Despite being one of the youngest colonies in the world, Sydney has never been short of things to do and see. The magnificent sails of the Opera House, the golden expanse of Bondi Beach, the thrilling climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (or the “coathanger”, as the Aussies fondly call it) – whatever your taste for adventure, culture or history, Sydney has the perfect thing for you. But if secluded gardens, secret beaches, and one-of-a-kind activities are for you, check out this list of Sydney’s best kept secret hideaways.

It’s easy to fall in step with Sydney’s sunny temperament once you’ve arrived, but distance and cost are enough to keep many from ever attempting the trip. Both are reasonable concerns. Flight times are some of the longest, and Australia’s Harbour City is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive cities. Booking a flight to Sydney is a lesson in getting what you pay for, and it’s hard to beat Qantas in any category other than price. Typically, you’ll find the lowest fares to Sydney are on Chinese carriers and involve lengthy connections in Shanghai or Beijing. This is either a grueling hassle to be endured or a chance to explore another city, depending on your perspective. If you side with the latter, Air New Zealand regularly discounts fares to Australia, which also allows for a choice of stopover in Auckland or the Cook Islands. Fares are generally at their lowest for travel during Australia’s winter, from June through August, with the Christmas holiday period being the most expensive. If you’re hoping to swap out a few weeks of brutal winter for Australian summer, try searching in February or March when fares drop a bit. On the low end, fares can range anywhere from $850 to $1,600 round-trip. Peak fares can be much higher. Once you've arrived, it's easy to stretch your dollar with a little foresight and planning. Some of the best ways to spend the day require spending little to no cash at all. Here’s how to best plan your trip down under without going over budget.

The best way to see Sydney is through its cool cafes and ocean fed pools.