40 Sydney Photo Spots So Stunning, You’ll Think They’re Filtered
Sydney blends iconic views with unexpected photo moments, making it one of the most Instagrammable cities in Australia.
From glittering harbour lookouts to tucked-away laneways and coastal cliffs, there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops.
This list brings together 40 photogenic places across Sydney and nearby spots – all ideal for capturing that standout shot.
It’s a mix of the classics and the lesser-known.
Think landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, paired with street art alleys, trendy cafés, rooftop bars, scenic parks, and ocean pools.
Most are easily accessible by public transport or a short drive.
Some look their best at sunrise or sunset, while others shine all day.
Whether it’s bold architecture, colourful walls, or natural beauty, these spots showcase what makes Sydney such a visually rich city.
1. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is a landmark that requires no introduction.
Its sail-like design stands out from every angle, and the way it sits against the harbour makes it one of the most recognisable backdrops in the world.
From the forecourt, you can capture the dramatic angles up close. Walk around to the other side of Circular Quay, and the whole view across the water opens up, framed by ferries and sky reflections.
During events like Vivid Sydney, the whole building transforms with light shows and digital art mapped across the white shells.
It’s a standout moment for photographers – the colours shift constantly, creating something new every few seconds.
Day or night, cloudy or clear, the Opera House never really has a bad side.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, known as the “Coathanger” thanks to its curved steel arch, is one of the city’s most recognisable sights.
Spanning the harbour from the CBD to the North Shore, it adds a bold, geometric edge to any photo.
There are plenty of great angles to choose from – shoot underneath at Milsons Point to highlight its size and detail, or step back to Circular Quay or Lavender Bay to capture the whole frame with the skyline or Opera House in view.
For a more elevated shot, the BridgeClimb lets you scale the arch itself. From the top, you get a sweeping 360-degree view that’s hard to beat, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Whether it’s a close-up of the steelwork or a wide shot of the harbour, the bridge delivers every time.
Built-in 1932, it’s a true engineering icon and a must for any Sydney photo checklist.
3. Mrs Macquarie’s Point (Mrs Macquarie’s Chair)
Mrs Macquarie’s Point is one of the best spots in Sydney for a classic two-in-one shot of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Tucked into a quiet corner of the Royal Botanic Garden, this lookout stretches out into the harbour, giving an open, unobstructed view that’s especially popular around sunset.
As the light softens and the sky shifts colour, both landmarks line up perfectly in the frame, with the water catching the reflections.
The sandstone bench, known as Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, adds a historic touch.
Carved by convicts in the early 1800s, it’s the namesake of the point and makes an interesting detail to photograph on its own or include in wider shots.
It’s a place that balances nature, history, and postcard-worthy views in one stop – ideal for anyone chasing that iconic Sydney skyline photo.
4. Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill is one of those spots that feels like a secret, even though it’s right near the city.
Perched above Millers Point, this quiet park offers sweeping views over Sydney Harbour, with the Harbour Bridge rising front and centre.
It’s a favourite for sunset – the sky lights up behind the bridge and city skyline, casting everything in a soft, golden glow.
The expansive grassy lawn makes it easy to find a precise angle, and there’s a peaceful feel here that adds to the charm.
The old rotunda and historic Sydney Observatory bring a bit of character to the scene, whether you’re after a clean skyline shot or something with a touch of old-world detail.
It’s a go-to for relaxed, cinematic photos that still feel close to the heart of the city.
5. Luna Park Sydney
Luna Park Sydney brings a splash of colour and nostalgia to the harbour’s edge.
Its giant smiling face entry gate is one of the city’s most recognisable sights, setting the tone for the retro carnival vibe inside.
Open since 1935, the park retains its vintage charm, featuring classic rides, bright signage, and a fairground atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing playful photos.
The Ferris wheel is a standout, offering a fun mix of colour and harbour views in one frame.
At night, the park comes alive with neon signs and glowing rides, adding even more energy to your shots.
Whether you’re after quirky details, bold backdrops, or a bit of old-school fun, Luna Park is one of Sydney’s most photogenic corners.
6. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is one of Sydney’s most photogenic indoor spaces.
Built-in the late 1800s, it’s known for its grand Romanesque architecture and beautifully detailed interior.
Inside, you’ll find stained-glass windows, patterned tile floors, sweeping staircases, and intricate ironwork that give the space a refined, old-world feel.
Some of the best shots come from the upper levels, where you can look down over the central arcade and capture the building’s symmetry.
The two massive clocks – the Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock – also make great focal points, especially with the soft lighting from the dome above.
Every corner feels like a step back in time, with textures and angles that work beautifully in photos.
7. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a peaceful green oasis located just steps from the Opera House, offering 30 hectares of scenic beauty to explore.
It’s free to enter and packed with photo-friendly spots – from tropical palms and blooming flowers to expansive lawns and harbour lookouts.
The path to Mrs Macquarie’s Point runs through here, offering numerous opportunities to stop and capture the changing views.
The sandstone archways near the Garden Café are ideal for capturing soft, shaded shots framed by lush greenery.
The Calyx greenhouse stands out with its bold design and vibrant seasonal displays.
You’ll find everything from colourful close-ups to sweeping garden scenes with the harbour peeking through the trees.
8. Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a peaceful retreat nestled within Darling Harbour, offering a blend of traditional design and natural beauty.
Built-in the style of a Ming Dynasty garden, it features ornate pavilions, curved stone bridges, koi-filled ponds, and weeping willows that create soft reflections on the water.
It’s a calm, carefully crafted space that feels worlds away from the busy city just outside its gates.
Winding paths take you past cascading waterfalls, tiled rooftops, and sculpted rock formations, each corner offering something new to photograph.
The balance of architecture and greenery makes this garden a visual standout, particularly in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
It’s a quiet, beautiful spot that captures Sydney’s cultural depth in a single frame.
9. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal spots, known for its sweeping curve of golden sand and clear, turquoise waves.
The beach buzzes with life, especially in summer, when surfers carve through the water, and swimmers stretch out across the shoreline.
Palm trees frame the bay, while the busy promenade behind it adds colour and energy with its murals, cafés, and street art.
The beach itself is a favourite for wide, sunlit shots, but the real highlights are often at the edges – the rocky cliffs to the north and south give a dramatic contrast to the soft sand.
Early morning or late afternoon brings softer light, perfect for capturing the water’s colour and the curve of the coast.
From sea views to street scenes, Bondi’s a mix of nature and city that never runs out of angles.
10. Bondi Icebergs Pool
Bondi Icebergs Pool sits at the southern end of Bondi Beach and is easily one of the most photographed ocean pools in Australia.
Its crisp turquoise lanes sit right on the edge of the sea, where waves often crash over the sides, blending pool and ocean into one dramatic scene.
The contrast between the structured lines of the pool and the wild surf makes for a striking shot from any angle.
Initially opened in 1929, the pool is part of the Bondi Icebergs Club and is open to the public for a small fee.
It’s popular with swimmers year-round but even more so with photographers who head up the cliff path or nearby cafés for that top-down view.
Whether it’s a still morning or a stormy day, Icebergs always delivers a powerful image of Sydney’s coastal lifestyle.
11. Bronte Beach and Baths
Bronte Beach is a quieter alternative to Bondi, just a short walk south along the coastal trail.
Nestled between rocky headlands, it’s got a laid-back feel with grassy parklands, clean waves, and golden sand.
The scenery here is classic Sydney – a mix of open ocean, natural rock formations, and calm spaces to sit and watch the surf roll in.
The real standout is the Bronte Baths, a cliffside ocean pool carved into the rock at the southern end of the beach.
Its curved edge, stone steps, and turquoise water create a natural-meets-urban look that photographs beautifully, especially at sunrise when the light hits the surface.
For a wide view, head up to the trail above the pool – it’s one of the best spots to capture Bronte’s colours and coastal energy in one shot.
12. Coogee Beach & Giles Baths
Coogee Beach combines wide-open sand with a bustling foreshore, making it a favourite for both relaxed beach days and scenic photography.
The bay curves gently with cliffs at either end, and there’s always a good mix of locals and visitors soaking up the sun or walking the coastal path.
At the northern end, Giles Baths – also known as the Bogey Hole – offers a raw, natural spot to swim and shoot.
Tucked into the rocks below the cliffs, it lacks a formal entrance, instead featuring stone steps that lead straight into the sea. That hidden, unpolished charm makes it stand out.
On the southern side, Wylie’s Baths adds a more structured touch with its timber deck and views out to Wedding Cake Island.
13. Manly Beach & Shelly Beach
Manly Beach captures the heart of Sydney’s beach culture, with its vast expanse of white sand, lined with Norfolk pines and packed with scenes of coastal life.
It’s easy to get to by ferry from Circular Quay, and the ride alone is worth it for the harbour views.
On arrival, the promenade buzzes with activity, from surfers heading into the waves to locals playing beach volleyball.
Sunset brings warm light across the sand, perfect for classic beach shots.
Just a short walk around the headland is Shelly Beach, a smaller, protected cove that feels tucked away.
The calm water and rocky reef make it a favourite for snorkelling and underwater photos.
The beach faces west, so the light in the afternoon adds a soft glow to the cliffs and greenery of North Head in the background.
It’s the kind of spot where you can shoot above and below the surface – or just soak in the coastal colours.
14. Watsons Bay & Camp Cove
Watsons Bay feels like a peaceful village escape, sitting right at the edge of South Head with some of the best harbour views in Sydney.
Down by the foreshore near Doyle’s, the skyline stretches out across the water, often framed by boats gently rocking in the bay.
It’s a quiet spot for photos with a classic Sydney mix of water, city, and soft coastal light.
Just a short walk away, Camp Cove offers a hidden beach with clear water, golden sand, and colourful beach sheds lining the edge.
It’s a favourite for sunset – the city skyline in the distance turns into a silhouette, and the light reflects off the calm water.
Surrounding the area, heritage cottages, fig-trees, and old lighthouse keepers’ homes add a charming and textured backdrop to any photo.
It’s the kind of place where every corner has a story, all set against that postcard-perfect harbour.
15. Hornby Lighthouse (South Head)
Hornby Lighthouse sits proudly at the tip of South Head, where the calm waters of Sydney Harbour meet the open Pacific.
Built-in 1858, its bold red-and-white stripes make it one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Australia.
Perched above rugged cliffs, it stands out sharply against the deep blue sea and sky – the kind of contrast that makes photos pop with little effort.
The walk through Sydney Harbour National Park to get there winds past coastal bushland and lookout points, adding to the experience.
Once at the lighthouse, you’re treated to sweeping views across the harbour entrance, with ferries, sailboats, and the vast ocean all in the frame.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the mix of history, colour, and cliffside views makes it a top spot for both landscape and detail shots.
16. Palm Beach & Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Palm Beach sits at the far northern tip of Sydney and delivers one of the most impressive coastal views in the region.
Known as the filming location for “Summer Bay” in Home and Away, its golden sands, luxury homes, and clear water give it that classic postcard feel.
The beach stretches along a narrow peninsula, flanked by the ocean on one side and Pittwater Bay on the other.
The real showstopper is the view from Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Built-in 1881, this sandstone lighthouse crowns the headland and offers a sweep of 360° views after a short, uphill walk.
From the top, you can capture both sides of the peninsula in one frame – a stunning shot, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light adds depth to the coastline.
It’s the kind of place that makes every step of the hike worth it.
17. Taronga Zoo Lookout
Taronga Zoo isn’t just about the animals – it’s also home to one of the best views of Sydney Harbour.
Perched on a hillside in Mosman, the zoo overlooks the water with clear sightlines to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
From spots near the giraffe enclosure, you can snap a unique shot with wildlife in the foreground and the city skyline beyond – a mix of nature and urban scenery you won’t find anywhere else.
The zoo’s elevated paths and open viewpoints mean that almost every angle offers a spectacular view.
It’s a setting that turns even casual snaps into postcard material.
Between the native animals and iconic backdrop, Taronga Zoo offers a standout photography experience with a Sydney twist.
18. Kirribilli & Milsons Point Harbour Views
Kirribilli and Milsons Point are go-to spots on the north side of the harbour for capturing Sydney’s skyline at its best.
At Bradfield Park, right beneath the Harbour Bridge, you get that classic frame of the Opera House tucked under the bridge arch – a favourite angle for photographers chasing symmetry and drama.z
It’s especially striking in the late afternoon when the light hits the sails just right.
Just a short walk away, Jeffrey Street Wharf in Kirribilli offers a head-on view of the Opera House and city skyline across the water.
At night, the lights reflect off the harbour, adding extra depth to long-exposure shots.
For something with a bit more flair, the boardwalk outside Luna Park gives you a playful foreground with the bridge towers rising behind.
These North Shore vantage points are easily accessible and offer some of the most iconic skyline views in Sydney.
19. Wendy’s Secret Garden (Lavender Bay)
Wendy’s Secret Garden is a lush, tucked-away haven in Lavender Bay that feels more like a fairy tale than a city garden.
Hidden behind Clark Park, it’s a layered hillside of winding paths, flowering trees, and wild greenery, with unexpected sculptures and rustic benches scattered throughout.
Created by Wendy Whiteley on what was once derelict railway land, the garden now feels like a living artwork – part tribute, part retreat.
Through the leaves, you’ll catch glimpses of the Harbour Bridge, making it one of the most unique photo spots in Sydney.
The mix of natural textures, handmade details, and peekaboo city views makes every corner worth exploring.
It’s open to the public and completely free – a true hidden gem for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone after a quieter, dreamier angle of Sydney.
20. Dudley Page Reserve
Dudley Page Reserve in Dover Heights is all about the view.
Sitting high on a grassy hill, approximately 80 metres above sea level, it offers one of the clearest panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline.
From here, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and city skyscrapers line up perfectly in the distance – especially striking during sunrise or sunset when the light softens and the buildings glow.
The park itself is simple, with open lawns often used for picnics or watching New Year’s Eve fireworks, but it’s a favourite among photographers with a zoom lens.
The perspective makes it easy to frame people in the foreground while the city looms large behind them.
It’s a relaxed, easy-access spot that delivers big on the iconic Sydney skyline.
21. Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Paddington Reservoir Gardens is one of Sydney’s most unique green spaces – a hidden blend of history and design tucked just behind Oxford Street.
Once a 19th-century water reservoir, the site has been transformed into a sunken garden where restored brick archways, stone columns, and reflective ponds sit beneath street level.
The mix of heritage ruins and modern landscaping gives it an almost ancient-meets-urban feel.
With vine-covered walls, graffiti details, and pockets of greenery, it’s a spot full of contrast.
Photographers love the light that filters through the open roof structure and the textures created by the aged brick, metal, and mossy stone.
Quiet, moody, and beautifully designed, Paddington Reservoir Gardens is ideal for capturing something a little different from the usual Sydney park scenes.
22. Angel Place ‘Forgotten Songs’ (Birdcages Installation)
Tucked between city buildings in the CBD, Angel Place is home to one of Sydney’s most unexpected art installations – Forgotten Songs.
Look up, and you’ll see 180 empty birdcages hanging above the laneway, suspended in mid-air like a moment frozen in time.
Soft birdsong plays overhead, a tribute to native species once heard in the area before the city expanded.
The visual of delicate cages floating between concrete walls is both surreal and poetic, turning an ordinary laneway into something memorable.
At twilight, the cages glow gently, giving the whole scene a quiet, enchanted feel. With its mix of history, art, and city grit, Angel Place offers an urban-chic aesthetic that’s become a favourite for moody, creative shots.
23. Newtown Street Art
Newtown is Sydney’s go-to suburb for bold, ever-changing street art.
Just walking down King Street or exploring the nearby lanes, you’ll find walls covered in everything from pop art to protest pieces.
The murals are big, bright, and unapologetically creative – a constantly evolving canvas that reflects the suburb’s edgy, artistic spirit.
One of the most iconic is the “I Have a Dream” mural on King Street, but it’s just the beginning.
Enmore Road and its alleyways are packed with new works, layered graffiti, and colourful corners that shift with the times.
The mix of street art, quirky shops, vintage signage, and indie cafés makes every photo feel a little bit offbeat in the best way.
If you’re after vibrant, alternative city shots, Newtown is full of personality.
24. Carriageworks
Carriageworks blends raw industrial character with contemporary culture, all inside a massive former railway workshop in Eveleigh.
Its exposed brick walls, towering steel beams, and cavernous layout create a dramatic setting that photographers can’t resist.
The space often hosts art installations, fashion events, and performances, but even on a quiet day, the texture and scale alone make it worth the visit.
The word “EVELEIGH” still painted across the structure nods to its rail history, adding another layer of grit and authenticity.
On Saturdays, the Carriageworks Farmers Market brings the place to life with bustling produce stalls, food vendors, and a colourful crowd – perfect for capturing movement and detail.
It’s an edgy, artistic space where heritage and modern creativity collide.
25. University of Sydney Quadrangle
The University of Sydney Quadrangle feels like a step into another time.
Tucked inside the historic Camperdown campus, this sandstone masterpiece was built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style and is full of pointed arches, ivy-draped walls, and a grand clock tower that draws the eye.
With its cloistered walkways and neatly kept lawns, the Quad gives off strong Oxford or Hogwarts vibes – no surprise it’s one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Photographers love the symmetry, texture, and light that filter through its archways.
Come spring, the nearby jacaranda trees explode into purple bloom, adding even more charm to the already atmospheric setting.
Whether you’re into old-world architecture or want a unique backdrop, the USyd Quadrangle delivers every time.
26. Green Square Library
Green Square Library in Zetland is one of Sydney’s most eye-catching modern buildings.
With part of the library tucked underground, what catches the attention above ground is the sleek glass tower rising from the plaza, housing reading rooms and an enormous floor-to-ceiling bookshelf visible through the windows.
The cube and cylindrical structures reflect the sky and city surroundings, creating clean, futuristic lines perfect for minimalist photos.
Inside, it’s just as playful. Bright yellow staircases, colourful reading nooks, and bold design choices turn this library into a creative space that feels more like a gallery.
Whether you’re shooting architecture, colour, or just snapping a quick selfie out front, Green Square Library offers a standout urban backdrop unlike anything else in the city.
27. One Central Park (Vertical Garden Building)
One Central Park in Chippendale is one of Sydney’s most visually striking buildings, where nature climbs skyward.
Its twin towers are covered in living greenery, with plants and flowers growing straight up the glass façades.
Designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, this is the tallest vertical garden in the world, reaching around 150 metres high – and when the plants are in full bloom, it’s a stunning sight against the city backdrop.
The building’s futuristic design also features a cantilevered heliostat – a mirror system that redirects sunlight into shaded areas below.
The mix of lush green walls, sharp architectural lines, and high-tech features makes One Central Park a favourite for architectural photography.
It’s a bold example of how nature and city life can blend, and it stands out in every shot.
28. The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria is one of Sydney’s most photographed café destinations – and for good reason.
Set in a converted 1920s industrial space, this multifaceted venue combines a garden courtyard, café, bakery, florist, and event space all in one.
Almost every corner is styled to perfection, from the vintage coffee van and rustic furniture to the fairy lights strung across the arbour.
The outdoor courtyard features a bubbling fountain surrounded by seasonal floral displays, themed pop-ups, and plenty of greenery.
Inside, the food is just as camera-ready – think vibrant brunch plates, artisan pastries, and colourfully garnished drinks.
Add a few friendly farm animals and rotating installations (such as spring gardens or fantasy-themed corners), and you’ve got a spot that’s constantly offering something new to capture.
It’s the kind of place where brunch turns into a complete photo adventure.
29. Social Hideout Café (Waterloo)
Social Hideout in Waterloo is like stepping straight into a flower tunnel.
This café is packed with thousands of hanging blooms, neon signs, and pastel touches that make every angle photo-ready.
The “Hello Gorgeous” wall, surrounded by pink flowers, is one of the most popular spots, along with a vintage bicycle mounted on a floral wall – designed with Instagram in mind.
The menu is just as colourful as the decor. Bright purple taro lattes, stacked brunch plates, and floral garnishes turn every dish into a visual treat.
Whether you’re here for coffee, breakfast, or just the photos, Social Hideout offers a playful, over-the-top setting full of colour and creativity.
30. Speedos Café (Bondi Beach)
Speedos Café in North Bondi takes the beachside brunch game to another level.
Often called the “world’s most Instagrammable café,” it’s known for its vibrant, camera-ready menu and unbeatable location just steps from the sand.
Every dish looks like it’s made for a flat lay – from rainbow-coloured pancakes and tropical smoothie bowls to bright vegan burgers stacked with edible flowers and fresh produce.
The café’s corner spot overlooks Bondi’s blue waters, allowing you to snap your brunch with the ocean in the background for the perfect mix of food and view.
With natural light, beach vibes, and plates that look like artwork, Speedos is a must for anyone chasing that classic Sydney coastal café shot.
31. Hyde Hacienda Sydney (Hacienda Bar)
Hyde Hacienda Sydney sits above Circular Quay, offering a stylish blend of harbour views and vintage Miami flair.
The interior is made for photos – think soft pink velvet lounges, tropical plants, and ceilings draped in purple wisteria.
It’s light and airy during the day, then shifts to a moody glow at night with neon signs and city lights outside the windows.
The real showstopper is the view. From the bar or balcony, you can see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House lined up perfectly behind a colourful cocktail.
With its mix of glamour, greenery, and skyline, Hacienda is one of the city’s most popular spots for Instagram-ready drinks and photos.
32. Opera Bar
Opera Bar is one of those places that captures everything Sydney’s about in a single frame.
Sitting right at the base of the Opera House, it’s got front-row views of the Harbour Bridge, passing ferries, and the glittering water – all with a cocktail or cold beer in hand.
Often called the city’s best beer garden, it’s a buzzing mix of locals, travellers, and live music that adds to the energy.
From almost any seat, you can snap a photo that frames the Opera House sails with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.
It’s especially striking at sunset when the harbour lights start to shimmer.
Between the views, the atmosphere, and the food, Opera Bar is an easy win for that classic Sydney shot.
33. Henry Deane (Hotel Palisade)
Henry Deane is the crown of Hotel Palisade, a rooftop lounge in Millers Point with nearly 360-degree views of Sydney.
Set above a heritage pub, the space seamlessly blends old and new – with soft pink lounges, copper accents, and marble finishes that give it a modern, refined feel.
It’s a relaxed yet polished spot that stands out both for its style and its skyline.
The floor-to-ceiling windows and open balcony offer uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, and the city stretching out beyond.
As the light changes, especially around sunset, the whole place takes on a warm glow – ideal for that classic cocktail-in-hand photo with the harbour as your backdrop.
Henry Deane delivers that perfect mix of atmosphere and view in one sleek package.
34. Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is one of Sydney’s most striking photo spots, offering a gritty mix of convict-era ruins and towering industrial structures.
Set right in the harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of dramatic contrasts – from sandstone cliffs and crumbling prison blocks to rusted cranes, graffiti-covered walls, and giant empty turbine halls that feel straight out of a movie set.
You can explore tunnels, dry docks, and old shipbuilding yards, each with its moody texture and history.
Popular shots include silhouettes of steel gantries against the sky, rusted machinery, and expansive harbour views from the island’s high points.
It’s an easy ferry ride from the city, and the raw, layered look of Cockatoo Island adds a bold, artistic edge to any Sydney photo lineup.
35. Bare Island, La Perouse
Bare Island in La Perouse is a hidden gem at Sydney’s southern edge, offering a peaceful coastal scene with profound visual impact.
Linked to the mainland by a wooden footbridge, the island is home to an 1880s sandstone fort that seems to float above Botany Bay.
The entire setting feels cinematic – not surprising, given that it was featured in Mission: Impossible II.
At golden hour, the sun hits the stone walls just right, casting a soft glow and creating beautiful reflections in the calm water below.
The rocky shoreline and surrounding reefs also make it a favourite for drone shots, with sweeping views over the bay and coastline.
From sunsets to sandstone textures, Bare Island is a quiet, historic spot that delivers standout photos without the crowds.
36. Parsley Bay Reserve
Parsley Bay Reserve in Vaucluse feels like one of those secret Sydney spots you stumble across and never forget.
Tucked into a calm harbour inlet, it’s known for its short suspension footbridge that crosses the narrow bay – often captured in photos with swimmers, paddleboarders, or kayakers drifting beneath.
The water here is so clear you can see fish swimming just below the surface, adding to its quiet charm.
The surrounding park is lined with fig trees and pockets of shade, with a small beach that’s perfect for low-key summer days.
It’s a great spot for relaxed picnic scenes, kids splashing by the shore, or wide shots of the emerald water reflecting the bridge above.
With its soft light, leafy edges, and peaceful setting, Parsley Bay offers a serene, postcard-perfect photo that feels far removed from the city.
37. St. Mary’s Cathedral & Hyde Park
St. Mary’s Cathedral and Hyde Park offer one of Sydney’s most elegant cityscapes.
Right in the CBD, the cathedral’s Gothic Revival architecture stands tall with twin spires and a stunning rose window that catches the light beautifully.
It’s an architectural showpiece, and when viewed from the north end of Hyde Park, the scene becomes even more striking with the Archibald Fountain in the foreground – a classic shot that feels straight out of Europe.
The park itself is just as photogenic, with long avenues of fig trees, marble statues, and sun-dappled paths.
Day or night, the mix of greenery and stone creates a soft, romantic setting for wide shots or detailed close-ups.
Whether you’re capturing the cathedral’s grandeur or the quiet beauty of the surrounding park, this area offers timeless charm right in the heart of the city.
38. Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve offers a fresh take on Sydney’s harbourfront, blending native landscaping with modern city views.
Built on reclaimed land, the park curves along the waterfront with sandstone terraces, coastal plants, and winding walking paths that feel both natural and intentional.
It’s a peaceful spot to explore, with a layout that gives you something new at every turn.
From the higher points, you’ll catch sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge from a lesser-seen angle, looking back toward Darling Harbour.
The contrast between rough-hewn sandstone, soft native grasses, and the sleek skyline of Barangaroo makes for rich, layered photos.
It’s also home to Indigenous art installations and cultural storytelling spaces, adding meaning to the setting.
39. Auburn Botanic Gardens
Auburn Botanic Gardens in Western Sydney is a hidden gem that comes alive with colour and character throughout the year.
Its biggest draw is the Cherry Blossom Festival in mid-August when the Japanese garden transforms into a sea of pink – perfect for that dreamy sakura shot.
The blossoms don’t last long, but they’re worth the visit if you catch them at their peak.
Even outside of the cherry season, the gardens are full of photo-worthy scenes.
A peaceful lake reflects bonsai and maple trees, peacocks wander the lawns, and a bright red moon gate bridge adds a bold pop of colour.
There’s also a small fauna reserve where kangaroos and wallabies make an appearance.
40. The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains, just a couple of hours from Sydney, offer a dramatic change of pace with their rugged cliffs, dense forests, and cool mountain air.
This World Heritage-listed region is packed with scenic lookouts and natural wonders that make it a must for nature photography.
The most iconic spot is Echo Point in Katoomba, where the Three Sisters rock formation rises above the vast Jamison Valley – a view that shifts throughout the day with changing light and mist.
Beyond Echo Point, places like Wentworth Falls offer lush rainforest trails and cascading waterfalls, while Scenic World provides a unique perspective with its skyway and steep scenic railway that cuts through the cliffs.
The landscape is often cloaked in a soft blue haze from eucalyptus oil, adding a moody, atmospheric layer to every shot.
With sweeping views, deep gorges, and endless textures, the Blue Mountains are the perfect finale for any Sydney photo adventure.
