24 Stunning Places You Had No Idea Were In Sydney

Summer is definitely the season for discovering this city.

1. Taylor's Bay, Mosman

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Distance from the CBD: 25 minutes

This tranquil spot might look like it's far out of the city, but it's actually just a short ferry ride away. You can find Taylor's Bay around the headland from Taronga Zoo, on the walking trail that takes you to Clifton Gardens and Mosman.

2. Collins Flat Beach, Manly

Instagram: @adventures.of.k

Distance from the CBD: 25 minutes

If you're sick of the crowds that flock to Manly beach every weekend, take a short wander up the road to Collins Flat Beach. It's a good place for a picnic, and great a swimming spot if you're not a fan of waves. There's also a baby waterfall which adds the perfect background noise.

3. Arthur McElhone Reseve, Potts Point

Instagram: @sa1987na

Distance from the CBD: 10 minutes

You've probably heard of Beare Park, but if you're after something a bit more secluded, head up the hill to this park. It's got the view and the perfectly manicured grass you want, and also a pond filled with Koi fish!

4. Resolute Beach, Pittwater

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Distance from the CBD: 1 hour

Located up north near Palm Beach, it's certainly not the easiest Sydney beach to get to. But oh boy, is it worth the trip. It's usually pretty deserted, as you've got to walk down a trail in Ku-ring-gai National Park to get there. With its unbelievably clear water and total lack of tourists, it's easy to feel like you're on your own private island.

5. Shark Island, Sydney Harbour

Instagram: @katie_apple

Distance from the CBD: 20-minute ferry ride

There's a chance this is actually the best picnic spot in Sydney. The water is perfect for swimming, and there's heaps of grass space if sand isn't your thing. Plus, it's easy to get to by ferry from Circular Quay or Watson's Bay.

6. McCarr's Creek, Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park

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Distance from the CBD: 50 minutes

If you're dreaming of swimming in waterfalls but can't get out of the city, McCarr's Creek is the place for you. It's part of the national park, and perfect for a summer day trip. Located off the road and through some bushes, you'll feel like it's your own private sanctuary.

7. McKell Park, Darling Point

Instagram: @maryamanaya

Distance from the CBD: 15 minutes

Yet another park with stunning views of the water, McKell Park is a perfect rest stop on a lazy harbour walk, or just a great place to while away the afternoon with friends or a good book.

8. Barangaroo, CBD

Instagram: @pecheypop

If you haven't checked out the new parks and walking paths at Barangaroo, it's a great place to spend an afternoon. It's now connected to Darling Harbour so you can walk all the way around, and see great views of the Anzac and Harbour Bridges. There's a ton of places to stop and chill out on the grass.

9. Watsons Bay

Instagram: @watsonsbaysup

Distance from the CBD: 30 minutes

Watson's Bay has everything. You can grab a drink at the waterfront bar, you can chill out on the grass, or you can go for a scenic walk around the headlands. Or if you're brave, you can turn your beach trip into a workout and give stand up paddleboarding a try.

10. Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly

Instagram: @amygunstone

Distance from the CBD: 35 minutes

Between Manly and Shelly Beach, there's a little area which is perfect for snorkelling. There are no waves, and the water is crystal clear. What's most remarkable is the sheer amount of fish and marine life just hanging out right below the surface. Take a snorkel, or just a pair of goggles, and you're guaranteed to see some awesome things.

11. Lane Cove National Park, Lane Cove

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Distance from the CBD: 30 minutes

The closest national park to Sydney's CBD, this park is filled with kilometres of walking trails. It's so peaceful, you can't tell that you're still in the city. You can even rent a rowboat and spend a couple hours floating down the river.

12. Cronulla to Bundeena Ferry

Instagram: @free.my.wild.heart

Distance from the CBD: 45 minutes to the ferry terminal

Bundeena is a perfect beach, but because it's in the Royal National Park, it's not the easiest to get to for city-dwellers. Not many people know that you can actually catch an incredibly scenic 30-minute ferry from Cronulla, and from there you can chill on the beach or go for a coastal walk.

13. North Sydney Olympic Pool, Milsons Point

Instagram: @ssssswimmer

Distance from the CBD: 10 minutes

You've probably seen this place all over Instagram, but have you ever actually gone? It's the best place in Sydney to work off all the Messina you've been inhaling in the warm weather.

14. The Manly Wormhole

Instagram: @3dcupcake

Distance from the CBD: 35 minutes

Near Queenscliff beach, there's a little tunnel in the rock which gives amazing views of Manly beach. It was originally built ages ago by fishermen as a path between Manly and Freshwater, though some of it has been cut off by rock falls. It's just off the path of the Manly to Dee Why walk, which is an A+ trail.

15. Balls Head Reserve, Waverton

Instagram: @tommy_staunton

Distance from the CBD: 17 minutes

If you walk around the harbour from Milsons Point, past Lavender Bay, you'll get to this amazing shady little oasis. From here there are a couple of walking tracks which will take you around the headlands.

16. Hermit Bay, Vaucluse

Instagram: @alessandrotano

Distance from the CBD: 20 minutes

If you can't get enough of harbour beaches, then you need to add Hermit Bay to your list immediately. Hidden from the surrounding houses and roads by trees and rocks, it's peaceful AF and there's both sand and grass to lie on to enjoy the sun.

17. Cape Banks, La Perouse

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Distance from the CBD: 30 minutes

Cape Banks is in a secluded section of Botany Bay National Park, with rock platforms to walk over and explore. You can also visit the shipwreck of the SS Minmi, and what remains of the old Fort Banks.

18. The Needles, Engadine

Instagram: @joeelyboy

Distance from the CBD: 55 minutes

Just above the Woronora River in south-west Sydney is a beautiful swimming hole surrounded by rocks and trees. The water is always warm, and there's a rope swing for the daring.

19. Callan Park, Lilyfield

Instagram: @pom_queen

Distance from the CBD: 25 minutes

This fairly large park is filled with heritage-listed sandstone buildings that used to belong to a huge psychiatric hospital. It's on the water and is a great place for a picnic under a tree.

20. Wolli Creek Walking Track, Wolli Creek

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Distance from the CBD: 32 minutes

It's hard to believe that this trail is so damn close to the city. There are a bunch of trails that connect to this so you can walk anywhere from 2km to 13km, depending on how you feel. There is a ton of birdlife, and the trail winds beside the creek for a section.

21. Cremorne Reserve, Cremorne

Instagram: @nami_gupta

Distance from the CBD: 17 minutes

The reserve offers a great vantage point to perch above the harbour and take in the surrounds. There's a secret garden to discover, which leads down to a little rock pool you can wade in. There's also an actual harbour pool if you want more of a swim.

22. Kurnell Peninsula

Instagram: @annaleise_lynch

Distance from the CBD: 45 minutes

Just north of Cronulla is the Kurnell Peninsula, part of the Botany Bay National Park. If you walk around the headlands and sand dunes, starting at Kurnell Beach, you'll be rewarded with amazing views stretching kilometres out to sea.

23. Ivor Rowe Rockpool, Coogee

Instagram: @mull_it_over

Distance from the CBD: 25 minutes

This teeny-tiny rockpool is shallow enough that it's always warm from the sun, but deep enough that you can float in it and enjoy the view. It's just south of Coogee Beach, on the coastal walkway.

24. Chinese Gardens Of Friendship, CBD

Instagram: @brgttb

If you're in the city and you've only got a couple of hours to kill, the Chinese Gardens are a perfect option. The trees and flowing water block out all the noise and it's unbelievably tranquil. Sit by the lake and watch Koi swim past, wander along the hidden pathways, or visit the teahouse for some yum cha.

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