Photo: Adwo / Shutterstock

AUSTRALIA: You’ve seen the Opera House, taken the iconic photo of Bondi Icebergs and wandered the terrace-lined streets of Paddington. While you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve seen the best spaces Sydney has to offer, the truth is you’ve only scratched the surface. So pack your camera, put on your walking shoes and get back out there - some of Sydney’s most beautiful spaces still await.

Mitchell Library Reading Room at the State Library of NSW

Scale, light and a huge number of books combine to make this space one of the most spectacular in Sydney, especially for bibliophiles. Thanks to the free WiFi and comfy seats, it’s also a great spot to catch up on some work or study; the hushed atmosphere only adding to the room’s appeal.

The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Garden

This beautiful space houses Australia’s largest green wall, which stands 6 metres high and 50 metres wide. Exhibitions change regularly, filling the space with an array of different flora and events, including everything from chocolate making to a botanically inspired high tea.

Spice Alley on Kensington Street, Chippendale

Paper lanterns, large scale street art and vibrant red doors make this bustling precinct every photographer’s dream. The food is also excellent, with a number of hawker-style restaurants serving up vibrant dishes that provide the perfect excuse to linger.

The foyer at 50 Martin Place

Built in 1928 as the Government Savings Bank of NSW and restored to architectural glory by developers JBW in 2015, this stunning foyer is guaranteed to take your breath away. Towering marble columns and intricate plaster work sit alongside modern glass lifts, grand stairways and a sweeping atrium.

Wylie’s Baths in Coogee

Sitting at the less populated end of the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, Wylie’s Baths are undeniably gorgeous. The ocean pool sits beneath the towering headland, providing uninterrupted views out to Wedding Cake Island and back in to Coogee Beach. The steep headland protects the baths from prying eyes, providing a wonderful sense of seclusion not easily found along Sydney’s eastern shores.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Previously home to a functioning reservoir, parking garage and petrol station, these gardens have been beautifully planned to breathe new life into their old bones. Sitting below street level and full of echoing chambers and wide walkways, the space has a distinctly historic feel and provides plenty of interesting photo opportunities.