Hi Verdi, take a look at the link below you may find something there. Also the Better Homes and Garden site . www.bhg.com.au. Click on gardening know how they have everything there about what grows where.

Sorry I cannot help as I have never lived in Sydney.

MM.

Here is a link that might be useful: What to grow where.

Bamboo sounds good but just a couple of things to keep in mind.

The taller varieties tend to flop/fall sideways. If the intended area is along a fence line, you may create difficulties with the neighbours.

I have a black bamboo which is a clumping variety. No problems for several years and then it decided to send out runners! In all directions! And they are so tenacious - the crowbar is now bent.

If you are going to use bamboo, contain it. A row of concrete pots perhaps?

Some of the grevillias or bottle brushes might do well under the paper barks (which I assume are fairly mature).

Other alternatives might be strategically placed sails or a pergola.