Man taking photo of Sydney Harbour Bridge

Best Places to Take Photos in Sydney

From selfie spots to epic vistas, Sydney's got plenty of photographic spots.
By Stuart Bak

Make your Insta pop with all the best photo opps in Sydney, including the harbour, Bondi and more!

Sydney is an absolute treasure trove of eye candy for the budding photographer, thanks to its winning mix of golden beaches, rugged cliffs and urban skylines. Insta addicts will be in clover here, where you might find yourself capturing regal roses at the Royal Botanic Garden one minute and snapping greedy gulls scavenging for unguarded picnics over Coogee Beach the next. We’ve put together a beginners’ guide to the best places to take photos in Sydney; the locations that promise pics that will make your socials pop, including…

  • Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
  • The Rocks neighborhood
  • Luna Park
  • Mrs Macquarie’s Point
  • The Royal Botanic Gardens
  • The Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk

Sydney Harbour

Smartphone photographing a koala in Sydney

Nabbing a selfie by the soaring sails of the Opera House is practically a rite of passage when visiting Sydney, and nothing beats getting right up close to this absolute icon of the city skyline. But there are many other viewpoints of both the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge that mean your Insta feed need never feel boring or samey, no matter how many snaps you post. Try a sunset sightseeing cruise to catch the harbor’s biggest stars in all their twilit finery. Or head up to Mrs Macquarie’s Point for one of the best Opera House and Harbour Bridge vistas in town – so popular, in fact, that you might have to elbow your way to a prime spot for snapping. This stretch of peninsula is home to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a carved sandstone bench that has also spawned its fair share of Sydney selfies down the decades. Fill your boots (and camera roll)!

The Rocks

Historic building in the Rocks district of Sydney

Sydney’s most historic neighborhood also offers some cool perspectives of Sydney Harbour Bridge because, well, it’s right underneath it! But that’s not all The Rocks has to offer camera-toting tourists. We’re talking picturesque centuries-old pubs like the Lord Nelson and Fortune of War, where storytelling locals sup freshly brewed beers and catch up on the week’s gossip; atmospheric cobbled laneways that evoke age-old tales of murder, muggings and mystique; and some of the most Insta-tastic colonial architecture in town.

A walking tour of The Rocks can help you get under the skin of the place, as well as accessing picture-perfect locations you might not otherwise find by yourself. There’s one included with the Go Sydney pass, alongside harbor cruises, an Opera House tour, and many other activities and attractions. 

Find out how you could save up to 50% on regular entry prices and get your pass here. 

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi Icebergs club at Bondi Beach

You could easily fill your Insta feed with action shots of Bondi Beach surfers alone, but why stop there? The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is an unchallenging stroll that offers a quite unbelievable embarrassment of photogenic riches along its 3.5-mile stretch. Dramatic bluffs, wind-blown gulls and pounding surf are just the beginning of this awesome trail, where Insta-tastic highlights include:

  • Bondi Icebergs: a huge seawater swimming pool that’s hewn into the very cliffs themselves!
  • Bronte Bath Stairs: this view – complete with wooden steps, gleaming white picket fence, ocean rock pool, and crescent of golden sand – is absolute manna for addicts of the ‘Gram.
  • Coogee Beach: colorful fishing boats, cute seaside cafés and, yep, another tidal swimming pool make for perfect picture-postcard snaps.

Luna Park

People having fun on a ride at Luna Park

Ramp up the old-school vibes on a trip to Luna Park, Sydney’s world-famous amusement park, where vintage carnival games, a characterful carousel, and the (frankly terrifying) giant face that welcomes all visitors ensure plenty of top photo opps. Snap a selfie on the stomach-flipping Big Dipper, scream if you want to go faster on the wooden Wild Mouse roller coaster, and bag candid shots of laughing families as they go bumper-to-bumper in Dodgem City.

Royal Botanic Garden

View of Sydney Harbour from the Royal Botanic Garden

There’s a whopping 74 acres of regal rose gardens, tropical vegetation, meticulously manicured lawns and magnificent manor houses to explore at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden – enough, in fact, to keep micro and macro photography enthusiasts happy all day long. Add vibrancy to your socials with shots of bright-green cacti, sorbet-sweet roses, and kaleidoscopic carpets of multi-colored wildflowers, and get in line for an essential selfie at the famous Farm Cove sea wall with its splendid views of the Sydney skyline including – you guessed it – the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Quite simply one of the best places to take photos in Sydney.

Manly Wormhole

Manly Wormhole at sunrise

One of Sydney’s worst-kept ‘secret’ locations it may well be, but the effort required to get here – a man made tunnel reached by clambering over rocks and tidal pools – means few bother to make the journey. For those who do, however, the rewards are great, with the cave’s walls acting as a natural photo frame for the sea and sky beyond. You’ll find the wormhole at the northernmost end of the long stretch of golden sand that comprises Manly and Queenscliff beaches. Look out for the big pink heart graffitied onto the cliff face, which marks the cave's entrance.

Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters rock formation in the Blue Mountains

Did you know that the majestic Blue Mountains are a mere 90-minute drive from central Sydney? Or two hours if you want to travel by train and really take in that increasingly beautiful scenery as you leave the urban sprawl behind? Well, now you do. Happy snappers flock here to nab superlative shots of that signature azure haze that gives these atmospheric hills their name. There’s an excellent hop-on hop-off bus tour (included with the Sydney pass from Go City, natch) which includes some 37 stops, allowing you to pick and choose from all those prime photo opportunities, among them panoramic views of the iconic Three Sisters hills from Echo Point, the storybook village of Leura with its cute chocolate box houses and pretty gardens, and the epic Katoomba Cascades and Falls.

Save on Sydney Tours, Activities and Attractions

Save up to 50% on bucket-list Sydney tours and attractions with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Continue reading

Things to do in Sydney for Teens
Blog

Things to do in Sydney for Teens

If you're looking for things to do in Sydney for teens, you've come to the right place! Here, we'll explore all of the city's best teen-friendly experiences, from white-knuckle boat rides to head-scratching escape rooms that'll keep them entertained! Including: Is Sydney Australia kid friendly? Is Sydney Australia cheap to visit? What is the best month to go to Sydney? Things to do in Sydney for Teens Is Sydney Australia kid friendly? Sydney is a fantastic city full of activities and experiences for all ages. There are a ton of things to do in Sydney for teens, and we'll go more in-depth on our top picks down below. Is Sydney Australia cheap to visit? There's no getting around the fact that Sydney is an expensive city to visit. But there are always ways to get around the spend. Book flights during the off-season, and you'll likely find cheaper accommodation too. And, if you want to save on experiences, we've got you covered. What is the best month to go to Sydney? For the most temperate experience, the best time to visit Sydney is from September-November and March-May. That way, you avoid both the sweltering summer heat at the end of the year and the colder months in the middle. Things to do in Sydney for Teens: Taronga Zoo If your teen loves animals, where better to take them than Sydney's best zoo? And where is this world of animal goodness found? Why, it's on Taronga Island, just a short 12-minute ferry ride from Sydney! The acclaimed Taronga Zoo boasts an impressive collection of over 5,000 animals, from native Australian wonders like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and platypuses to endangered exotic species such as elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, tigers, lions, and a diverse array of reptiles and birds. With us, you'll get entry into the zoo, as well as a return ferry ticket from either Aquarium Wharf at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay Wharf 6. So, what's stopping you? Things to do in Sydney for Teens: Sydney Jet Thrill Ride If your teen's a bit of a thrill-seeker, then this adrenaline-fueled crash along the waves of Sydney Harbour should do the trick! The jet-powered boat hits speeds of up to 50 mph, which might not seem like much, but trust us; when you're on the water, things travel a lot faster than you'd think. Your professional driver will perform heart-pounding stunts like 270-degree spins, fishtails, and power brake stops, all while narrating the journey, which also includes fascinating insights into Sydney's iconic landmarks. Expect to get wet – it's all part of the fun. Store your belongings in provided lockers, don a life jacket, and make sure you dress the part. Onboard cameras capture the excitement, with photos and videos available for purchase after you've conquered the waves. Things to do in Sydney for Teens: Whale-watching Cruise Trade in high-octane thrills and spills for something more peaceful with this whale-watching cruise. Aboard the luxurious Fantasea vessel, you'll venture into open waters to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales during their annual migration from Antarctica to the milder waters of the Great Barrier Reef. While humpbacks are the most frequent stars of the show, fortune may favor you with sightings of orcas, blue whales, sperm whales, and the ever-charming bottlenose dolphins. As these majestic creatures breach the surface, nature unveils one of its most captivating performances, ensuring a whale of a time. Get your cameras ready! Below deck, there's also a bar offering snacks and refreshments. And, if you don't see a single whale, you'll get another go around the following day for free! Things to do in Sydney for Teens: True Crime Tour For those who don't know, The Rocks is one of Sydney's most historic neighborhoods - and not always for the right reasons. Many unsightly characters have called it home throughout the years, inevitably leading to ghoulish goings-on and stuff like crime. Real crime. True crime! So, if you want to find out about warm and cold cases from the area, take this true crime tour of the district! Your knowledgeable guide will take you down secret alleyways, little nooks, and exciting thoroughfares where evil happenings...happened. Learn about real crimes, the victims, and the perpetrators, all within the safety of a group tour setting! Teens with a penchant for Netflix's true crime revival will get a kick out of this one. Things to do in Sydney for Teens: Escape Hunt Escape rooms have become all the rage these days, with puzzled cages popping up in major cities across the globe. Sydney is no different, so if your teens love a good riddle and like finding clues, Escape Hunt is where it's at. Best done in groups, take the family and work together to find clues, solve seemingly impossible riddles, and make it out before the time runs out. You've only got an hour, so you better step to it. With a collection of themed rooms on offer, ranging from beginner to advanced, you'll be free to take a challenge that suits you and make it an unforgettable day out! Things to do in Sydney for Teens: Quiz Room Experience Have you wanted to flex your brain's superiority against your teenage child on a TV quiz show? Well, now you can! Sort of. At Quiz Room Experience, you'll each stand on a podium. The lights will lower, and you'll face off against one another in a battle of the minds. Pick a topic, hit the buzzer, and answer questions to see who will come out victorious. With a wide range of subjects suitable for all ages, this quiz-off is certainly one of the most unique things to do in Sydney for teens! And those were our picks of the best things to do in Sydney for teens! Of course, it's not all about them. To fill out your vacation itinerary with fun for you, too, check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass, you can see all of Sydney's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Ocean Pool.jpg
Blog

Things to do in Sydney when it’s raining

Wondering what to do in Sydney when it rains? Although most of us think of a city with sparkling seas and blue skies, there are actually around 100 days of rainfall per year. And when it rains, it pours. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun exploring the city. Read on for our list of the top things to do on a rainy day in Sydney, including: Surfing at Bondi Beach Visiting a museum Getting a bird’s eye view of the city from Sydney Tower Eye Brunch Taking a guided tour of the Opera House Sipping cocktails in an underground bar Swimming in an ocean pool Sampling local wines, cheeses, and charcuterie Visiting the State Library Catching a film at the cinema Escaping the rain with virtual reality Feasting on Yum Cha Surfing at Bondi Beach You can hop on a surfboard come rain or shine. Beaches are likely to be less crowded when it’s raining so take advantage of this by heading to one of the many surf schools on offer, or if you’re a bit more experienced, head to South Bondi where the southerly swells are more powerful. It goes without saying that surfing can be dangerous, so make sure you know the beach rules and local conditions. If you didn’t come with gear, 2-hour surfboard and wetsuit hire is on offer at Bondi Surf. Visit a museum Sydney has plenty in the way of museums from art (Art Gallery NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art) to convict history (Hyde Park Barracks Museum), to a bit of everything (Powerhouse Museum). Shelter from the rain and let the learning come to you. Get a bird’s eye view of the city from Sydney Tower Eye Watch the clouds roll in above the Sydney skyline from your vantage point 250m above the city streets. Look out for famous landmarks including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge – the 360-degree views mean you can spot everything. Once you’ve soaked up the sights, see a short show at the immersive 4D cinema experience. Take a long leisurely brunch The Harbour City is known for its brunch culture. Huddle up with poached eggs, waffles, loaded croissants or breakfast burgers and wash all that delicious food down with a bloody mary. Our favorite spots are Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Goodfields Eatery (Lindfield), Reuben Hills (Surry Hills) and Bills (Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Bondi Beach). Sydney Opera House tour Spend an hour discovering the history behind the sails on a guided tour of the Opera House. Your guide will let you in on secrets and insider stories as you wander along some of the 300 corridors and visit parts of the building not open to the general public. Head underground for a drink Wait out a torrential downpour underground in one of the city’s bars below street level. Head to the Lobo for Caribbean summerhouse vibes and rum cocktails, Palmer and Co for a prohibition era aesthetic and rare whiskies, or Calabur for Asian fusion food during the day and killer cocktails later on. Take a dip in an ocean pool The many ocean pools in and around Sydney are far less crowded on rainy days, but the views are just as spectacular. Swimming in an ocean pool can be much less intimidating than entering the surf for a dip, but steer clear if the weather turns stormy or the winds pick up. Wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie What better way to spend a rainy day than sampling the best wines at Urban Winery Sydney, the city’s only winery? You’ll be given a tasting book and six different wines to try - enjoy the different structures and aromas of each wine over a board of local cheeses and charcuterie. Start the experience a novice, end a well-informed local wine expert. Curl up with a good book Enjoy the peace and quiet inside The State Library of New South Wales – a unique cultural institution overlooking the Botanic Gardens. Admire the grand architecture of the Mitchell Library Reading Room, enjoy a coffee in the café, or watch a free film screening in the projector room. Head to the cinema Catch a new release or an old classic at one of the cinemas in the city. The Golden Age Cinema has just 56 seats and shows indie films as well as the latest releases, while Palace Central Cinema has a whole beer hall, a Champagne bar and an interactive wine wall as well as various food options. Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on the other hand, is a treasure trove of Art Deco and has an organ which rises out of a stage pit every weekend. There are also plenty of outdoor cinemas in Sydney for when the sun is shining. Virtual reality escape room Entermission is Sydney’s only virtual reality escape room. Grab your friends (up to six people per room) and choose from two adventures, then enter the world of virtual reality. High-tech, real-time hand tracking, and real smells and sensations make this experience truly unforgettable. After your adventure is over, relax and debrief with a complimentary soft drink and biscuits. Feast on Yum Cha Many Sydneysiders have adopted the Cantonese custom of Yum Cha – a brunchtime feast of dishes accompanied by plenty of jasmine tea. Sydney has lots of restaurants catering specifically to Yum Cha including a few choice favorites: The Dynasty (try the steamed prawn dumplings), Golden Unicorn (affordable prices and popular with the younger crowd) and Palace Chinese (don’t miss the blistered green beans laced with salt and garlic). Grab your mates and settle in. Tour the Macquarie lighthouse Climb the 100 stairs to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular sea views and a slice of Sydney history. Originally designed by convict-architect Francis Greenway in 1818, this site is the longest standing lighthouse site in Australia. Getting to the lighthouse itself does involve a 15 minute walk along the clifftop, so avoid when the weather is stormy. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

    Thick check Icon