Five (Not-So) Hidden Gems to Discover and Rediscover in Your City Over Summer

in partnership with

Exuberant Aussie filmmaker (and unofficial King of Sparkles) Baz Lurhmann once said, "If Paris is the city of lights, Sydney is the city of fireworks." Touché, Baz. Our great harbour city is full of colour and sparkle, whimsy and excitement, especially in summer. It doesn't matter where you are — beach, bar, park or pub — Sydney always puts on a show. Buzzing new venues sit alongside age-old favourites, giving Sydneysiders endless locations to while away the sunny days.

To make sure you're sipping and swirling in all the right places this season, we've partnered with the sparkling connoisseurs at Henkell to bring you five (not-so) hidden gems to discover and rediscover this summer. From a secret garden tucked away in Lavender Bay to a technicoloured art bar at the MCA, these eclectic spaces will add a bit of sparkle to your forthcoming adventure.

VENTURE TO A SECRET GARDEN

It's a secret spot that most of us Sydneysiders have uncovered, but still, there's something magical about this verdant wonderland, particularly in summer. Tucked away in Lavender Bay, the idyllic garden — complete with soaring Moreton Bay Figs, aromatic natives and harbour views — was brought to life by Wendy Whiteley, widow of renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley. Following Whiteley's death in 1992, Wendy channelled her heartache into this landscaping project, slowly transforming the 100-year-old derelict railway yard in front of her home into an inviting public garden. This summer, take someone special to the secret garden for a picnic and BYO bottle of Henkell Trocken. Nab a spot on one of the benches and toast to heartbreak and renewal while taking in that sparkling Sydney skyline.

UNCOVER REAL GEMS IN THE CENTRE OF SYDNEY

To discover sparkling gems quite literally, make tracks to the Minerals Gallery at the Australian Museum. Here, you can spend the afternoon soaking in sparkles as you take a deep-dive into the world of crystallised minerals. Beyond sheer beauty, the collection also provides a unique insight into our country's cultural heritage — covering the full history of mining in Australia from the 1840s onwards — and demonstrates how minerals are used in modern life within mobile phones, watches, lipstick, talcum powder and, of course, your favourite jewels. Once you've finished marvelling at the glittering beauties, treat yourself to some sparkles in liquid form with a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs.

CATCH SOME ART THEN A GLITTERING SUNSET

It might've been a while since you popped into this contemporary art stalwart, but summer is the perfect time to get reacquainted with the paintings, sculptures and really good air-conditioning on offer. With a spate of new exhibitions taking place this season — including the MCA's annual exhibition of Australia's up-and-coming bright young things Primavera 2018 — the gallery is a perfect artistic haven for summer. Once you've had your arty fill, head to the Botanic Gardens, find a spot by the water and settle in for a classy sundowner picnic with one of the best views in town.

FIND A GEM OF A SPOT AMONG THIS PARK'S 189 HECTARES

Most Sydneysiders are familiar with this picturesque parkland — perhaps it's your go-to running spot or where you head to watch a movie by moonlight — but with its sheer size, you can surely discover a new gem of a spot to set up for the day. And the best way to enjoy the day is with a good old-fashioned barbie. Grab your crew, some snags and sparkling for the quintessential summertime hangout. There are eight free electric barbecues available for use in the expansive 189-hectare park — but on balmy days, they're snapped up rather quickly, so be sure to arrive early. Take a couple of lawn games like bocce, the addictive Scandinavian game Finksa or even frisbee to get everybody in the festive spirit.

'Atlantis' at Belvoir St Theatre.

SEE SOME STARS SHINING ON STAGE

See the brightest local and international stars sparkle centre stage at the Belvoir St Theatre. The company has a host of great plays taking place throughout summer, like The Wolves, which follows a team of teenage girls as they navigate adolescence — kind of like a stage version of Bend It Like Beckham — and Counting and Cracking, which explores contemporary Australian culture through the eyes of a Sri Lankan family. Once you've got your culture fix, grab a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs and debrief with your theatre buddy.

Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.

Top image: Destination NSW.