Instagrammable Places In Sydney: The 18 Most Photogenic Places In Sydney

Sydney is one of the most popular and famous cities in Australia, it’s bound for it to be also one of the most photographed! A quick search of #sydney on Instagram brings up 23 MILLION results.

That’s a lot of photos of Sydney up on our favourite social media! In this article I’ve put together all of the most Instagrammable places in Sydney, be it famous landmarks, viewpoints, restaurants or beaches.

If you’re looking for the most photogenic places in Sydney to snap those perfect Instagram shots, this is the guide for you!

Most Instagrammable landmarks in Sydney

Sydney Opera House

I figured that this list of the most photogenic places in Sydney just had to start with Sydney’s most famous and recognisable landmark; the Sydney Opera House.

Together with Sydney Bridge this whole area (Sydney Harbour) is the first most photographed spot in Australia, and it’s easy to see why! In second and third place you will find Uluru and Whitehaven Beach.

With its easily recognisable architecture the Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings not just in Australia but in the world.

For the perfect Instagram shot, I recommend snapping it from across the harbour, so that you can get the whole Opera House in.

Walk up close to it to be amazed by its stunning architecture, but if you want to get the most Instagrammable shots of the Sydney Opera House you need to be a little further away.

See the exact location of the shot below here.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Just across the harbour from the Sydney Opera House is the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Another easily recognisable and stunning piece of architecture, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most photogenic and photographed landmarks in Sydney.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an imposing steel structure that you can cross by car, rail, bicycle or on foot.

To get the best shots though you don’t want to be on the bridge, as imposing as it is it’s hard to do it justice from up close. For the best Instagram worthy shots, walk along the harbour until you find a full view of it.

Check out the exact location from where I took this shot here.

Most Instagrammable views in Sydney

Sydney Harbour from Pylon Lookout

You might have heard that you can climb Sydney Bridge to get a stunning view of the harbour for the moderate price of 250 AUD.

What they often forget to tell you is that you can get the same exact view from Pylon Lookout for 15 AUD (this is a viewing platform on one of the pylons that keep up the bridge).

If you’re doing it for the ‘gram this is even better as you can take your own photos, whilst on the Sydney Bridge climb you’re not allowed to take your phone or camera, they will take a photo of you and print for an extra fee if you want it.

Pylon Lookout has 360° views over the harbour and is easily one of the most photogenic places in Sydney.

Check out the exact location here.

Blue Mountains National Park – Lincoln’s Rock

Blue Mountains National Park is technically outside Sydney, however since it’s one of the most popular day trips from Sydney, I figured it should still feature in this list of Instagrammable places in Sydney.

All around the park there are tons of photogenic spots, ranging from waterfalls to epic walks, to awesome nature shots to stunning views. Lincoln’s Rock was by far my favourite Instagrammable spot in the Blue Mountains National Park.

Still somewhat off the beaten track Lincoln’s Rock is a rock outcrop that overlooks parts of the park.

If you can brave sitting on the edge (it’s not a tough one don’t worry, I’m not a scaredy cat and I managed it!) there’s the perfect corner for that Instagram-worthy shot!

Check out the location of this viewing spot here.

Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse

This Instagram worthy viewpoint is also somewhat outside of Sydney, in the Barrenjoey headland in the Northern Beaches district of Sydney.

The lighthouse overlooks stunning beaches, lush green landscapes and the sea, the perfect spot for  great Instagram shot!

Also the perfect place to visit if you want to get out of the city, take pretty photos and enjoy some time by the beach.

See the exact location here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeDBC6zHBx1/

Observatory Hill Park

Right in the centre of Sydney you can find Observatory Hill Park, a park with with public artwork, a rotunda, a tennis court and sweeping views over Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour.

If you’re looking for one of the best (and free) viewpoints in Sydney, this is the place for you! Just walk up the hill to catch the view and snap all the most Instgrammable shots for your social media page.

Find out the exact location here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2MCfuXFAhf/

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

If you’re looking for extra brownie Instagram points you need to visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a spot that will allow you to photograph the two most famous landmarks in Sydney in one shot.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a chair, which was hand carved by convicts in 1810 for Governor Macquarie’s wife.

Folklore stories say Lady Macquarie used to sit on the rock chair and look for ships from Great Britain that were sailing into the harbour.

Today it’s one of the most photogenic places in Sydney and one of the best spots to get Instagram worthy shots of Sydney Harbour.

Get the exact location here.

Most photogenic beaches & pools in Sydney

Bondi Icebergs Club

After Sydney Harbour the pool of Bondi Icebergs Club is one of the most recognisable and famous locations in Sydney. The turquoise colour of the water that so resembles that of the sea would make anyone want to jump in.

The photos from above are perfect for showing how beautiful the pool and beach are, however if you want an Instagrammable shot of yourself in action in the pool you will have to pay an entry fee. 

Get the exact location here.

Bronte Baths

Less famous than its neighbour in Bondi, Bronte Baths is a salt water pool on Bronte Beach, on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. I personally prefer it over Bondi as it has less of a polished feel to it.

Bronte Baths is free to access and any anyone can go in for a swim. If you’re just looking to get that Instagram perfect shot, it’s also much more convenient than just paying access for a photo!

See the exact location of Bronte Baths here.

North Sydney Olympic Pool

Can you imagine a better backdrop for your daily swimming training than this?

North Sydney Olympic Pool is located in North Sydney between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park, the perfect central location for both photos and training!

You can either pay 8 AUD for a one time access or sign up for a membership if you plan on going there again, you know, in case the first photos weren’t Instagram perfect.

Check out the exact location here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjWs6XTHhm1/

MacCallum Pool, Cremorne Point

Stepping away from Sydney Harbour will actually give you one of the best views of it.

MacCallum Pool in Cremorne Point has a stunning view over Sydney’s two most famous and photogenic landmarks, combined to the beautiful Sydney skyline.

Compared to Bondi and Bronte it’s also somewhat less known and touristy, which makes it perfect if you’re trying to snap photo for Instagram, less people to photoshop out later!

See the exact location here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh3x4m6nbwa/

Most photogenic hotels in Sydney

Sydney Harbour YHA – The Rocks

When it comes to Instagrammable hotels Sydney has plenty to offer.

If you don’t want to break the bank, Sydney Harbour YHA – The Rocks has a rooftop terrace with the most stunning view over the rooftops of Sydney and Sydney Harbour, while also being an affordable hostel.

The rooftop terrace has a bar, hammocks and beanie bags, a pool table and table football. So that when you get tired of snapping Instagram photos of the view you can chill and socialise.

It is also perfectly located if you want to explore Sydney Harbour and other central areas of Sydney.

See the exact location here.

Check out the latest prices at Sydney Harbour YHA here.

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection

In case you couldn’t tell by now, I rate the Sydney Harbour Bridge pretty high on my list of photogenic landmarks in Sydney. Together with the Sydney Opera House it adds that extra touch to any photos of the harbour.

If you’re not quite the hostel person and want something fancier, and even closer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, consider staying at the Pier One Sydney Harbour.

Who wouldn’t want to have a breakfast like that with that kind of view? Brownie points if you get a photo with yourself in it holding a mug of coffee which you won’t drink.

See the exact location here.

Check out the latest prices at Pier One Sydney Harbour here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUcn4IgPQJ/

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Continuing the trend of fancy hotels with stunning view, the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is definitely one to consider if you want to wake up to this view every morning that you’re in Sydney.

The Shangri-La is pretty close to the YHA but is considerably taller, which gives it those extra metres that add a premium to the view. It’s very centrally located for any plans you may have in Sydney.

See the exact location here.

Check out the latest rates at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BezwFHUn1hQ/

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

For a change, this hotel doesn’t have a view over Sydney Harbour! The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has a view over, as you may guess by the name, Darling Harbour.

It might not have the recognisable Sydney landmarks, but with bathrooms with windows like that, who needs an opera house? Darling Harbour is also a lovely area to walk around in evenings, with lots of bars and restaurants.

See the exact location here.

Check out the latest prices at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbeOtXLg9CJ/

Instagram worthy cafes, bars & restaurants in Sydney

Opera Bar

If you don’t mind paying a premium for the view, Opera Bar is the place to go for a drink and sunset view over Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the harbour.

They have a number of tables both indoors and outdoors, however I definitely recommend sitting outside so you can make the most of the view and atmosphere.

Sunset is probably the busiest time, but with that stunning golden light how can you not visit then? Everyone knows golden hour is the most photogenic time of day!

See the exact location of Opera Bar here.

Cuppa Flower

If there’s one thing I learnt in two months in Australia is that they take brunch very seriously, and they are damn good at it.

Melbourne is famous for its brunches and Sydney comes up a close second when it comes to the most beautiful, photogenic, tasty and Instagrammable brunches.

Cuppa Flower is for sure in the lead when it comes to Instagram worthy cafes in Sydney. With their beautiful interior decor, edible flower arrangements and hipster dish arrangements, how can you not want to take photos of the food?

But don’t become one of those people that takes so many photos the food is eventually cold when you’re ready to it. Nobody likes those people.

See the exact location here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1OnxEHR_C/

The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria is an alternative coffee shop located inside a former pie factory. The brick walls and organic garden add to the hipster and Instagrammable vibes of the venue.

However the Grounds of Alexandria is a lot more than a simple coffee shop, they also hold coffee courses, bakery classes and horticulture workshops, on top of a Latin & Salsa Night and a Blues & Mulled Wine Night.

Basically if you’re looking for a cool place for Instagram photos, where you can then also hang out and have fun, the Grounds of Alexandria is the place for you.

Check out the exact location here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiO9slkHy7S/

My Instagram photo gear

So now you know the best Instagram photo spots in Sydney, but you might be wondering why don’t my photos look like that?

Some factors you can’t control (eg. bad weather, bad lighting, crowds etc) but one thing you can do to take epic travel Instagram photos is to upgrade your camera gear.

I’ve listed below the camera and lens I use to take all the photos you see above and on my Instagram.

Nikon D3300: 99% of the photos on this site and my Instagram feed have been taken by this camera. I’ve had it from before I started travel blogging since it’s considered one of the best DSLRs for beginners.

There are better cameras out there, but as far as value for money goes, especially if you’re a beginner with DLSRs, it’s a great camera.

Nikon f/1.8 35mm lens: If you want the focus of the photo to be on you (or whatever other item you have in the front) and give it a beautiful soft blurred background, you will need a bokeh lens like this one.

Manfrotto compact tripod: Regardless of whether you travel solo or not, a tripod will really step up your photography game. If you want to take long exposure shots or photos of the night sky you will need a tripod.

Even if it’s just to take photos around a city will allow you to get consistent framing. I have a Manfrotto compact tripod and love it since it’s so light and easy to carry around.

Selfie stick: If you don’t want to carry around a tripod, go for a selfie stick instead.  Almost everyone has one these days and you won’t stand out for using one.

If you want to see what other cameras I use for my action shots, check out my full gear guide here.

Final thoughts on the best photography spots in Sydney

Have you been to Sydney before? Would these photo spots be on your list of the most Instagrammable places in Sydney? Let me know in the comments below!

If you have more suggestions to add just let me know, I’d be happy to include them and visit them next time I’m in Sydney!

I hope you will find this guide to all the most Instagrammable places in Sydney useful in planning your Sydney trip and snapping all the most perfect and photogenic holiday shots.

Looking for more Instagram city photo guides? Check out these posts:

• The 23 most Instagrammable places in London
• The 15 best Instagram photo locations in Rome
• The 15 most Instagram worthy places in Singapore
• 20 beautiful photo spots in Bangkok
• The 15 best Instagram photo spots in Barcelona
• The 15 most Instagrammable places in Tokyo
• 15 incredibly photogenic places in Marrakech

Looking for more Australia travel tips? Check out my guides:

• Discover the rock pools of Noosa Heads
• Are 3 days in Fraser Island enough?
• How to spend 2 days on the Great Ocean Road
• Australia East Coast 2-week itinerary
• Best places to visit on day trips from Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef – should you snorkel or scuba dive?
• Daintree Rainforest tour from Cairns
• Australia road trip planner – everything you need to know
• What to pack for a trip to Uluru

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