Updated September 2026
Updated September 2026
Sydney is a gorgeous city full of photo-worthy, Instagrammable places.
I was invited out to Australia for a week with Destination New South Wales, and my first stop was Sydney.
Let me just say, this city completely blew me away!
Because of it’s location on the coast, there are so many lovely ocean viewpoints. Because of its urban nature, there are a ton of cute restaurants and city skyline views.
And the best part is that- especially as a tourist- it’s so easy to get around the city! Uber and taxis are pretty much everywhere.
I compiled this list based on research, some of my friends on Instagram (@love.christina.xo and @thewininghills, I’m looking at you!!), and a few places that we just stumbled upon while following our Destination New South Wales itinerary!
** The photos of me on this post were taken by Haley Plotkin of Ready Set Jetset. Thanks Haley! **
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Map of Instagrammable Places in Sydney
Here is a complete map of locations, with pins color coded based on the category they represent.
- Green is for buildings and attractions
- Blue is for parks, beaches, and nature
- Red is for hotels
- Orange is for restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Purple is for seasonal items or places that are a bit further outside of Sydney
Now without further ado, here are 35 instagrammable places in Sydney that you simply must visit if you’re looking for photos in the area!
Buildings & Attractions
1. Sydney Opera House
I think this spot goes without saying!
There are multiple viewpoints of the Sydney Opera House, but this one is my favorite.
You can use a zoom lens to make the Opera House bigger in the background!
2. Hornby Lighthouse
A red and white lighthouse is a classic!
3. Luna Park
Head to Luna Park for all the vintage vibes!
Hours: Luna Park Sydney’s opening hours vary by day — typically 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the official calendar for the exact hours on your visit date.
Prices: Entry to Luna Park Sydney is free, while unlimited ride passes generally start at around A$34 and can cost up to A$75, depending on the date and ticket type.
4. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Like the Sydney Opera House, there are many different viewpoints for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Whether you want to get up close and personal with a bridge climb or go further out, you have options!
For the bridge climb, note that no phones/cameras are allowed, but you can purchase photos that they take of you.
This photo is from our ride with Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, where our awesome captain drove Haley and me around the whole Sydney Harbour and its surrounding waters!
5. Green Square Library
Anything colorful typically kills it on Instagram, which is why the Green Square Library is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Sydney.
Be sure to check the hours; unfortunately Haley and I ran out of time since we didn’t realize the library had shorter hours.
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
6. Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building is truly beautiful, from its architecture to its intricate interior details.
Walk around the whole building to find your favorite spot for a photo! The classic shots are the balcony overlook and the stained glass windows.
7. The Grounds of Alexandria
At the Grounds of Alexandria, you’ll find multiple Instagrammable places, from the water fountain to the movie-themed pop ups.
It’s actually located in what used to be an industrial precinct from the 20’s! Now it’s a huge space filled with a cafe, restaurant, bakery, florist, bar, and so much more!
Hours: Open Sunday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:30 PM on Saturdays; hours vary by venue, so check the specific venue before you go.
8. Mrs Macquarie’s Point
This point by the Royal Botanic Gardens offers a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
It also is home to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, hand-carved from Sydney sandstone by convicts in 1810, which has become a local landmark.
9. George Street
Head to George Street in the very early morning if you want a shot without anyone in it!
Parks, Beaches & Nature
10. Royal National Park
Located south of Sydney, Royal National Park is the oldest national park in Australia- and the second oldest in the world!
Note: Wedding Cake Rock is located within Royal National Park. This rock would normally deserve a spot on this list all by itself- however it is no longer open to the public!
You might find photos of Wedding Cake Rock pop up on your Instagram, but if you wanted the same photo, you’d have to trespass, which is not okay in my book! We should do our part to preserve nature, and Wedding Cake Rock is closed off because of its fragile state.
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Prices: The entrance fee is A$12 per vehicle per day.
11. Bondi Icebergs
The Bondi Icebergs is one of the most iconic photos of Sydney.
The pools are part of the Bondi Icebergs Club which opened in 1929, and anyone is welcome at the club!
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Thursdays are generally closed for cleaning, though it may open during summer depending on the tides.
Entrance Fees: Admission costs AUD $10 for adults, AUD $7 for children, and AUD $30 for families. Towel and locker rentals are AUD $5 each.
12. Bondi Beach
With white sand, its crescent shape, and great waves to surf, Bondi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney (if not in all of Australia!).
It may be full of people when the weather is warm, but it remains a beautiful photo-worthy beach.
(This beach has also been made popular around the globe by the show Bondi Rescue, which follows Bondi Lifeguards as they tackle daily challenges and daily rescues on the beach!)
13. Bronte Beach
As you walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, you’ll find this shot of the colorful beach right off of the path!
14. Bronte Bath Viewpoint
This is a stunning spot on top of the rocks at the Bronte Bath Viewpoint.
15. Bronte Bath Stairs
The Bronte Bath steps have become very popular- just bear in mind that you’ll have to pause to let people up and down the stairs if you want this shot!
16. Shark Point Cliffs
Here’s another stop off along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Veer off of the path onto these gorgeous cliffs, but be careful and watch your step!
If you’re lucky, you’ll have an adorable golden retriever stop and say hi!
17. Giles Bath at Coogee Beach
Giles Bath is right next to Coogee Beach.
There aren’t any formal entrances to this natural rock pool.
Also, it is much less frequented than the Bronte and Bondi pools, which means there’s a good chance of having no photo-bombers behind you!
18. Manly Wormhole
You’ll find the Manly Wormhole next to the giant pink heart sprayed onto the side of the cliffs at Queenscliff Beach.
It’s a “secret” tunnel that fishermen constructed in the early 1900’s as a passageway between Manly and Freshwater!
The beach is definitely worth jumping into while you’re in the area, so be sure to bring your swim suit and a towel with you!
19. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden, a heritage-listed garden right next to the Opera House, is one of Sydney’s most popular attractions.
Access is completely free, and there are 30 hectares (or 74 acres) of land to roam around!
In a garden that large, you’re bound to find a few good photo places!
Hours: The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is open daily from 7:00 AM, with seasonal closing times (5:00 PM in June–July, extending to 8:00 PM from November through February).
Entrance fee: Entry to the gardens is free, although some special attractions, tours, and events may have separate fees.
20. Auburn Botanic Garden
The cherry blossoms are probably the most popular place to get a photo-worthy shot at the Auburn Botanic Garden.
These trees bloom for a short window of about 7–10 days centered on August if you’re looking to see them (the 2026 festival ran August 22–30).
However, even if these trees aren’t in bloom, there are plenty of other photo-worthy areas in the Auburn Botanic Garden!
Hours: Auburn Botanic Gardens is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends during daylight saving; closed Christmas Day).
Entrance Fees: Weekday entry is free, except during the Cherry Blossom Festival season (fees also apply the week before and after the festival). Weekend entry is $8 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 5–15, and $20 for families. Cumberland City Council residents enter free with proof of residency, but must book a ticket during the festival.
21. Sydney Harbour National Park
You can get some epic photos of Sydney from Sydney Harbour National Park. The park contains several coastal walks, islands, and harbors within its 392 hectares (968 acres!).
22. Dudley Page Reserve
The Dudley Page Reserve is a huge grassy field that has a great view of Sydney.
You’ll want to bring a zoom lens with you if you want the city skyline to be large behind you!
Visiting Sydney? Don't miss a single photo spot.
Get my free printable map + guide to all 35 most Instagrammable places in Sydney.
Hotels
23. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Four Seasons Sydney has an incredible view of the Sydney Opera House and the bridge.
This hotel is great if you’re looking for an epic view over the harbor. However, is difficult to get a shot with both you and the background.
24. Park Hyatt Sydney
The Park Hyatt is great if you want the quintessential luxury hotel shot of you with an epic background.
You can book a night (or more!) here.
25. Sofitel Sydney
A tub with a view- it’s hard to find something more Instagrammable than that!
26. Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection
How gorgeous are these little igloos at the Pier One Sydney?
27. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
The Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has a bunch of Instagrammable nooks and crannies, from its view at sunset to its adorable blue tile stairs (not pictured).
Restaurants & Cafes
28. Camp Cove Kiosk
For pink, tropical vibes that are too cute to not put on your ‘gram, head to the Camp Cove Kiosk!
29. Botanic House
Botanic House is right in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden.
If you’re looking for a leisurely meal, stop in for their tasting menu!
You’ll find a funky mix of Asian cuisine while in clean, modern setting with plenty of natural light.
30. Opera Bar
The Opera Bar is probably one of Sydney’s most Instagrammed locations- it is an open air bar with the Opera House as a backdrop!
31. Maybe Sammy
How adorable is this cocktail bar on The Rocks?
32. Cuppa Flower Sydney
Anything with flowers is Instagram-worthy in my book!
Cuppa Flower has gorgeous flowers everywhere (hence the name) and serves up a beautiful meal- their food is truly a work of art!
If they’re not sold out by the time you arrive, be sure to try one of their famous totoro cakes!
33. The Botanica Vaucluse
With its airy, tall ceilings, palm print wall paper, and dusty rose pink chairs, this restaurant was made to be photographed!
34. The Rooftop Sydney
True to its name, this bar has spectacular rooftop views of Sydney.
With a retractable ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Hamptons-style decor, everything about The Rooftop Sydney was made for great photos and great views.
35. Social Hideout
Social Hideout is full of popular Instagram walls, with a “Hello Gorgeous” flower wall and a “Guess Where I Am?” wall, bike included!
The colorful food adds even more vibrancy to this popular Sydney cafe.
Planning to dine out while you’re in Sydney? Brush up on tipping in Australia before you go so you know exactly what’s expected at restaurants and cafés.
Seasonal & a Bit Further Out
I’m not counting these in my list of 35 since one is seasonal and the other takes a bit of a drive and hike to get to.
But these still deserve to be mentioned here because they definitely are Instagrammable places in Sydney!
Kirribilli
Kirribilli contains Sydney’s famous Jacaranda trees, which bloom in brilliant purples during Australia’s spring!
Peak bloom time is usually between early to mid-November.
Blue Mountains
This destination is a bit further out of Sydney and requires some hiking! But the Blue Mountains are so worth it!
You can see the Hanging Rock from the view on the left!
If you want to walk out onto the Hanging Rock, note that there is a gap in the cliff that you’d have to jump over to get there. Note that park authorities discourage walking out onto Hanging Rock — you can still get a great view of it without crossing the gap.
Also, if it’s a windy day, I’d advise against walking all the way to Hanging Rock- you don’t want to risk it!
Sydney Photoshoot Locations
Looking for the best places to photograph in Sydney? Whether it’s an engagement shoot, portraits, or content creation, these are my top photoshoot locations in Sydney, all from the list above:
- Mrs Macquarie’s Point (#8) — the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in a single frame.
- Dudley Page Reserve (#22) — sweeping harbour views that were made for golden hour.
- Royal Botanic Garden (#19) — 30 hectares of gardens right on the harbour.
- Bronte Baths (#14–15) — ocean-pool shots without the Bondi crowds.
- Kirribilli — jacaranda-lined streets in purple bloom each November.
Planning a professional or commercial shoot? Many Sydney parks, gardens, and beaches require a permit for commercial photography, so check with the relevant council or park authority before you go. Most of the outdoor spots on this list are free to visit and photograph.
Hidden Gems in Sydney for Photography
Beyond the icons, these secret spots are some of the most photogenic hidden gems in Sydney:
- Manly Wormhole (#18) — a tunnel carved by fishermen in 1908 with a heart-shaped rock formation.
- Giles Bath at Coogee (#17) — a tucked-away ocean pool most tourists miss.
- Shark Point Cliffs (#16) — dramatic coastal cliffs near Clovelly.
- Dudley Page Reserve (#22) — a quiet harbour viewpoint in Dover Heights.
- Green Square Library (#5) — an architectural stunner hiding underground in Zetland.
More Instagrammable Guides
Planning more trips? Check out my photo guides to Dallas, London, Chicago, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.
Visiting Sydney? Don't miss a single photo spot.
Get my free printable map + guide to all 35 most Instagrammable places in Sydney.
FAQs About Photographing Sydney
What are the most Instagrammable places in Sydney?
The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, and Bondi Icebergs top the list. See all 35 spots above, with a map.
Where are the best photoshoot locations in Sydney?
For professional or engagement shoots, Mrs Macquarie’s Point (Opera House and Harbour Bridge in one frame), Dudley Page Reserve (sweeping harbour views), the Royal Botanic Garden, and Bronte Baths are standout picks. For commercial shoots, check permit requirements with the relevant council or park authority first.
What are some hidden gem photo spots in Sydney?
The Manly Wormhole, Giles Bath at Coogee, Shark Point Cliffs, Dudley Page Reserve, and Green Square Library are the under-the-radar picks on this list.
What is the best time of day to take photos in Sydney?
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) give the softest light — George Street is best in the very early morning before the crowds arrive. For Kirribilli’s jacarandas, peak bloom is usually early to mid-November.
Are there free Instagrammable places in Sydney?
Yes — most of the outdoor spots on this list are free, including Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Bondi Beach, the Bronte baths viewpoints, and Dudley Page Reserve. A few have entry fees: the Bondi Icebergs pool (around A$10) and Auburn Botanic Garden on weekends ($8 for adults).
Do I need a permit for a photoshoot in Sydney?
For personal photos, no. For commercial or wedding shoots, many Sydney councils, parks, and beaches require a permit — check with the specific location before you go.
Taking a side trip from Sydney? See my guide to the 30 incredible things to do on Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed island a short flight away.
Do you have any favorite Instagrammable places in Sydney that aren’t on this list? Comment them below!
Safe travels,
Jasmine
