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November 28, 2025 — 5:00am
Everyone knows the obvious highlights of Sydney – the world-famous bridge, the Opera House, Bondi – but the city has secrets that even locals may not know about. Whether you’re heading there from overseas, interstate, or just moving from one Sydney suburb to explore the next, these are some of the summer destinations providing welcome new stops on the well-trodden tourist trails.
Meet a blue groper
Snorkelling usually brings to mind tropical islands or a boat to the Great Barrier Reef, but Shelly Beach in Manly is home to an aquatic reserve only a few short swimming strokes from the sand. There, the sea floor drops to a thriving kelp forest, full of giant Australian cuttlefish, vibrant longfin pikes, luminous blue gropers and other intriguing locals.
EcoTreasures runs group or private snorkelling sessions with a tour guide, all equipment – including wetsuits – and pool noodles for anyone nervous about ocean swimming. The 2.5 hour tours start at $99 per person.
After finishing at Shelly Beach, Manly Pacific Hotel has undergone a $30 million renovation and offers a nearby spot to stay, embracing its locale with beach vibes and water views.
See the bridge in a different light…
Forget fireworks and watch one of nature’s most spectacular light shows illuminate the Sydney Harbour Bridge instead. Sydney by Kayak runs sunrise tours from Lavender Bay that start in the murky mauve of the pre-dawn before the sun rises from behind some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Even better, pre-ordered coffees are included, so paddlers can have a civilised sip as they watch the day start.
The tours are suitable for beginners and take about two hours, all equipment included. Knowledgeable guides even reckon you’ll learn a new fact about Sydney before you’re done. Prices start at $175 for the sunrise tour, but other kayaking experiences are available.
…Or at a different temperature
Finland regularly ranks among the world’s happiest countries and credit is often given to their sauna culture. Studies are finding evidence of what the Finns have known for centuries: saunas can improve lung function and cardiovascular fitness, while a following cold plunge helps release endorphins.
Wellness Afloat is a new bespoke floating sauna and secured ocean plunge area with views over the Harbour Bridge.
The Ark was purpose-built, is ocean-safe without any toxic paints or materials, and beehives and plants onboard provide a wildlife corridor. Use the sauna, set to a little over 80 degrees, and plunge pool for the whole two hours, or use the deck for sunbaking while enjoying light snacks, fresh juices and herbal teas – whatever gives the body and mind a break from the relentless churn of modern life. Sessions start at $195 per person, but private group sessions can be arranged by contacting [email protected].
Where we’re going, we don’t need roads
Sydney’s Lyric Theatre is home to Back to the Future, a stage musical take on the 1985 film that’s electric enough to power its own DeLorean through time. The set and lighting sorcery will thrill even the most jaded theatre-goers, while Axel Duffy’s nod to ’80s star Michael J. Fox in the role of Marty McFly will delight those who grew up with the original, as will Roger Bart’s take on Doc Brown, portrayed by wild-haired Christopher Lloyd in the movie.
Leaving this show without a spring in your step breaks the laws of physics – it’s just not possible.
Tickets start at $65 (plus transaction fee), and are available until January 25 next year.
Where we’re going, we don’t need roads, part II
Sydney’s traffic is notorious, but flying can cut a 40-kilometre trip down to 15 minutes. Sydney Seaplanes runs a range of tours, including a four-hour package to luxury dining venue Bert’s Bar and Brasserie in Newport, with a four-course sharing menu.
Flights depart from Rose Bay, Wednesday to Sunday, and hug the coast before landing at Pittwater for a boat transfer to the restaurant and its dazzling views.
Remember, while meandering through the lunchtime wine list, that the return journey will also have a boat-to-plane transfer. (Consider skipping the stilettos for the same reason.)
The flights include a scenic tour over the harbour, and – if you’re lucky – whales frolicking in the ocean.
The package to Bert’s is $760 per person, including lunch (drinks excluded). Other destinations and flights are available, details on the website.
Summer is thirsty work
Nothing says summer like a gin and tonic, and Sydney’s inner west, once the gritty, grungy poor cousin to the shimmering bayside suburbs, is playing host to an explosion of boutique distillers.
In a few short years, Ester Spirits has collected awards from around the world for its dry gin, and just took out gold and best in show honours at the 2025 Australian Gin Awards with its Old Tom Gin. When the Marrickville distiller – run by a husband and wife team – turned to rum, the awards followed them too. With award-winning ingredients, Ester’s cocktails are also proving popular, and 100ml pre-mixed serves are available to take away.
For those drinking in, the red-hued Ester distillery is part gallery, part lab, and part event space offering tastings, jazz nights, and $95 negroni masterclasses.
It’s also one of the stops on the nine-venue, self-guided Inner West Distillery Trail. Needless to say, leave the car at home for this one.
Three restaurants, three hats
Continental Deli has been a Newton staple for a decade, keeping the locals fed with a European-style menu delivered by friendly and knowledgeable staff. This year, Continental’s new neighbours and fellow Paisano and Daughters restaurants Mister Grotto (with a seafood focus) and Osteria Mucca (for meat-forward feeds) joined their sibling with single Good Food Guide hats.
All three restaurants are beautifully designed, warm and welcoming, and serve dishes worthy of praise.
For patrons from a long way outside the neighbourhood, there’s boutique accommodation available above the restaurants in the Australia Street Suites, each decorated to complement its downstairs neighbour. For menus and accommodation availability, see paisanoanddaughters.com.au.
And three other places to eat
Food and views
Open daily, Felons Manly is next to the ferry terminal and boasts a large outdoor area looking over the water. Serving everything from pizzas and burgers to sophisticated seafood, there’s something for everyone when the sun’s out and the summer calls.
Art and food
The Art Gallery of NSW is home to Crafted by Matt Moran, a light-filled restaurant serving up fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry to the gallery is free.
Hidden gem
Nestled in the heart of Paddy’s Market on the edge of Chinatown, the Hay St Market at Paddy’s is a buzzing collection of 48 food stalls offering all manner of cuisines from Wednesday to Sunday.
The writer travelled as a guest of Destination NSW.
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Kate Rose is a homepage editor.
