Hit up the bush as well as the Harbour: Sydney’s most spectacular secret tracks and coastal delights

Manly’s main beach is a starring attraction for any Sydney Summer – but just around the Marine Parade walk is its little sibling, Shelly Beach. From this absolutely magical enclave, you can join the local “mermaids” of Snorkelling Shelly Beach for a guided swim through the 20-hectare Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Available for private and open group tours, these marine experts will take you through the sheltered waters to showcase its biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for blue gropers, cuttlefish, weedy seadragons, wobbegongs and even some rare ocean visitors.

Another of Manly’s hidden highlights resides along Marine Parade – and it pairs historic artwork with panoramic ocean views. As the perfect, serene spot for a saltwater dip, this local gem has been beloved by residents since its creation in 1929. The triangular-shaped rockpool stretches along 20 metres of coast and is home to the sculptures named ‘The Sea Nymphs’ or ‘The Oceanides’ by Helen Lete, which sit along its edge overlooking the accompanying ocean.

Palm Beach marks one of the Northern borders of the Sydney region, but it’s also a launch pad for trips across Broken Bay and the Pittwater Inlet. One of the most popular spots to get to via the ferry is The Basin. Here you can picnic, swim or paddle in the inland lagoon and walk up into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to find First Nations’ rock art and the neighbouring community of Mackerel Beach. The Basin makes for a lovely day trip but can be an overnighter too, but you can also camp if you want to stay overnight.

There’s a little-known trick to doing some Sydney Harbour sightseeing without being surrounded by other tourists – many walk around it, but next to none are paddling. Sydney Kayak Experience gives you a fresh perspective on the city, taking you on an overwater tour that teaches you about the city and its harbour on a fun kayaking experience. Book a sunrise or sunset tour to get the best views, or book way in advance to secure a coveted spot on the water for the New Year's Eve fireworks.

One of the smaller, secret national parks in Sydney can be found on the Lower North Shore, accessible via car or bus. Lane Cove National Park traces the Lane Cove River from Thornleigh and Pennant Hills, all the way to Sydney Harbour. It’s ringed with idyllic walking trails that connect quiet picnic grounds to secluded bushland and protected forests. If you’d rather put your arms to work over your legs, you can rent a boat, which makes for a perfect date or family day out on a sunny day. Note: swimming in the river is unsafe, so look elsewhere if you’re hoping for a bushland swim.

In Sydney’s west, swimming spots are as precious as gold, and one of our favourites is Lake Parramatta. It’s only open to swimmers for the summer season, which opens in October, and is fully patrolled by lifeguards. It’s also the beating heart of a 70-hectare bush reserve, which can be explored through a mix of trails. The Lake Circuit combines all of them into a 4.2km loop around the water, where walkers can absorb the scenery and learn about the history of the heritage-listed lake, which was originally dammed in 1856.

The sandstone cliffs that trace Sydney and Royal National Park in the south make for a view that’s fresh out of a painting. A lot of the taller cliffs are a bit of a drive away, but the tip of those cliffs is smack-back in the middle of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Plus, there’s the Federation Cliff Walk nearby, a 5km walk along expansive clifftop that features Macquarie Lightstation. Enjoy a quick stopover here, and you’ll meet one of Australia’s lesser-known but equally as iconic landmarks: the country’s first-ever lighthouse.

If you’re in Palm Beach, you’ll notice a lighthouse on the top of Barrenjoey Headland. Good news is, it couldn’t be easier to get up there. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk is one of the most popular trails on the Northern Beaches – it’s a leisurely 1km uphill track, or you can take a steeper, more rugged shortcut, the Smugglers Track. Once you’re up there, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Northern Beaches peninsula and Broken Bay. Hot tip: keep going east out onto the headland for a quieter, more natural lookout.

Way down on the opposite end of Sydney is one of the better-kept secrets on this list. Looking out over Port Hacking, across to the Royal National Park, Salmon Haul Bay is a small, tranquil beach that’s perfect if you’ve got little ones in tow, because there’s a full-scale playground. Otherwise, take it easy on the grass overlooking the water and go for a swim. If the conditions are right, it’s a popular snorkelling and diving spot – but keep in mind that the beach is unpatrolled.

The Bronte Bogey Hole is a naturally occurring ocean pool that was tweaked in the 20th century to make it suitable for swimming. It’s a popular spot for kids and unconfident swimmers, since it’s part of the beach but sheltered from the big swells by rocks. If you fancy a dip without the risk of getting KO’d by a rogue breaker, this is the spot for you. Keep in mind the depth is subject to the tides, and you’re likely sharing it with some small aquatic locals, so watch your step.