advertising—it’s a true local secret.
Practising in a world-famous location with the sounds of the waves for company is an exercise in gratitude–especially if you’re taking a sunrise class. Your fee also includes all-day access to the pools and sauna, which you need to check out. Only in Sydney would a sauna have ocean views!
I cannot believe this pool isn’t more famous—firstly because it’s outrageously cute, with its deco heritage and sweet timber edging, but also because it sits right on the harbour, with front-row views of the bridge and city. And it’s totally free. Locals come here to laze in the sun and enjoy a quiet swim. You should bring your camera!
People rave about the Bondi to Coogee walking track, but the Cremorne Point track—where you’ll find McCallum Pool—is one thousand times more beautiful. It’s official. Get your cardio fix passing little aqua coves, secret eucalypt groves, and grand old mansions, then cool down afterward with a swim.
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Maccallum Seawater Pool
Milson RoadI cannot believe this pool isn’t more famous—firstly because it’s outrageously cute, with its deco heritage and sweet timber edging, but also because it sits right on the harbour, with front-row views of the bridge and city. And it’s totally free. Locals come here to laze in the sun and enjoy a quiet swim. You should bring your camera!
People rave about the Bondi to Coogee walking track, but the Cremorne Point track—where you’ll find McCallum Pool—is one thousand times more beautiful. It’s official. Get your cardio fix passing little aqua coves, secret eucalypt groves, and grand old mansions, then cool down afterward with a swim.
Sightseeing
Yes, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a gorgeous experience, but if it’s booked out—or out of your price range—climb one of the sandstone towers instead. You’ll ascend 200 stairs and pop out at the top of a pylon, earning yourself 360-degree views of the whole breathtaking city. And it’ll cost you just $15. You’re welcome.
If you’ve never done so you absolutely must, without exception, without arguments, walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from The Rocks to Kirribilli. Locals sometimes look rather bored while walking the 25 -minute track, but don’t mind them—they’re just spoilt. That view will quicken your heartbeat.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Pylon Lookout
Sydney Harbour BridgeYes, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a gorgeous experience, but if it’s booked out—or out of your price range—climb one of the sandstone towers instead. You’ll ascend 200 stairs and pop out at the top of a pylon, earning yourself 360-degree views of the whole breathtaking city. And it’ll cost you just $15. You’re welcome.
If you’ve never done so you absolutely must, without exception, without arguments, walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from The Rocks to Kirribilli. Locals sometimes look rather bored while walking the 25 -minute track, but don’t mind them—they’re just spoilt. That view will quicken your heartbeat.
Sydney has eight islands in its harbour, but even most locals have no idea that you can catch a Captain Cook ferry to one of the most beautiful for a princely $20. The ferry ride here is one of the most scenic boat trips on earth, and Shark Island sits smack bang in the middle of the city, offering squillion-dollar views of the bridge, opera house, and cityscape—yet you’re virtually guaranteed to have it to yourself.
Pack a picnic or order a hamper from Sydney Picnic Co—they’re seriously photogenic—then explore the isle’s grottos, coves and tiny sand beaches.
Shark Island
Sydney has eight islands in its harbour, but even most locals have no idea that you can catch a Captain Cook ferry to one of the most beautiful for a princely $20. The ferry ride here is one of the most scenic boat trips on earth, and Shark Island sits smack bang in the middle of the city, offering squillion-dollar views of the bridge, opera house, and cityscape—yet you’re virtually guaranteed to have it to yourself.
Pack a picnic or order a hamper from Sydney Picnic Co—they’re seriously photogenic—then explore the isle’s grottos, coves and tiny sand beaches.