Apollonia is your understated yet exquisite rendezvous. This secret place in Sydney, tucked beneath an old wool store, exudes a charming sense of nostalgia and amore. Inspired by mobster film “The Godfather,” the dimly lit cocktail haven unveils Sicilian romance with each sip. The cocktail menu, thoughtfully curated, showcases a range of delicious libations. Not into mixed drinks? No worries as they've got an excellent selection of wines to satisfy your palate.

In the basement underneath one of Sydney’s best new restaurants, you’ll find Tiva a late-night lounge with live music, DJs and a moody New York feel. Giving that Gatsby feel, the drinks menu focuses on coupes of champagne and distinctive cocktails. We’re lusting after the French press espresso martini, and the tequila martini with rose vermouth poured and shaken tableside.

You could easily walk right past this place – it’s a 1920s-style bar that’s disguised as a butcher. Pretty cool, right? Inside, Earl's Juke Joint pays homage to New Orleans with low lighting, eclectic music and strong cocktails. If you're in Newtown, you need to seek this neat little gem out.

If you're after something a little different, The Cumberland is your spot. Tucked behind a fridge door in an unassuming laneway, this venue brings an underground speakeasy to the heart of Manly - with a Spanish twist!

Renowned chef, Tristan Rosier, of hatted-restaurant Arthur, has another venue just three blocks north. The restaurant is an ode to Rosier’s colourful grandmother, Jane, known for her hospitality and heavy pours. The venue evokes the spirit of a 1970s brasserie in everything from the interiors to the playful menu. With a policy of strictly Australian-only produce and a zero-waste ethos, they're also serving plenty of good karma.

This distinct, underground Italian steakhouse, bar and wine shop is well worth the mysterious adventure. Once you do find the deliberately unmarked doorway in a CBD backstreet, you'll be led downstairs to a dimly lit room. We won't lie, finding your way isn't easy, but trust us, a steak tastes way better once you've earned it! When it comes to the restaurant menu, less is more. Bistecca is solely dedicated to the art of the classic Tuscan steak dish, bistecca alla Fiorentina.

So cool it hurts, this motorbike shop-cum-dining destination is a buzzing hive of activity most days of the week, albeit off the beaten track. Famed for its warming bowls of ramen (not just for dinner, breakfast and lunch, too), but their coffee and modern Australian-Japanese café fare is equally as good.

A true secret place in Sydney, Store Beach quietly beckons those in the know. Located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, this 200-metre strip of pristine sand and azure waters is accessible only by kayak, a 20 to 30 minute paddle from Manly Wharf. Its sheltered cove and the lush bushland surrounding it provide an intimate escape, perfect for couples seeking a quick romantic getaway or families looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches.

Turimetta Beach is a little-known gem among the coolest secret places in Sydney. This unpatrolled beach dances with waves which often playfully crash near the shore. It's not one to pamper you with facilities, and that's what makes it exciting. But remember, it's not for the faint-hearted. Turimetta's strong shore break offers good body surfing for pros, especially when the north-easterly winds whistle through.

Tucked away on the harbour-side of Manly, Collins Flat Beach is an idyllic spot that offers sprawling skyline views and a ton of privacy. It’s accessible only via water or walking trails, and is the kind of place that prompts Instagram posts captioned with, “How’s the serenity?” And serene it is.

Looking at the white sand and lake-like still waters, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the Whitsundays. Nestled between the harbour side of Manly Cove and Fairlight Beach, you could easily miss Delwood but this secluded slice of paradise, which is framed by two tall Norfolk Island Pine trees, is well worth a visit. Perch on the grass for an afternoon picnic in the shade or wander down to the pristine waters for a dip.

Perched between South Head and Camp Cove, this tiny beach is one of the best secret beaches on Sydney’s coastline – and that’s a pretty big call! It boasts stunning views of the harbour and skyline, and the water is gentle and inviting. Oh, and your swimmers are completely optional, if you know what we mean!

Next time you’re heading Vaucluse way, skip the popular Nielsen Park and stop at Parsley Bay instead. This local gem is as pretty as a postcard, with crystal clear water, a waterfall and a wooden bridge harking back to the 1920s.

Now, Mackenzie’s Bay isn’t ‘hidden’ as such – it just doesn’t exist most of the time. Let us explain. Usually, this small cove between Bondi and Tamarama Beach is just a rocky bay that attracts surfers, fishermen and a few brave sunbathers. But every few years at the beginning of winter, the bay becomes a beach overnight. Yes, really! It’s a mystery in that no one knows exactly when it will happen, but experts believe it’s due to a special combination of shifting sand and low tide.

Hidden, but also right under our noses, this sunken garden will appeal to anyone with an appetite for architecture, or those who just like a little peace and quiet away from bustling Oxford Street. This idyllic park was inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with its enormous chambers, hanging gardens and striking water features. A true Sydney secret.

Charming Maccallum Pool on Sydney Harbour comes complete with a wooden boardwalk and picket fence – we guarantee you'll be in your vintage bathers in no time. Situated on the western side of Cremorne Point, this Lower North Shore secret has uninterrupted views of the city. At only 33 meters it has a tendency to fill up on hot days.

Tucked away on a hidden alleyway just moments from Martin Place, you'll find a canopy of suspended birdcages that pay homage to the birds that once chirped and fluttered the streets of Sydney. The birds were gradually forced out by European settlement, so this moving art installation on Angel Place commemorates the city's forgotten feathers with enchanting bird songs that change from day to night, as well as listing the hundreds of native species listed either as extinct or threatened.