Wendy Whiteley's secret garden is an unexpected treat tucked away just behind Luna Park near Lavender Bay in Sydney. The land was once a dumping ground of the NSW railways; an unsighlty waste land. But in 1992 Wendy's husband, famous Australian artist, Brett Whitely, died, and Wendy turned her grief and passion to creating a living artwork - the "Secret Garden". The enchanting garden is not the usual, run-of-the-mill city park. It has a certain magic that takes passion and love to create. The park drips with blossoms and ferns that fall across winding pathways leading to intimate picnic spots that overlook Sydney's magnificent harbour.

Only a mere snapshot into the charm that is The Rocks - Sydney's historical suburb. Although sprinkled with expensive boutiques, brand name shops, and high end restaurants, the cobblestone alleyways, old pubs, and hidden cafes gives a feeling of escape and wonder in the midst of all the Circular Quay craziness. The weekend markets are great to visit with beautiful local jewelry, art, and crafts. If you're a fan of pancakes, Pancakes on the Rocks is a fun place to go for every kind of pancake you could think of. Although the Harbour View Hotel no longer gives the best view of the harbour due to the massive bridge that was built over it, its deck is a great place to sit and have bloody marys and watch what's happening down below. Although I recommend visiting The Rocks during the weekend when there's a lot going on, I also highly recommend walking through The Rocks in the early hours of the day before the city really wakes up and the tourists stampede Circular Quay. It's such a magical part of the city and when you're there before the noise, it's like you have the Opera House to yourself.

Growing up in Mexico, I would get all my haircuts from my grandfather's old-school barber. He would cut my hair and finish off the session with a mock shave using warm shaving cream and the dull edge of his blade. Three decades later - now with some facial hair to shave, my memory instantly flashed back to those times in Mexico when I saw QT Sydney's retro Barber Shop. Outfitted with imported American vintage barber chairs and a solid menu of men's treatments and Cut Throat Shaves (make note of the Mr. Bond and The Don), the Barber Shop at the hotel's SpaQ is a must-do while in Sydney.

I am writing this Wanderlist on New Year’s Eve 2012 as a sort of nod to my year and my city. Myself and millions of other Sydneysiders and esteemed guests are preparing for one of the most famous evenings our city offers. The weather is a perfect 28 degrees celsius (82 degrees farenheit) without a cloud in the sky and as we spread ourselves out over various harbourside locations today we all can’t help but feel a twinge of joy at our luck at being in this beautiful city on this beautiful day. It’s days like today when locals realise that all the travelling in the world will only lead them right back here and visitors vow to return. It’s days like today when a city’s beauty, friendliness and camaraderie can actually bring a tear to your eye. Now, I can do all the explaining in the world as to just how amazing Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebration is, but why not just make it your New Year’s resolution and find out for yourself? The more the merrier.

Sydney’s small bar epidemic is at its peak and no lane or alley way is safe from its symptoms. Needless to say that Sydneysiders are finding it hard to keep up with the dizzying number of small bars opening after recent changes to the city’s historically strict and expensive licensing laws. One bar though is setting the pace for the rest, and with crowds still flocking in the masses for over a year, there’s no doubt she’s a stayer. The Baxter Inn can be found down a nondescript Clarence Street alleyway where New York-style steam rises from the footpath and an always classily clad bouncer greets you. Down the fire escape you go and find yourself in an intimate American-esque saloon with blues in the background, photographs of boxing legends on the walls and one of the most extensive libraries of alcohol you may ever see (the bartenders use ladders to reach some of the more expensive offerings). This dimly lit haven attracts all types but is a special favourite of those who love their scotch, unique beers and/or classic cocktails made by people who know what they’re doing – and they do. At The Baxter Inn it’s all about the bar - you’ll find complementary pretzels here but that’s about as far as the culinary offerings go, but for the drink devotees (of which Sydney has many) that’s the best kind of bar.

Banana bread: a staple in Sydney's cafes. This was one of my favorites -- warmed banana bread with ricotta and honey. Served with a perfect latte. Simply delicious. (Unfortunately this particular cafe closed while I was there, but like I said, you can find this anywhere in the city.)

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry This Argentine-inspired grill is cool and kitschy. The decor is a mix of cowhide, faded South American posters, and leather furniture. Whole pigs or lambs roast slowly over an open pit, and the bar upstairs has a killer cocktail list.” 358 Cleveland St., 61/(0) 2-8399-1440, porteno.com.au Photo by Petrina Tinslay. See all of Luke Nguyen’s favorite places in Surry Hills, Sydney. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney are a massive area right on the water- perfect for picnics, tag football, or just sitting under a tree and reading a great book. We walked around the gardens for over an hour, admiring the different and unique trees and plants that we had never seen before.

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry Luke Nguyen says: “Our restaurant’s dining room is rustic, and we hope it feels warm and inviting, like you’re visiting our home.” 545 Crown St., 61/(0) 2-9698-4355, redlantern.com.au Photo by Petrina Tinslay. See all of Luke Nguyen’s favorite places in Surry Hills, Sydney. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.

The Rocks is undoubtedly one of Sydney's most beautiful areas. Follow George Street until the very end and it’s almost like you’ve stepped back in time - there are cobblestones at your feet, quant stores to browse and great pubs to visit. One of the best experiences you can have in Sydney is to visit The Rocks Markets, especially on Friday nights during spring and summer for The Rocks Markets by Moonlight. The warmer months in Sydney are the most exciting; pair them with all the beauty of the famous Harbour Bridge, opera house and this historic hub and you’ve got the best version of this amazing city. There are stalls offering everything from handmade gifts and sweets to unique jewellery and fashion, but the atmosphere is set off by all of the other quirks that you would never have expected - puppeteers and magicians roaming the crowd, dozens of people young and old wearing headphones and dancing at a silent disco, musical performances and pet displays with some of the most enormous cats and rabbits you’ve ever imagined. All of this set among historic buildings and Sydney’s oldest sites makes for a truly unique experience indeed.

The meat pie is synonymous with Australia and no place is more iconic in Sydney than Woolloomooloo's Harry's Cafe de Wheels. What started out as a stand turned into one of the first food trucks when local ordinances dictated that mobile food carts had to move at least 12 inches every day. There are now dozens of Harry's around Sydney, each serving up their famous pies. "The Tiger" is the most well known: a pie topped with mashed potatoes, gravy and mushy peas. There are no tables to speak of, but rather a counter attached to the truck. Hundreds of celebrities, politicians and locals have flocked to Harry's for their pie fix. They're also open until 2 a.m., making this a great late-night spot.

by Sarah Henry Name: Luke Nguyen Neighborhood: Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia Occupation: Luke is co-owner of the award-winning Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern. He also hosts a culinary travel show called Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam, which airs on the Cooking Channel. There is so much to do in Surry Hills— theaters, galleries, cafés, and pubs—and yet it’s got a small community feel. Everyone knows each other. The area is what’s known in Sydney as an inner-city suburb, which means it’s a residential area close to the city center. Surry Hills is near everything Sydney has to offer, from the Central Business District to beautiful Bondi Beach. I live with my partner, Suzanna Boyd, and our two cats, in a three-level Victorian-era home. The architecture here is fantastic. From my house, I can walk to my restaurant, Red Lantern, which is also in a renovated Victorian building with an ornate, cast-iron fence. There is a thriving food scene here. I would argue it’s one of the best in the world. You can find fine-dining establishments such as Marque, which has a French feel, or the Bentley, which is modern and creative, with a touch of molecular gastronomy and a great wine list. We also have casual, sunny, and stylish cafés, such as Bills, which is famous for its creamy scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes. There’s a fantastic performance space right around the corner from me. The Belvoir Street Theatre is run by one of the most respected theater companies in the country. Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett have been on stage there. The best part? I can go see a current Australian play or a European classic for a bargain price on cheap Tuesdays. I’m an Aussie with a strong Vietnamese heritage, and I communicate my culture through my food. I grew up in Cabramatta, in Sydney’s southwestern suburbs. This is the area where my family and many other Vietnamese migrants, or “boat people,” as we were called, settled and set up businesses. After my parents spent a year in a Thai refugee camp, where I was born, they eventually opened a restaurant in Cabramatta called Pho Cay Du. I worked there as soon as I could walk. I swept floors and served coffee. Luckily, I enjoyed the restaurant world. I always knew that one day I would have my own place. Today, food is how I connect with my family. In 2002, I opened Red Lantern in Surry Hills because nobody here was doing authentic, modern Vietnamese food, like shaking beef (bo luc lac) and salt-and-pepper squid (muc rang muoi). And I wanted the kind of place where my mates would come for a meal. Surry Hills used to be a ghetto, but now it’s hip to hang out here. These days, I spend a lot of time in Vietnam and other Asian countries because of my TV series. The cities there are busy and vibrant and crazy and energetic, and I love it. But I also love coming back to Surry Hills. People think Sydney is a busy city. I guess it is. But it’s also a great place to chill out. Read more about Luke Nguyen’s favorite places in Surry Hills:Brett Whitely Studio Mao and More The Norfolk Twig Café at Garden Life Surry Hills Library and Community Centre Dolly UpPorteñoRed LanternWafu Photo by Petrina Tinslay. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.

The Gowings and State Theatre buildings in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) have been revamped to create the new designer hotel, QT Sydney. Its interiors feature edgy art and installations, even in the elevator. Bold colors and quirky furniture are featured throughout. Great place to dine and have a drink or two at their sexy bar. Rooms and bathrooms are modern and beyond gorgeous!

A pic from above the Circular Quay Ferry Terminal in Sydney Harbor to visit Manly Beach. The infamous Sydney Opera House and Hangar Bridge in the background. Although currently Fall in Australia, the temps were in the low 80's F during the day.

This beautiful skyscraper was awarded six star green status by the Australian Green Building Council. It has a double skin facade and external louvers that automatically adjust depending on the position of the sun. It also has really fast elevators you can watch from this beautiful atrium.

The Shangri-La Hotel has the greatest breakfast in the world, and the best part is: it's free. Fruits from all over the world were so fresh and delicious, they set a new mark for quality. There were breakfast foods available for every culture including pancakes and bacon, fried rice and spring rolls, cheese and pastry, and just about anything else you can imagine. Before hitting the buffet, a waiter asks if you want coffee or tea, and then delivers an entire pot of either. A fantastic addition to a hotel with the most comfortable pillows and softest spa bathrobes.

Located in the hip neighborhood of Surrey Hills, Bourke Street Bakery has the best baked goods and coffee. Packed at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon, the Australian Pies and Quiches are to die for. Order at the counter and then find a place to sit or take the food to go. The place only has seating for 6 inside, but there is ample seating outdoors. The daily made tarts are also amazing. The lemon curd tart is pure heaven.

I do not recommend going to Sydney for the Mexican food. It has pretty much nailed every other cuisine, but in the year that I lived there, I didn't ever satisfy my South of the Border cravings. I did, however, quench my tequila thirst - and then some - thanks to this lovely gem, Cafe Pacifico. It has almost a hidden feel as it's located down one of Darlinghurst's side streets. When you get inside, you walk up this dark stairway and find yourself in a chaotically charming restaurant with sombreros, maracas and every kind of Dia de los Muertos decor you could imagine. The bartenders know their stuff here. It was the first time I had "tasted" tequila as opposed to taking shots. They have over 100 to choose from (pictured above), some over 100 years old. We sipped on all kinds of agaves, as well as tried some inventive cocktails, including one that tasted like coffee! Delicioso, mate!