We all know Sydney has the opera house, Bondi Beach and Sydney harbour bridge, but do you know some of Sydney's best kept secrets? Instead of heading to the tourist locations, why not try 10 of Sydney's hidden gems?

Walk the Spit Bridge to Manly

For most walking the coastline of Sydney is a must, but most people opt for the most popular (and sometimes overcrowded) Coogee to Bondi walk what most don't know that the Spit Bridge to Manly walk is less crowded and is just as beautiful. It hugs the Sydney harbour instead of the Eastern Suburbs coastline, so you will come across less busy beaches and more hidden gems. 

Explore Captain Cooks landing spot

Captain Cook landed in Botany Bay on Sunday 29 April 1770, and if you venture over to Kurnell, you will find a statue to represent the exact spot he and his crew stood on Australian soil for the first time. Depending on what time of year you intend on visiting, there is a little hidden beach for you to swim at, a National Park to go for a hike in or a great spot to go whale watching.

Enjoy an afternoon of High tea in the Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

QVB is known for a great spot to go Shopping in the middle of the city. However, it is also a lovely place to spend an afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on afternoon delights. At the top of Queen Victoria Building, you will find the adaptly named" Tea Room", elegantly decorated to make you feel like you have been transported to a beautiful tea house in England.

Enjoy a swim at Chinamans Beach

Everyone knows Bondi, Manly or even Coogee and these beaches are some of my favourites, however, if you want a beautiful little isolated beach just over the north side of The Sydney Harbour Bridge, well then this is your oasis. It is small, it is intimate, and it is an excellent spot for a swim.

Take a day trip to Kiama Blowhole

Driving from Sydney to Kiama will take you just under an hour, and it is worth the drive. Spend the day in this beautiful little coastal town, visiting the famous Kiama Blowhole and the Kiama Lighthouse. Kiama is a small beach town with some fantastic beaches to swim in as well. 

Tour North Head Quarantine station at night

For over 150 years North Head Quarantine Station was used to quarantine those with infectious diseases such as smallpox and the Spanish flu. This 2.5-hour ghost tour will scare you to your whits, with loads of true stories about time spent long ago. 

Shop a bargain at Birkenhead Point

We all love a bargain, and at Birkenhead point, you will find many. This brand outlet is located in one of Sydney's prettiest harbourside suburbs. Head there via bus or ferry and enjoy the day shopping a bargain and then stop for a bite to eat with one of the most amazing views.

Take a ferry ride to Parramatta

There are some fantastic ferry routes in Sydney, and most people will be familiar with the Sydney to Manly route. Although this ferry route is excellent, the Circular Quay to Parramatta route has some fantastic stops. Whether you choose to ride the entire way or you would instead enjoy the Sydney harbour views, this ferry ride is my favourite. 

Get close and personal at Symbio Wildlife Park

When people think Sydney Zoos they usually think Tarango Zoo. Yes, I agree that Taronga zoo is impressive and has some of the best views in all of Sydney, but Symbio Wildlife Park allows you to get close and personal to the wildlife. Whether you choose to take a photo with a Koala or feed the Kangaroos, this small intimate park is excellent for little kids and big kids at heart.

Enjoy a cocktail with a view

The Glenmore Hotel has always been one of my favourite rooftop bars. It not only has a great ambiance but it also has the best rooftop view in Sydney. Situated in the heart of the Rocks, Sydney it overlooks one of Australia's most famous icons.

contributed by,

Paula

About Paula:

I am an Australian born, dual passport owning expatriate; who has lived through 7 postings over 14 years, although currently calls Singapore home. I have three beautiful children -1 boarding in Australia and 2 who are also residing in Sydney attending university.

I have one extraordinary rescue dog, that has lived in almost as many countries as we have and I am married to a supportive husband who has given me the opportunity to raise our three children in this very unconventional way.

Follow her on Instagram - @trulyexpat

Website - www.trulyexpat.com