Sydney’s Best Hidden Gems

Sydney is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered and explored. You’ve definitely heard of the harbour and famous beaches, but here are some of our favourite spots in Sydney you may not have heard of yet. All that’s left to do now is book your favourite GoGet, and get exploring!

Ayrfield Shipwreck

This 111 year old abandoned ship in Homebush Bay is one of the lesser known attractions in Sydney. Built in 1911, the SS Ayrfield used to carry coal between Sydney and Newcastle before being retired in 1972. This majestic shipwreck has become one with nature, with mangrove trees growing from the hull of the ship. This has earnt the wreck its name the ‘Floating Forest’. With Bicentennial Park nearby, you can make a day of visiting this unique attraction while enjoying the surrounding playgrounds and bike tracks. You’ll find it to be a great spot for a picnic too!

Auburn Botanic Gardens

Another beautiful picnic spot is The Auburn Botanic Gardens. Open from 9am to 6pm in the summer, you can explore the native rainforest garden as well as the fauna reserve and bird aviary. The Auburn Botanic Gardens also has a stunning Japanese garden, a sunken rose garden, and a scented garden! If you’re lucky, you may even see some peacocks wandering around! And if you’re planning an outdoor event, this is a great option, just make sure to book ahead. 

Paddington Reservoir Gardens

From 1866 to 1899, the Paddington Reservoir housed part of Sydney’s water supply. Dubbed ‘Sydney’s Hanging Gardens of Babylon’, the reservoir gardens are a stunning oasis hidden just off the bustle of Oxford Street. The juxtaposition of steel, concrete, and greenery makes this heritage conversion site a must see if you find yourself in Sydney’s inner eastern suburbs.

Wendys Secret Garden

Wendy’s Secret Garden is a magical secret spot in Sydney’s secluded Lavender Bay. Wendy Whiteley created this extraordinary garden where she buried her husband Brett’s ashes, transforming her grief into a place of great beauty. The garden is full of greenery and interesting sculptures, and is the perfect place for a picnic or stroll where you can soak up your surroundings.

The Coal Loader

The Coal Loader, found on the the western side of Waverton peninsula, has a fascinating history. It was a place of physical and spritiual Sustence for the local Cammeraygal people. From 1920 to the 1990s it was an industrial site where coal was unloaded from carrier ships. More recently it has been transformed into a sustainability centre and community garden. It’s the perfect place to lunch and learn, grabbing a bite from the on-site cafe and taking in some of Sydney’s hisory. While there, you can explore one of the restored 160m tunnels used to load coal, and see the original coal feeder and carts still in place. You can also check out a rock engraving of a whale carved by the local Cammeraygal people that was unearthed during the renovation of the site. Make a day of it and take the nearby harbourside walking path along to Berrys Bay Lookout for gorgeous views of the city and bridge. 

If you’re a GoGet member, then there’s nothing standing in your way! Book a car today and GoGet out there and explore. No Membership? No problem! We’ve got the perfect plan for you!