Listly by Joanna James
While most of you are pre-occupied with the world's most beautiful harbour, some of the Sydney's greatest attractions are hidden away only for a handful of curious explorers.
A short drive away from the CBD, Wendy's Secret Garden is simply about the greenery and sunshine. A cosy, private corner shadowed by the towering buildings of metropolis, Wendy's Secret Garden is home for parrots, gulls and owls residing among this forest of enchantment. A beautifully landscaped garden, this paradise at the heart of CBD is one not to miss when in Sydney. Consider accommodation options such as Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments in Sydney to locate yourself within reach of all the special attractions.
Pristine vistas of fauna and perfect location for a family picnic, Wattamolla, Royal National Park is nothing short of a lush paradise. A popular place to base yourself when exploring the park and to snorkel and swim in the calm waters of the lagoon, the park is ideal for an outdoor adventure with the family.
A spontaneous island getaway from the grimy metropolis, the Shark Island, is located only a 1.5km away from the Rose Bay. With gazebos of 3600 panoramic views and lush setting, the island is ideal for harbour picnics. Do not miss the hand built foreshore and grottos in the early 1990s.
Within the reach of Sydney, the Auburn Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit if you are interested in horticulture, ornithology and observing native animals. Organized yearly, The Autumn Colours Festival in late May and The Cherry Blossom Festival organized in mid to late August are events you should not miss if you are interested in taking in the enchanting vistas of flora and fauna of the garden. This popular attraction is consisted of an Amphitheatre, Fauna Reserve and Aviary, a Japanese Garden and is luckily within reach of hotel apartments of Sydney CBD.
A lush urban spectacle, Paddington Reservoir Gardens is ideal for an outdoor excursion to wean off the exhaustion of the metropolis. A short ride away from the CBD, the gardens is famed for the renditions of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome.
Overlooking the breathtaking views of the city, Milk Beach is one of Sydney's best-kept urban secrets. With limited accessed via Public Transport or boat, the milk beach is the ideal place for fishing, snorkelling or family picnics with long strolls down the Hermitage Foreshore.
Located 12 minutes away from the CBD, the verdant Arthur McElhone Reserve is just a short stroll from Potts Point. Wander through the beautifully landscaped parks and the glistening waters snaking through the grounds in an evening to soak in the beauty of the ornamental lake and the stone bridge overlooking the Sydney Harbour.
A haven of serenity hidden away from the buzzing metropolis, the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is the ideal place for you to run free, bushwalk, cycle or fish. Bobbin head located inside the park is an ideal place for a family picnic while enthusiasts of exploring and history can enjoy the scenic beauty of the park with historical value.
An ideal vantage point for Sydney's NYE fireworks, the McKell Park is the urban infusion of history and architecture. A captivating spectacle for the enthusiasts of history, historic Canonbury Cottage is nothing but a tranquil place to soak in the momentous history of Sydney. The sandstone sculptures of the park have never been less than glorious.
A paradise stretching across the horizons, the Fairy Bower Pool is a triangular ocean pool bordering on the Marine Parade. Renowned for the duo of "Sea Nymphs" or "Oceanides" sculptures, the Fairy Bower Pool is a charming little affair for the visitors.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.