AUSTRALIA NSW

Sydney’s most secret scenic spots

March 17,2020

Sure, Bondi and Manly are stunning, but they’re teeming with tourists. Take a peek
at Sydney’s most spectacular alternative scenic sites, guaranteed to be crowd-free.

WENDY WHITELEY’S SECRET GARDEN, LAVENDER BAY

With few signposts, the best way to find Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden in Lavender
Bay is by following Google Maps. The lush park sits against the harbour and is so filled
with picturesque foliage it’s considered to be a living work of art. The story behind it
adds to the appeal. Wendy Whiteley lost her husband unexpectedly in 1992 and, not
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knowing how to cope, poured all her energy into a project. What resulted has become
one of Sydney’s most gorgeous gardens. Head here just before sunset for magical
scenes of rays glinting through the trees.

RESOLUTE BEACH, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK

Accessed only by walking track or boat, Resolute Beach in Northern Beaches’ Ku-Ring-
Gai Chase National Park is as remote a beach as they come. A small stretch of sand
overlooking Palm Beach and rarely anyone else in sight, it’s truly a secluded slice of
Sydney. To get here, stroll 45 minutes along Resolute Track. Or rent a boat or kayak. If
you aren’t keen to navigate on your own, book with Pittwater Kayak Tours. Their tours
will not only see you finding your way to Resolute Beach, but also bushwalking and
exploring the Aboriginal caves near it.

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MACCALLUM POOL, CREMORNE POINT

Sydney is certainly not short on striking rockpools, but pools with Harbour Bridge views
and a heritage picket fence are particularly special. The one in question is Maccallum
Pool in Cremorne Point. Built in a 1920s architectural style by locals who wanted a safe
harbour swimming hole, it has since been restored but still maintains its glamorous
charm. Swim laps alongside passing ferries or lounge on its waterside timber deck.

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THE QUEENSCLIFF TUNNEL, MANLY

Tunnels are always fascinating to see and the Queenscliff Tunnel, or Wormhole Tunnel
as it’s sometimes called, is no exception. Located near Queenscliff Pool and helpfully
linking Queenscliff Beach to Freshwater, the tunnel was chiselled through headland by
a group of fed-up fishermen in 1908. To get to it, clamber over the rocks near the rock
pool and look around for the pink graffiti heart. It’s there that you’ll find its entrance.

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SHARK ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR

You’ve probably heard of Cockatoo Island, but how about Shark Island? Probably not.
Despite being a prime picnicking and swimming spot in the middle of Sydney Harbour,
most Sydneysiders haven’t. Like Cockatoo, it’s easily accessible by ferry and, from
Circular Quay, doesn’t require that long of a commute. Unlike Cockatoo, it’s only open
from sunrise to sundown and doesn’t allow guests to stay overnight. Without eateries
or even barbecues on the island, you’ll need to bring ready-made meals if you’re
planning to stay all day.

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