ABOUT HIDDEN CORNERS OF SYDNEY
OUR STORY
Hidden Corners of Sydney began in 2015 when urban explorers Michael Chen and Olivia Harrison discovered a forgotten network of World War II tunnels beneath the Sydney CBD while researching for a university project. Fascinated by how such significant historical spaces could remain virtually unknown to most Sydneysiders, they started documenting these hidden places on a simple blog.
What began as a passion project quickly gained traction among locals who were equally surprised to learn about these concealed aspects of their city. As interest grew, Michael and Olivia assembled a team of historians, photographers, and fellow explorers to expand their mission of uncovering and preserving Sydney's hidden stories.
By 2018, the blog had evolved into a full-fledged platform offering guided explorations, workshops, and advocacy for the preservation of overlooked historical spaces. Today, our collective has documented over 200 hidden locations across Greater Sydney, collaborated with local councils on heritage projects, and helped thousands of people experience their city through fresh eyes.
OUR MISSION & VALUES
WHY WE EXPLORE
We believe that true understanding of a city comes not just from its famous landmarks, but from its forgotten corners, overlooked histories, and the stories that exist beneath the surface. Our mission is to uncover, document, and share Sydney's hidden spaces while advocating for their recognition and preservation.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Curiosity Without Limits: We approach each exploration with boundless curiosity, always asking what lies beyond the next corner or beneath the surface.
- Respect for History: We document and share with respect for the original context and people connected to these spaces, acknowledging all aspects of Sydney's complex past.
- Safe & Responsible Exploration: We never trespass, damage property, or put ourselves or others at risk. We obtain permissions, follow safety protocols, and leave every location as we found it.
- Community Connection: We believe these hidden spaces belong to the community's shared heritage and work to make them accessible through ethical documentation and guided experiences.
- Environmental Consciousness: We're committed to sustainable practices in all our operations and advocate for the protection of natural hidden spaces within the urban environment.
MEET OUR EXPLORERS
Our diverse team brings together expertise in history, photography, architecture, ecology, and storytelling to create meaningful explorations of Sydney's hidden corners.
MICHAEL CHEN
Founder & Lead Explorer
With a background in urban planning and photography, Michael has been documenting Sydney's hidden spaces for over a decade. His work has been featured in National Geographic and The Guardian, and he regularly consults with heritage organizations on preservation initiatives.
OLIVIA HARRISON
Co-Founder & Historical Researcher
Olivia holds a PhD in Australian History from the University of Sydney and brings academic rigor to our explorations. She specializes in uncovering the social histories of forgotten spaces and connecting them to broader historical narratives.
JAMAL WINTERS
Environmental Guide & Ecologist
Jamal joined our team in 2019 to lead our Urban Wilderness explorations. With expertise in native Australian flora and urban ecology, he specializes in revealing the surprising natural environments that exist within Sydney's built landscape.
SOPHIA PATEL
Lead Photographer & Workshop Instructor
An award-winning architectural photographer, Sophia specializes in capturing the beauty in decayed and forgotten spaces. She leads our photography workshops and has published two books of images documenting Sydney's hidden industrial heritage.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
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Tourism Excellence Award 2025
Recognized for creating innovative cultural experiences that showcase Sydney's hidden heritage and foster deeper connections with urban spaces.
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Published Research & Books
Our team has published three books and contributed to numerous academic papers on urban exploration, hidden history, and the importance of preserving overlooked spaces.
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Conservation Partnerships
We've partnered with NSW National Parks, the City of Sydney, and various heritage organizations to document and advocate for the preservation of at-risk historical sites.
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200+ Documented Locations
We've thoroughly documented over 200 hidden locations across Greater Sydney, creating the most comprehensive archive of the city's overlooked spaces.
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Community Building
Our workshops and explorations have connected thousands of like-minded individuals, creating a thriving community of urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
WHAT OUR EXPLORERS SAY
"The Hidden Corners team completely transformed my understanding of Sydney. As a lifelong resident, I thought I knew this city inside out, but their Historical Walk revealed layers of history I'd walked past thousands of times without noticing. Michael's knowledge is encyclopedic, and his passion is infectious. I now see my hometown through completely new eyes."
"I signed up for the photography workshop on a whim during my vacation in Sydney, expecting the usual tourist spots. Instead, Sophia took us to incredible abandoned spaces I'd never have found on my own. Her technical guidance helped me capture the most evocative photos of my entire Australia trip. This experience was the highlight of my visit to Sydney – truly unique and unforgettable."
"As an ecology professor, I was skeptical about how much natural diversity could be found in urban Sydney. Jamal's Urban Wilderness tour completely changed my perspective. His knowledge of how plants and animals adapt to urban environments is remarkable, and the hidden pockets of nature he showed us were astonishing. I now incorporate these local examples into my teaching at the university."
EXPLORATION GALLERY
A glimpse into some of the remarkable hidden corners we've explored and documented across Sydney.
19th Century Underground Reservoir
A massive cathedral-like space beneath Hyde Park, built in 1859 and forgotten for decades.
Hermit's Cove
A secluded beach accessible only through a narrow sea cave passage at low tide.
White Bay Power Station
An architectural wonder of industrial heritage with cathedral-like turbine halls.
Forgotten Sky Gardens
A lush rooftop paradise hidden atop a CBD office building, unknown even to most of its occupants.
Central Station Labyrinth
An extensive network of maintenance tunnels and abandoned platforms beneath Sydney's main transit hub.
Suburban Falls
A pristine waterfall hidden in plain sight, just meters from busy suburban streets in Sydney's north.
READY TO DISCOVER SYDNEY'S HIDDEN CORNERS?
Join us for upcoming explorations, workshops, or create a custom experience for your group. Our team of passionate explorers is ready to reveal the city's secrets to you.