Wendy’s Secret Garden

Feeling lost—literally or figuratively? Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden might be the perfect panacea.

Seek inner calm amidst the lush greenery in this storybook setting, where ferns, flowers, and towering trees grow freely yet harmoniously. This is also one of the beautiful hidden places in Sydney to capture enchanting Sydney photos, with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“Everyone needs a secret garden in their life,” says Whiteley, who has tended to the formerly disused landfill site since 1992. The garden has been her unyielding light through the darkness—she lost her husband Brett to a heroin overdose, and almost a decade later, her only daughter, Arkie, to cancer.

Sadly, Whiteley is not the official owner of her precious garden. It sits on land that belongs to Sydney’s RailCorp, and there is the risk that it may one day be required for railway or commercial purposes. Despite her years of toil, Whiteley is unable to set up a trust fund or take other efforts to protect her garden. Her only wish is that people will continue to seek out the garden and find their own magic there.

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BridgeClimb Sydney

If you must do something touristy, make it the Sydney BridgeClimb. It’s a chance to scale the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which some have hailed as the “Cathedral of Steel.” 

BridgeClimbers agree that it is an unforgettable experience, not to mention one that rewards you with an astounding view. But here’s another perk: unlike other climbing adventures, you can approach this without fear or anxiety. (Fact: of the hundreds, or even thousands of climbers each week, only 10 or so feel compelled to turn back early.) 

You will be safely clipped all the way, plus the reviews consistently report that the activity is safe and well organised. It is even suitable for those who aren’t in tip-top physical shape; many who are of average or subpar fitness levels have said that they managed the climb with no trouble.

Be prepared to pay well over AU$300 or AU$400. But if you’re after an experience that you won’t get elsewhere, it may be worth the splurge. For the best view, book a twilight climb. 

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Want peace and tranquillity, without sacrificing accessibility? The Blue Mountains are your answer. These mountains are so named because they appear to be shrouded in a blue haze. 

As for why you should head to the Blue Mountains, Wildlife Tours Australia has five solid reasons: Instagram-worthy views; Aussie wildlife encounters; majestic waterfalls; rainforest walking trails; and the chance to learn about Aboriginal Australians, the world’s oldest civilisation. 

Getting to the Blue Mountains on your own is easy. The most popular way to get there is by car, and driving directions are on the official Blue Mountains website. Trains from the Central Railway Station are another option—possibly the most relaxing way to get there.

If you plan to make a day trip to the Blue Mountains (view a sample itinerary), consider spending time in Katoomba, its most-visited town. 

The highlight here is the Three Sisters, an iconic sandstone formation. According to Aboriginal legends, they represent women who were turned into stone for their own protection.

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Culture Scouts

Aboriginal Cultural Tours

To meet artists, designers, and makers, as well as curious locals, book a tour with Culture Scouts. Experts in all things culture-related, their guides will happily introduce you to interesting neighbourhoods of Sydney such as the arty and eclectic Newtown. Strictly for those who are into non-touristy things to do in Sydney! 

If it’s Aboriginal culture that you’re after, head to Barangaroo. Better known as an up-and-coming lifestyle hub, the area was in fact named after a significant female indigenous leader in the 1700s. To find out more about the area’s history and the importance of the land to the clans that once lived there, sign up for the Aboriginal Cultural Tours led by environmentalist Clarence Slockee. 

“I grew up in a family of fishermen (and women) and farmers and spent heaps of time in the bush and along the creeks and rivers with my cousins and uncles,” he says, “so I’ve always had a deep appreciation of the bush and the relationships between animals, plants, and people; particularly from an Aboriginal cultural perspective.” (Cameron, The Garden Clinic, March 2021.)

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Get directions to Barangaroo Reserve | Buy tickets (Aboriginal Cultural Tours)

Taste Tours

Fancy a backstage pass to experience Sydney’s multicultural cuisines, complete with a chance to hear stories from different ethnic communities? Join Taste Tours, an organisation that supports new Australians. 

This is the Taste Tours promise: “Each tour is a backstage pass to Sydney's authentic and modern multicultural cuisines, all enhanced by Australia's freshest local ingredients. The tours support diverse local communities through training programs and employment opportunities.”

For a different sort of food experience, make a date with expert forager Diego Bonetto. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern Italy, when it was still common practice to collect the wild produce of the land. When he moved to Australia, he sensed that people had a “longing to rekindle their untapped connection to nature,” and he decided to make this his life’s work.

With Bonetto as your guide, you can learn how to harvest wild edible mushrooms in pine forests, identify medicinal plants, and indulge in other foraging activities.

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Want more inspiration for your solo Sydney jaunt? Whether you are hungry for the eclectic food scene in Sydney, thirsty for unique cocktails (or coffee), or in need of a scenic spot to take your Instagram-friendly shots, you will find your answer in one of our Destination Insights guides. 

If you’re looking for accommodation that offers modern comforts and convenience, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, is your answer. Nearby attractions include the Sydney Opera House and The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. For rich food and culture, Chinatown and Cockle Bay Wharf are within easy reach too. View our room offers and do contact our friendly staff with your travel enquiries.