What better way to experience all Sydney has to offer than perusing its streets like a real local? Here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences that will have you treating this city as your own, if only for a weekend.

Beachside brunch

While Bondi beach might seem like the ideal location to enjoy a morning pick-me-up, there are other white sandy beaches in Sydney well worth a visit. Here are some of the more unusual options to consider.

Milk Beach

This small beach is isolated spot that is surrounded the Heritage listed Strickland house. In this lesser known spot, you can get beautiful views of Sydney itself, so make sure you pack a camera so you don’t miss out on those Kodak moments!

Bear in mind, however, that access is limited and there are only limited off-street parking spots available. On a good day it pays to be quick so you don’t miss out on this beautiful spot.

Here, weather permitting, you can fish, snorkel or enjoy a walk along the stunning Hermitage Foreshore or a family picnic under the awning available for groups – it is up to you.

There are plenty of cafes nearby, so no need to worry about finding somewhere to enjoy a delicious meal. This place is the perfect place to sit back, relax and get in touch with nature.

Clovelly beach

This beach is located between Bronte Beach and Gordon’s Bay. It is a hotspot with families and seniors thanks to its nature as a small and tranquil place. It lies at the mouth of a narrow bay between two rocky ridges and is protected from the elements.

Snorkellers will fall in love with this beach that allows you to see plenty of marine life, such as blue groper, octopi, moray eels and schooling fish.

As for cafes, there are a few to choose from in Clovelly, or else you could meander along to Bronte beach to see what’s on offer further north.

Bare Island

You might recognise this location from the set of Mission Impossible II. However, it is known for more than just that! It was an old fortress and is where the French landed in the Harbour City just after the Brits.

It is also one of the best spots around to snorkel, whether you are a pro or just starting out this sport. See what you can spot in the surrounding reefs – you’ll most likely see rays, colourful sponge life, nudibranchs (imagine a sea snail without the shell) and if you’re lucky may even spot a turtle.

Also known as La Perouse, there aren’t any cafes here to enjoy, so you might have to enjoy a packed brunch instead.

Shopping

To really make the most of this city in the same way a local would, why not enjoy a spot of shopping during the afternoon? David Jones and Myers are perhaps the most well known of all the department stores in Sydney, but there are other shops you can visit, too.

In fact, Pitt Street is a veritable wealth of fashion shops. If you’re after funky boutiques and high-street fashion, Oxford street in Paddington may be just the ticket, while Military Road in Mosman, Crown Street in Surry Hills and Darling Street in Balmain each have shopping strips that will impress.

Hidden bar

To round the day off like a true Sydneysider, make sure you enjoy a delicious dinner and even a cocktail (although make it a virgin if you need to get behind the weel of your Sydney Domestic Airport car rental!)

This city boasts a whole heap of hidden bars that are guaranteed to be off the radar of most tourists. Try Love, Tilly Devine if you’re after a quaint place for a romantic date, or Shady Pines Saloon if you’re after some Johnny Cash. Grandma’s Bar is full of old school kitsch and Grasshopper serves drinks in jam jars. There is bound to be a bar right up your alley in Sydney.