Ten of the Best Secret Spots in Sydney to Take Kids

Sydney is home to a gorgeous coastline, magical gardens and striking architecture, and believe it or not, there are even more incredible spots yet to be explored and adored.

Here are 10 of the best Secret Sydney Spots!

1. Fairy Bower Pool, Manly

Constructed by locals in 1929 when saltwater bathing was at its inception, this triangular shaped pool is stunning day and night. The 3 sculptures on the pools edge are known as "The Sea Nymphs’ or ‘The Oceanides’, and like their name suggests, they are a truly enchanting experience.

2. Auburn Botanic Gardens, Auburn

With features including a Scented Garden, a Sunken Rose Garden, a Fauna reserve and aviary, the Auburn botanic gardens are a slice of natural heaven. Visit it in mid to late August where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the lush greens subside in comparison to perfect pinks. You might even spot a peacock pecking around!

 

3. Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Paddington

Also known as Walter Read Reserve, it housed part of Sydney’s water supply from 1866 to 1899. In 2006, it was transformed into a sunken garden and park, a rare gem of rustic bricks, iron and timber mixed with modern design and natural beauty.

4. Milk Beach, Vaucluse

A perfect little flat water cover for relaxing swimming in an isolated Eastern Suburbs location. It looks over pretty much the whole of Sydney, including the breathtaking harbour. With white sand and aqua water, this small beach is a true miracle that its been so kept under wraps.

 

5. Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay

Wendy Whitely transformed a derelict public area into a magical garden where she buried her artist husband Brett’s ashes, turning heartache into something to be enjoyed for years to come. With interesting sculptures, a big fig tree for shade, gorgeous colours and views of the harbour, her garden is perfect for a stroll, a picnic or simply to be amongst perfect nature.

 

 

6. Lane Cove National Park, Lane Cove

This park is for a real outdoorsy experience. Lane Cove Park is perfect for canoeing, making it a family excursion destination for bird watching, picnicking, hiking and more. Breathe the fresh air and become truly one with nature.

 

 

7. Maccallum Pool, Cremorne Point

With a timber sunbathing deck and harbour views, this is one of the most mystical pools in Sydney. With sloping lawns and free entry, what better place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk for a change and find this turquoise beauty at a fork on the Cremorne Point walk.

 

Image: Pinterest

 

8. Arthur McElhone Reserve, Elizabeth Bay

Sitting in front of Elizabeth Bay House is this little picturesque reserve with a small garden and bridge, stunning harbour views and a lovely little pond. It is an absolute pleasure nestled a short walk from Potts Point, a garden fit for a fairy.

 

 

9. Shark Island, Sydney Harbour

Lush grassy areas with a wading beach, gazebo, picnic shelters and iconic views make it a no-brainer for our list. Rich in history, this little island on Port Jackson, at the mouth of Rose Bay is a venue-hire favourite and perfect for a family summers day.

 

10. Mahon Pool, Maroubra

At Maroubra Beach’s northern end is this fantastic ocean pool. This extra wide and large pool has a particularly rocky feel to it, with lots of nooks and crannies for children to explore and find marine friends. It’s minimalist human intervention with its construction makes it a really natural gem where the whole family can feel one with the water.

 

 

 

Fancy a bit of a drive? Here are 2 extra special spots that you can make a day trip of:

Wattamolla, Royal National Park

The most ideal picnic spot around. With walking tracks, a waterfall and a lagoon perfect for snorkelling, this mini-holiday destination is sure to have the whole family in awe. You’ll really feel like you’ve left the city far behind.

Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse, Palm Beach

This marks Sydney’s most northern point. Palm Beach is no secret summer destination for Sydney-siders, we’ve been enjoying this gorgeous place for years. However, up a 1km walking track with stunning views along the way, is this heritage lighthouse that promises a rewarding experience after the climb up. Best time to check it out is whale watching season, for hopefully an extra special surprise the kids will adore.