The Last Blog Post

 Sayonara Everyone.

 We have come to the end of our 8-week journey showing you around all of Sydney’s best Secret Spots. We sincerely hope you enjoyed all our blog posts and soon get to visit the destinations and enjoy the amazing and adventurous things Sydney has to offer. I think we can all agree that at the end of the day, it’s not only a pleasure but a blessing to live in such a beautiful city. Our group had a total of 6 members, who each shared around 4-5 of their personally favorite locations in Sydney. They all shared photos, videos, recommendations, and details about the location such as the address, facilities and personal notes regarding what to expect and what to be surprised with. The Vlog Our vlog was 2 minutes and 26 seconds long, and uploaded to YouTube. It included background music, transitions, rolling credits and video footage. Here is a description of group member’s contributions. We all blogged about a series of locations including Nielsen Park, The Gap Park, Rushcutters Bay, Fairlight Beach, and Parsley Bay reserve. Some members visited the places they posted about and also uploaded their own footage. For the Vlog, they helped to design the script, were actors or actresses and helped direct the vlog.

 Freya – Director / Actress

 Nelson – Editor / Actor

 Mitchelle – Music / Actress

 Claudia – Producer / Actress 

Maryam – Director 2 / Actress 

Thank you to all our followers on YouTube, and to all of the audience who read our blog. We hope we inspired you to get outdoors this summer and have a fun time.

Mackenzie's Bay 'Pop-up Beach'

By: Claudia MacPhail

Normally this rocky inlet is nothing more than a nice view between Bondi and Tamarama Beach, however as of recently, the mysterious Mackenzie Bay has suddenly become a beach.
According to locals, this little slice of heaven appears every seven years and it is unknown when it will disappear again. Lifeguards say the small swell results in  a build up of sand, which is what creates the "beach".

The usual consistent surf means its popular with bodyboarders but not safe for swimmers. This beautiful picture-perfect spot has arrived just in time for Summer but it could be gone tomorrow, so go enjoy and make the most of this rare natural miracle.

The beach is one of the few areas that is dog friendly because it is unpatrolled.
Sculptures by the sea starts again October 20, providing an even better reason to make a visit to Bondi and relax at Mackenzies Bay after a nice scenic walk.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

By: Nelson Xie

Ku-ring-gai takes its name from its original inhabitants, the Guringai people, who were all but wiped out just after colonisation through violence at the hands of British settlers and introduced disease. It’s well worth reading Kate Grenville’s Booker-nominated The Secret River for an engrossing but harrowing telling of this story.

A pretty place to spend a day bushwalking, cycling or fishing, this national park is a great place to head when you want to get out of the city for a few hours.

Remnants of Aboriginal life are visible today thanks to the preservation of more than 800 sites, including rock paintings, middens and cave art. To learn more, enter the park through the Mt Colah entrance and visit the Kalkari Discovery Centre , which has displays and videos on Australian fauna and Aboriginal culture. There is a self-guided walk on which you can see swamp wallabies, bush turkeys, native ducks and goannas.

Addition information 

Address: Bobbin Head Rd, New South Wales

Phone: (02) 9472 8949

Reviews

"Great relaxing place that allows you to bring your own gas BBQ."

"Great recreation area with large children's playground (secure)."

"The Basin #Pittwater #Sydney a wonderful place for family fun in Sydney."

ami"

Wattamolla Beach

By : Claudia MacPhail

The ultimate day trip from Sydney as the weather starts to heat up-Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park.

Only an hour drive from the CBD, you won't believe the proximity of such a spectacular spot.
Its the perfect place for a swim, walk, or snorkel as the lagoon provides ideal conditions for families. The waterfall is a nice surprising feature as well for those who don't mind the adrenaline rush-take the  75m jump into the water.  In addition to swimming, there are plenty of walking tracks throughout the park if you feel like some leisurely exercise. Take in the views and enjoy a picnic lunch using the bbq facilities provided.

Note:
-Open 7:00am-8:30pm daily
-There is a park entry fee per vehicle
-Facilities included: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, car park
-The beach is only patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, so swim at your own risk

Maccallum Pool Cremorne Point

By: Maryam Mandehgari

 A unique harbourside pool with heritage character and superb views, Maccallum Pool, is on the western side of Cremorne Point. Its waterside timber deck is an unparalleled sun bathing spot - especially on winter afternoons.

With a timber sunbathing deck and harbour views, this is One of the most mystical pools in Sydney. With sloping lawns and free entry, what better place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk for a change and find this turquoise beauty at a fork on the Cremorne Point walk.

It was originally just a rock pool created by local residents to form a safe harbour swimming hole. The architectural style of the current pool dates back to the 1920s and was restored in keeping with this heritage theme by the local council in 1985-86.

Additional Information:

Address: Milson Road, Cremorne Point NSW 2090

Reviews & Ratings:

-"Great pool to swim in or, have a relaxing time under the nearby trees" 4.5/5

-"This is a free pool and a real gift to those living close by. Nestled in bush on the harbour it is well maintained and long enough to complete laps. It was a pleasure to start my day with a swim in this pool." 4/5

-"A neighborhood gem. Tiny pool which is great for a quick dip after work. The pool is rather small so not ideal for doing laps but good enough for kids to practice swimming. Good spot to soak in some afternoon sun." 5/5

Little Bay Beach

 By Mitchelle Antonio

Little Bay is a secluded beach nestled between granite cliffs, south of the headland in Arakoon National Park. Pack your fishing gear for a day at the beach. There's the option for a leisurely lunch beneath the shade of the she-oaks at nearby Little Bay picnic area overlooking the ocean.On both the right and left hand sides of the beach, you have large rock shelves which are littered with a variety of stones, rocks and boulders and together make for many great photography opportunities. Some of these rocks or rock faces are quite massive and can also offer a vantage point of which to capture the beach from. There is also a very cute little rock pool there located on the right hand side of the bay, the beach has calm waters with low waves. 

How to get there?
Access to the beach is via the wooden stairway from the path that weaves near the Prince Henry Centre and through the gold course.

Additional Information
Address: 4R Coast Hospital Rd, Little Bay NSW 2036
Phone: 1300 722 542


Reviews and Ratings
1. "Nice area for a walk, and discover a beach if you haven't been there a lot."
2. "I love the cove and the scenery here"
3. "A real gem out of wind safe swimming and diving good location for rock fishing people do over night camping on beach while ocean kayaking down the coast has amenities i say best beach in eastern suburbs"

Fairlight Beach

By: Freya Daver



Fairlight Beach is a beautiful destination to enjoy a day on a hidden away, quiet beach, just off Manly. ITs a short walk from Manly Beach and Manly Wharf and captures the essence of nature with its fresh grainy sand, cool and crisp blue water, and rocks that surround the scenic beach. You can also enjoy a swim in the fabulous wave pool, or tan on the rocks above the sand. 


Access via: via Laneway off Fairlight Crescent / via Lane at Kay-Ye-My point

Facilities include: a tidal rock pool, toilets, parking, lighting, seating, water, and a coastal broad walk to enjoy. 

Figure 8 Pools

By: Claudia MacPhail
 
If you’re looking for an adventure this summer, then the spectacular figure 8 pools are a secret hotspot you must see for yourself. 

Located in the Royal national park, near Burning Palms Beach, 37km south of Sydney, these amazing ocean pools are definitely worth the visit.

After a 3.5km walk along the coast, you will reach the rock ledge where you’ll find perfectly figure 8 shaped pools that are deep enough to swim in. It is important to note that it is only safe to visit at low tide as high tide can result in very dangerous conditions so it is recommended to check surf forecasts prior to visiting.

Additional information:

Take extreme caution, the rock platform can be slippery.

Come prepared! The hike there is steep so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear proper hiking shoes.

Enjoy the scenic views and all that this naturally breathtaking attraction has to offer!

Pylon Lookout

By: Maryam Mandehgari

Offering some of the best views of the city, at the top of the south east pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the Pylon Lookout. 

Climbing the stairs to the Lookout provides a walk-through history of the building of the Bridge.

With 200 stairs, 87 metres above sea level and 3 levels of exhibits, there is a great deal to be learnt about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its history, construction, the men who built it and the vision of the chief engineer JJC Bradfield to be discovered. 

The Pylon Lookout is a must-see while in Sydney providing a panoramic view of the City of Sydney, North Sydney, east towards the heads of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Circular Quay.

To get to the Lookout you must firstly climb the stairs to access the pedestrian footpath. The stairs are found just north of the intersection of Cumberland and Argyle Streets. Once on the footpath the Pylon is approximately 500 metres north.

Additional Information:

Address: Cumberland Street (on the Harbour Bridge).

Reviews & Ratings:

-"Spectacular and stunning view up the lookout, well worth the money and the climb." 5/5

-"Great location to take the whole city in." 5/5

-A must visit vantage point for all visitors! Instead of spending a lot of money on the Bridge climb, this is a much cheaper alternative while the view is just as spectacular." 4.5/5

Fairy bower pool

By: Nelson Xie

Constructed by locals in 1929 when saltwater bathing was at its inception, this triangular shaped pool is stunning day and night. The 3 sculptures on the pools edge are known as “The Sea Nymphs’ or ‘The Oceanides’, and like their name suggests, they are a truly enchanting experience. It was built by local residents in 1929, Fairy Bower rockpool is one of a number of historic pools cut and blasted along the New South Wales coast as saltwater bathing became popular.

This is not a pool where you can expect to do your 20 laps, though. It’s a kind of triangular shape, barely 30m at its longest point, and that may be stretching it even if you swim diagonally across.
But it is a fantastic spot to cool off on a hot day. There are two fresh water showers by the pool and changing rooms for two men and two women (including one loo each) in the shed just by the pool

Addition information 

Address: 5B Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095

Reviews

“Fairy Bower is the best, lovely beaches with plenty of sitting areas on the esplanade. Good eating, drinking and shopping facilities at all beaches"

"Family beach”

 

"Gorgeous  Great beach! Reminds me of South Beach Miami"

Wendy's Secret Garden

By: Mitchelle Antonio

Tucked away in the shadow of office towers in North Sydney, it is both public land and private paean to love, loss and renewal. There's no paint, only plants. No canvas, only soil. No pencils or brushes, only sunshine and greenery. Filled with natural fauna this beautiful garden is the best spot for anything ranging from weddings to something as simple as a picnic or walk.

 Please Note:

There isn't any signage or posts which show the direction to the garden, however, it is quite easy and can be found on google maps. . 

Additional Information:
Address: Clark Park, Lavender Street Lavender Bay, 2060 Hours: open 24 hours

Reviews and ratings:

1. "Great place to have a stroll, breakfast or picnic with family and friends."

2. "Good location for a calm/peaceful walk, make sure to bring insect repellent!"

3. "We enjoyed this family friendly setting."

Nielsen Park

By: Freya Daver

Nielsen Park is located in Vaucluse and is located 10 minutes drive from Parsley Bay Reserve (Check our other Blog Post for more information). It features outstanding views of the Harbour and also has a small swimming enclosure and Café and Restaurant for you to grab a quick bite. It also has facilities such as picnic tables, toilets, a public telephone, a walk path, a beach, and an incredible view overlooking the Bridge.

Additional Information

Address: Greycliff Avenue, Vaucluse, 2030

Phone: 9337 7333– Neilsen Park Café

Timings: Open 24 Hours, Café and restaurant are open 8:30am to 4pm daily. (Closed on Mondays)

Reviews and Ratings

·      " "Nice location obviously, and definitely a place to have a breakfast."

·      “Our family enjoyed a wonderful Mother's day lunch at the cafe yesterday."

·      "I find the location sublime and the food and service top class!"