Overview
There are plenty of obvious contenders for a spot on a Sydney bucket list — a visit to the Opera Bar, a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or a stroll along the golden sands of Bondi Beach, to name only a handful. For newcomers to this glorious city, these must-do activities are a great introduction, but if you're a seasoned Sydneysider who's already ticked off these quintessential experiences, you may feel like there's not much left to discover about the place you call home.
But don't be so sure. This list of 20 under-the-radar attractions and lesser-known outings — including unique tours, one-of-a-kind diners and secret nature retreats — reveals a whole new side to Sydney. All you need to decide now is which one to tick off first.
Recommended reads:
The Best Secret Beaches in Sydney
The Best Walks Around Sydney
The Best Waterfalls Near Sydney
QVB History Tour
When it opened in 1898, architect George McRae's grand sandstone masterpiece on George Street was an indoor marketplace, but for the past four decades, following extensive renovations in the 1980s, retail of a more high-end type has been the QVB's niche. The Queen Victoria Building remains one of Sydney's most popular shopping destinations, but it's also one of the city's greatest architectural gems. A guided history tour reveals the building's rich heritage as well as granting access to areas not usually open to the public, including the building's grand central dome. Along the way, visitors can learn stories from Sydney's past, such as the building's connection to Queen Victoria herself and its role in the city's evolution over the past 130 years.
The Footpath of Fame
Maxim Boon
One of Hollywood's most famous attractions is the Walk of Fame — a series of handprints and signatures from cinema's greatest luminaries, etched in cement and laid into the sidewalk in front of the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Believe it or not, Sydney had a crack at creating a similar celebrity monument back in 1983. Dubbed The Footpath of Fame, it features a collection of cement slabs inscribed by entertainers, artists, sportspeople and politicians – the likes of Broken Hill artist Pro Hart, deceased racehorse Gunsynd, F1 racer Jack Barbham and Aussie Olympian Betty Cuthbert among them. Even some make-believe characters, such as Sesame Street's Big Bird and Santa Clause, also left their mark. Unlike its LA cousin, this starry street doesn't attract many tourists. Located behind the Pier One Hotel in the Rocks, just beyond its outdoor dining terrace, this curious time capsule of 1980s zeitgeist goes largely unnoticed.
The Manly Wormhole
Destination NSW
At first glance, you might assume this rocky passageway is the work of mother nature, but in fact, the 40-metre tunnel, affectionately known as a Manly Wormhole, was the work of industrious fishermen, who chiseled their way between the headland separating Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches more than a century ago. While you can now make your way between these two popular beaches by cutting through suburban streets, a minor scramble over the rocks north of Manly beach is well worth the effort to retrace the steps of the sailors who once relied upon this thoroughfare in decades past. Provided the weather is dry (rains and high winds can make the journey to the wormhole dangerously slippery), the best time to visit is early in the morning, as the sun's first rays are peeking over the Pacific horizon.
A Sydney By Kayak Dawn Harbour Tour
Perishan Tan
By day, Sydney Harbour is constantly crisscrossed by commuter-packed ferries, giant cruise ships and private pleasure craft out for a salty spin. However, before the sun rises, these usually busy waters are as calm as a mill pond. A Sydney By Kayak dawn tour grants you rare perspective on the big blue heart of the city, as well as the masterful feat of engineering that spans it as you paddle beneath the Harbour Bridge. Husband-and-wife team Laura and Ben Stone run these daily dawn tours which depart from Lavender Bay just before sun-up. After coffees have been distributed, it's time to paddle around Luna Park and into prime position in the middle of the harbour to witness the day's first rays gleaming off the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
Q Station Ghost Tour
Are you brave enough to enter Australia's most haunted bathroom? Visitors and paranormal investigators alike have experienced sinister and inexplicable events while visiting the infamous Grave Digger's Cottage at Q Station, the nation's oldest quarantine facility, perched on the rocky cliffs of North Head. Established in 1833, the site was once used to isolate incoming immigrants, many of whom were afflicted by contagious diseases, including the Spanish flu — the disease that led to the last major global pandemic between 1918 and 1921. As well as the petrifying plumbing of the aforementioned cottage, the bone-chilling after-dark tour takes visitors through the eerie, preserved buildings and grounds, where paranormal activity is said to be rife. Guides share chilling stories of their own ghostly encounters and mysterious occurrences, as well as the darker histories of the station, which operated until 1984 before becoming a heritage-protected site.
Luke's Table at the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Luke's Table, nestled within the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon, offers a dining experience with a difference. Located in the pylon lookout in the southeast tower of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, overlooking the Sydney Opera House, this unique restaurant combines the rich history of one of nation's most recognisable monuments with modern Australian cuisine. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while savouring a menu inspired by local ingredients by Luke Mangan, one of Australia's most revered chefs. The panoramic views of the harbour waters and city skyline provide an unforgettable backdrop for a one-of-a-kind feed.
The hidden meditation chamber at Sydney Modern
Known as The Spirit House, this tranquil, immersive space serves as a cultural sanctuary, tucked quietly away through a leafy garden just outside the Sydney Modern Project building at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Designed by artist Lee Mingwei, this permanent installation blends art and spirituality, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. The space is a round, sandstone chamber with a simple bench and a Buddha statue, creating a meditative environment that highlights the ways contemporary creation and historical storytelling can intertwine.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Wildflower Garden
Located in Sydney's northern suburbs, this vibrant natural haven is a floral wonderland. The reserve is renowned for its spectacular wildflower displays, particularly in spring when native species like wattles, banksias and grevilleas bloom, creating dynamic ecosystems for animals, insects and birds. Spanning over 15,000 hectares, the wider national park is popular with hikers, nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, offering scenic walking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding bushland and waterways. The Wildflower Garden plays a vital role in preserving Sydney's diverse plant life and providing an accessible escape into nature just a short drive from the city.
Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour
Of course you've seen the world's most famous building and you may have even ventured inside for a show or concert. However, learning the masterful feats of engineering that brought this iconic structure into being can totally transform your appreciation for the national treasure that is the Sydney Opera House. This behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most recognisible cultural landmarks takes in hidden spaces, typically off-limits to the public, while an expert guide explains the intricacies of running a multi-venue site. The tour reveals the inner workings including the dressing rooms, green rooms and rehearsal spaces where performers prepare for shows. The tour culminates with spectacular views of the illuminated Opera House sails and the waters of Sydney harbour beyond.
Taste Cultural Food Tours
City of Sydney
Taste Cultural Food Tours offer a unique culinary journey through the city's vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods. These guided tours provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to sample a diverse array of dishes from local eateries, markets and hidden gems. From the rich flavors of Asian cuisine in Haymarket to Mediterranean delicacies in Leichhardt, each tour highlights the influence of different diasporas on Sydney's food scene. While you taste your way around the city, your guide will share the history and traditions behind the dishes, making it an educational and delicious adventure. Taste Cultural Food Tours offer a rich and authentic way to explore the city's diverse and delicious heritage.
The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo
This is a five-star stay like no other. This eco-luxury experience allows visitors to stay overnight within the zoo's serene natural surroundings. This plush hotel combines conservation with comfort, offering unique accommodation overlooking a private habitat filled with native wildlife, including trees where koalas snooze right outside the window of each suite. The experience includes guided tours and a looks behind-the-scenes before the zoo opens to the public. If your budget can't stretch to a night a night at the Wildlife Retreat, the popular Roar and Snore glamping experience also offers visitors the chance to sleep within the ground of the zoo for a lower price tag.
Auburn Botanic Gardens
Destination NSW
This peaceful 9.2-hectare oasis offers a stunning variety of landscapes and plant collections to explore. The garden features diverse themed areas, including a Japanese Garden, featuring koi ponds and traditional pagodas, a tropical rainforest, and a rose garden. The tranquil setting is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or birdwatching, with native and exotic plants thriving throughout the year. The gardens are also home to wildlife, including waterfowl and colorful parrots.
Lilypad Palm Beach
One more the most unusual and luxurious stays in Sydney can be found bobbing gently on tranquil waves of Pittwater overlooking the Palm Beach peninsula. This floating villa offers the ultimate retreat, far from the noise of the city. The original Lilypad tragically burned down in 2018, but the owners quickly rebuilt, adding additional features on the way including an infrared sauna and outdoor shower. The villa sleeps two guests overnight or can be hired out for a fancy function.
Camping on Cockatoo Island
Destination NSW
Located just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, this harbour island combines a rich and checkered history with natural beauty. Visitors can camp under the stars on the island's waterfront or in the sheltered camping area, surrounded by old dock cranes and buildings that speak to the island's past as a convict prison and industrial site. The campsite provides basic amenities and visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, cycling and stargazing, as well as guided tours.
A Sydney Seaplanes Aerial Tour
Destination NSW
Discover a thrilling and unique way to see the city's stunning landmarks from above. Taking off from Rose Bay, passengers enjoy birds-eye views of Sydney's iconic sights, including the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. The tour provides an unforgettable perspective of the city's beaches, lush parks, and sparkling waters. Expert pilots offer commentary, sharing fascinating insights about the city's past as well as the history of aviation in Sydney.
O Bar Australia Square
The revolving restaurant at Sydney Tower, Infinity, is well known to Sydneysiders. However, there is another revolving venue in the CBD that is often overlooked. Perched on floor 47 of the Harry Siedler-designed tower at Australia Square, O Bar rotates 360 degrees over the course of an hour, allowing diners to enjoy ever-changing vistas of landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Visitors can either stop in for a drink — order the martini and enjoy the spectacle of having your glass chilled with liquid nitrogen tableside — or a sit-down meal, featuring modern Australian cuisine.
The Library Bar at the State Library of NSW
This rooftop bar at the State Library of New South Wales offers a stylish and relaxed setting with sweeping views of Sydney's skyline and historic Macquarie Street. Located atop the library, the bar is part of the library's modern renovations, providing a unique blend of culture and leisure. Patrons can enjoy a curated selection of drinks, including cocktails, local wines, and craft beers, while taking in stunning vistas of nearby landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Boat Harbour at Kurnell
Boat Harbour at Kurnell, located in Sydney's southern suburbs, is a picturesque and peaceful coastal spot offering stunning views of Botany Bay. This serene beach is popular for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The surrounding area features sandy shores, rocky outcrops, and lush greenery, perfect for relaxing or enjoying nature walks. Boat Harbour holds historical significance as part of the site where Captain Cook first landed in 1770. The nearby Kurnell National Park adds to the area's natural charm, offering visitors a tranquil escape within easy reach of Sydney's bustling city center.
The Tiger Encounter at Sydney Zoo
Feeding the tigers at Sydney Zoo near Blacktown in Sydney's far west is an exciting and educational experience that allows visitors to get up close with these magnificent predators. During the Tiger Encounter, participants have the rare opportunity to feed the zoo's Sumatran tigers, under the guidance of experienced zookeepers. As the tigers demonstrate their hunting instincts, guests learn about their behaviour, conservation efforts and the threats they face in the wild. The encounter offers a unmatched way to connect with these endangered animals while supporting the zoo's important conservation work.
Phoenix Central Park
This stunning cultural and architectural hotspot is located in the heart of Chippendale. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the building blends art, design, and sustainability, with a striking combination of modern apartments, art spaces, and a public park. The centerpiece of Phoenix Central Park is the beautifully landscaped rooftop garden, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. What also stands Phoenix Central Park apart from other entertainment venues in Sydney is its ticket prices: every performance staged here is free. Prospective concertgoers need to apply for a seat via a lottery system, which during these time of soaring living costs, is music to our ears.