33 Best Sydney Photography Spots – most Instagrammable places!

Sydney is a photographer’s dream, and with so many beautiful Sydney photography spots, it can be hard to know where to start! Since the city is brimming with aesthetic places; from beautiful coastal walks, scenic city vantage points and so-called ‘instagrammable places’ – how do you narrow it down to the best Sydney photography locations, right?

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This list takes us through everything from the best perspectives of the Sydney Opera House to equally aesthetic yet lesser-known secret photography locations.

This list of Sydney photography locations is not intended as a content checklist but rather a genuine account of aesthetic places throughout the city. Take your pick and get creative! However, I have included places I believe will be popular with Instagrammers and photographers.

I hope this list of Sydney photography spots helps you find memorable places during your time in this gorgeous coastal city.

Sydney Photo Spots Location Guide:

• South Coastline (La Perouse to Watson’s Bay)
• North Shore Beaches (Manly to Palm Beach)
• North City (Luna Park and surrounds)
• Sydney City, Harbour and Surrounds
• Bonus shots

BEST PHOTO SPOTS ON SYDNEY’S SOUTHERN COAST:

La Perouse

The two Sydney photo locations below are taken right next to the La Perouse car park, making them easily accessible. The L94 bus from Museum Station or Hyde Park takes around 30 minutes if you have no car.

There are two beautiful vantage points in La Perouse. On the left, you can see Bare Island Fort. The fort was built in the 1880s, making for an enjoyable historical day trip and a great scuba diving spot. On the other side of the car park is Macquarie Watch Tower, also known as the Barrack Tower, built in 1821.

La Perouse is also at the beginning of the Henry Head Walking Track, one of the best coastal walks in Sydney – the scenic coastal views from the walk confirm this area as one of the best places for unique photo locations.

Left: looking towards Bare Island Fort from the other side of the entrance.

Right: Macquarie Watch Tower

Ivor Rowe Rock Pool

Sydney is famous for rock pools, and this one in Coogee is, in my opinion, one of the more unique. The waves crashing over the rocks into the pool makes for a scenic view. In fact, with 35 ocean pools, Sydney has more than any other city in the world! Cape Town takes second place with 19 pools.

My advice is to take a photo of the Rock Pool from the street above. The steps down are very slippery, and many warning signs advise using this pool at your own risk. Possibly one to leave to the in-the-know locals and stick to my viewpoint shown below.

Photo: Ivor Rowe Rock Pool from above

Bronte Beach

There are two beautiful beaches in Bronte, the Bronte Rockpool and the Bronte Beach Pool viewpoint from above. Although I do think the Bronte photos are a little overdone, it’s a great spot to get a snap of while visiting Sydney and you can always find your unique perspective! The Coogee to Bondi coastal walk is a genuinely stunning must-do, and these spots are handily on the way!

Left to Right: different perspectives of the staircase down to Bronte Beach Pool

For more photo locations in Bronte, you can check out the Bronte Rock Pool or get a photo from above, like my friend Karen. She walked to Bronte from Coogee and took this photo along the way.

Bondi & Dudley Page Reserve

For a quintessential Sydney shot, head to the white sands of world-famous Bondi Beach! But to do sunset like a local, head to Dudley Page Reserve. I adored this viewpoint of the Sydney skyline and the Harbour Bridge, making it one of THE best sunset spots in Sydney.

Below: sunset at Dudley Page Reserve

Another famous shot to photograph in Bondi while you’re there is of the Bondi Icebergs.

Macquarie Lighthouse

Fun fact: I actually got this shot by accident as my mate’s car engine overheated, and we pulled over right next to the lighthouse. We jumped out and got this shot in under a minute haha. Again, super handy to reach as it’s right on the side of the road and easy to get to if you’re already in the Vaucluse/Watson’s Bay area.

Left and right: Macquarie Lighthouse – definitely one of the best places to take photos in Sydney

Hornby Lighthouse

I love Hornby Lighthouse! Lots of great vantage points, so it’s a fun place to visit if you have some time to play around. It’s a lovely walk from Watson’s Bay (below) too.

Built in 1858, Hornby Lighthouse is a heritage-listed, active lighthouse that marks Sydney Harbour’s entrance. The walk has brilliant views over Sydney, North Head, and the Pacific Ocean.

Above: Hornby Lighthouse

Below: Hornby Lighthouse from the other side of the rocks

Watson’s Bay

Watson’s Bay is where you begin the walk to Hornby Lighthouse. Alternatively, Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay is another of my favourite hikes in Sydney. A section of this stroll contains the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, beautiful boardwalks winding along the coastline with multiple views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

This specific photo was taken at Camp Cove, a gorgeous little bay at the beginning of the walk up to Hornby Lighthouse.

Below: Camp Cove – a truly charming addition to the photography locations Sydney offers.

Please note: I am not recommending Diamond Bay as a good photo spot on this list with respect to the people who have died taking photos here.

BEST PHOTO SPOTS ON THE NORTH SHORE:

Manly Wormhole

To reach the Manly Wormhole, go up the rocky steps on the far left of Queenscliff Beach. This is definitely one of the more unique Sydney photo locations, though it is still quite famous.

It’s also possible to take lovely photos over the coast, especially at sunset.

Above: Manly Warmhole

Below: the walk around to Manly Wormhole

North Head

This is a gorgeous area with many stunning views over the Pacific Ocean.

Fun fact, the photo was taken in the car park. 🙂

Below: sunset at North Head

Long Reef

All the mini rock pools around Long Reef make for a gorgeous sunset location as they look stunning with the light reflected in them.

The three photos below were taken on my mate’s phone. 🙂

Left to right: reflections around the rock pools at Long Reef

Bonus tip: Long Reef is also an excellent astrophotography location. My photographer mate checked what time we needed to arrive for the milky way to be clear in the sky and got these perfect shots using his tripod and long exposure.

Below: Astrophotography at Long Reef (taken on the headland) – one of the most magical Sydney photography locations

Curl Curl Beach Pool

If you want to combine photo spots in Sydney with a fabulous walk, the Curl Curl to Dee Why coastal walk is one of my favourites. Mostly, only locals use these boardwalks, so it’s refreshing to see another side of Sydney.

Reaching Curl Curl is a short bus journey from Manly, or you can take the B1 bus from Wynyard Station towards Mona Vale. You’ll have to change and then get on the 136 or 139 bus – check google maps for up-to-date info!

Please note: I walked here with a local, and any ‘on the edge’ shots are a trick of the eye. We were super careful, and I felt safe being there with someone who’s lived in and around Manly for almost forty years. I certainly don’t recommend newcomers to the area scrabble around off footpaths. Stick to where it’s easy to walk, with no big drops, and take a local guide.

Curl Curl Pool from below:

Curl Curl Pool from above:

Barrenjoey Lighthouse & Palm Beach

This incredible photography location in Sydney is two strong vantage points for the price of one.

If there was one single beach view I think many of us would choose as the ‘best in Sydney’, it would be Palm Beach! From Barrenjoey Lighthouse, there is a stunning 360 view over the small peninsula, making it another of the best sunset spots in Sydney. Palm Beach is a great day trip from Sydney since it’s the furthest distance from Sydney centre out of all the places on this list.

The walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse (where both photos were taken below) begins at Governor Phillip Park car park, and it is approximately a 30-minute walk each way.

Left and right: sunset at Barrenjoey Lighthouse

With the exception of only the sand dunes and lookouts I saw during my trip to Port Stephens, I’ve got to admit the Palm Beach viewpoint has to be one of the most naturally beautiful in New South Wales.

Below: looking over Palm Beach (from the viewpoint next to Barrenjoey Lighthouse)

Bonus Shot: take a photo of the view on the walk up from the car park to Barrenjoey Lighthouse – the track was called Smugglers Way

NORTH OF HARBOUR PHOTO SPOTS:

Luna Park

The clown that looms over the entranceway in both the Sydney and Melbourne versions of Luna Park is what I classed as the creepiest instagram spot in Melbourne on my companion list! The Sydney version has slightly more charm, and the Ferris wheel view with the Harbour Bridge directly behind it makes for a fun, light-hearted Sydney snap. No evil clowns were necessary! Unless you’re into that kind of thing, of course.

North Sydney Olympic Pool

This 164-foot outdoor pool is a great place to swim in the heart of Sydney, with the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge directly behind it. The pool is moments away from Luna Park and Milson’s Point ferry stop, so it’s easy to access.

An alternative version of this photo is Maccallum Pool at Cremorne Point, further around the coastline near Taronga Zoo. In my list of the best things to do in Sydney, decided by locals, my friend named Maccallum Pool, her favourite spot in Sydney!

Below: North Sydney Olympic Pool

Lavender Bay 

Lavender Bay has to be one of the most instagrammable places in Sydney on this list; in the sense, it seems to be incredibly popular with Instagrammers and less so with tourists. I’m sure you’ve seen it on social media. From here, you have a gorgeous view of the Harbour Bridge.

The spot isn’t far from Luna Park, and you can enjoy visiting Wendy’s Secret Garden to make a trip out of it too.

Milson’s Point and Kirribilli are two alternate viewpoints nearby. They are popular spots for night photography.

Bradleys Head

Again, this is all about the view over the harbour. Bradleys Head is a headland protruding from the north shore, giving it great lookouts back towards the city centre.

The pier that juts out into the water gives it extra aesthetic kudos, and it’s a particularly great spot for sunset. There are parking spaces nearby.

You can do the Taronga Zoo Wharf to Balmoral Beach Walk in the daytime, which passes more gorgeous areas in Sydney, including Chowder Bay.

Below: sunset from Bradley’s Head – one of the best photo spots in Sydney for sunset

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE AND CBD SYDNEY PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

Sydney Opera House

Do I hear a ‘Duh?’

There are so many photogenic viewpoints of the Sydney Opera House, and there are ample opportunities for you to play around and, despite its fame, find a unique angle.

I’ll give you some hints if you’re pushed for time in the area. The below photos were taken outside the Park Hyatt Hotel, which undoubtedly is one of the best hotels in Sydney for harbour views, (left, there are many angles on this side of the harbour) and outside the Opera House itself (right, if you weren’t sure).

Left: taken outside the Park Hyatt Hotel

Right: Angle of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour bridge

This spot at the Opera Bar is another one of my favourites… because the only thing better than a camera in hand during the sunset is a nice glass of wine. Obvs.

Below: View from The Opera Bar

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Again, my photo was taken near the Park Hyatt. Just around the corner is Hickson Road Reserve which is REALLY popular for photos – you can sit on the side of the walkway, and the huge bridge will be right behind you.

Other popular areas nearby for Harbour Bridge photos are the Barangaroo Reserve and Miller’s Point. Warning – these areas get absolutely swamped by weddings and wedding photography at the weekend. I just chilled with my water bottle instead.

Below: near Hickson Road Reserve

The Rocks

There are actually quite a few vantage points of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from here. Not to mention the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is home to many colourful exhibits for people who want a pop of colour in their Instagram feeds. The MCA has a lovely cafe on the roof with a view over the Opera House too.

Below: The rocks

Observatory Hill

Another great Sydney sunset spot; I really enjoyed the view from here! It’s easy to walk up from The Rocks too.

Below: View of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Observatory Hill

Mrs Macquaries Chair

Popular with newcomers to Sydney, this is the very first photo I took when arriving in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.

Also, the broader Botanic Gardens idea has lots of gorgeous spots if you want some lush green leaves or floral colours to frame your photo. It’s a great way to relax in nature while just being a stone’s throw away from the CBD.

Below: Mrs Macquarie Chair

Anzac Bridge

Anzac Day is a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand to honour those who served in WW2.

My friend Karen Linzi took her photo from the jetty by Wentworth Park.

Below: the view of Anzac Bridge from the jetty next to Wentworth Park

BONUS SHOTS:

More Instagrammable places in Sydney city…

My friend Karen shared more of her favourite instagrammable places in Sydney’s Central Business District and surrounds.

Shipwrecks at Homebush Bay – if you want to try some drone photography (just check drone laws first)

Green Square Library – there is a bookshelf here with rows of colourful books.

Birdcages at Angel Place – yep, they suspended a load of birdcages over an alleyway, as my beautiful friend Karen demonstrated. The most remarkable thing about this spot is you can hear the tweeting of non-existent birds (as in, bird calls, not Donald Trump angrily sending public messages at 2am). The art exhibit is a sweet tribute to fifty birds who resided in central Sydney before they were forced out by European settlement.

Rumour has it that the sounds change at night into nocturnal bird calls!

Below: Birdcages at Angel Place

The University of Sydney – for a more historical, architectural backdrop. Another popular spot for more classic-looking architecture is the Queen Victoria Building shopping mall.

Carriageworks – more quirky exhibits for creative backdrops.

Day Trips from Sydney – If you want more nature in your photos, I recommend a day trip to the Blue Mountains for mountain scenery and the unique Three Sisters rock formation.

Street art in Sydney – Karen took her urban street art shot on Hereford Street in Glebe. Love street art shots? You can also head to the trendy suburb of Newtown to find more.

Below: Street art on Hereford Street

INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFES AND BARS:

There are many instagrammable cafes to visit while on a day out taking photos. It’s the perfect excuse to unwind with a coffee and enjoy the city. Some popular cafes and eateries to photograph include:

Grounds of Alexandria
The Social Hideout
Hacienda
Opera Bar (already mentioned under my ‘Sydney Opera House’ section)
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar
Shangri-La and Palisade
Pier One Sydney Harbour
Or Sydney Harbour YHA (The Rocks) for budget travellers
Cuppa Flower

Or combine food and photography with a delicious Sydney food tour!

Get in a tree:

Or if all else fails, get in a tree.

Do I look like I’m joking? GET IN THE TREE.

Are these Sydney photography locations not unique enough for you? Follow my friend @robmulally – this full-time Sydney local and Aussie photographer helped me to compile this excellent list and is always looking for creative angles and hidden gems within the city.

I’ve also got a fair few photos of my own that didn’t make it to this list, and I am always on the hunt for beautiful places on my travels. Follow my journey @cassiethehag.

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