21 of the most Instagrammable places in Sydney
Jacarandas along McDougall Street
If it’s not on the ‘gram, were you really there? Undeniably, this generation of travellers curate their itineraries like they do their feed. From stunning views to breathtaking architecture – there’s no Instagrammable destination quite like Sydney.
Jul 2024 -
2
min readMrs Macquarie’s Chair
Mrs Macquarie's Chair on the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden has some of the best views of Sydney’s iconic skyline: you’ll be able to get Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge all in one million-dollar shot. Set up the picnic rugs and, if you’re there at dusk, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the sun setting behind the Sydney Opera House. This is a sight that's sure to satisfy your followers and get the likes rolling in.
View from Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Queen Victoria Building
Dating back to 1898, the Queen Victoria Building replaced the original Sydney markets on the site and spans an entire block along George Street. The elaborate Romanesque architecture – with its semi-circular arches, stained glass windows and mighty domes – was planned to employ many out-of-work craftsmen during the recession. Now, these features make the landmark hard to miss and provide a magnificent backdrop for that perfect Instagram shot.
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
Bronte Baths
Already captured your Bondi Icebergs shot? Then follow the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk to Bronte Baths, built in 1887. Tucked between Bondi and Coogee beaches, Bronte Beach is where the locals go. There’s a balmy seaside park for picnics, a crystal-clear aquatic reserve for snorkelling and diving, and the baths, built into a rocky cliff at the beach’s southern headland. Soak in the sweeping views of the bay and the ocean horizon; early birds will be rewarded with a remarkable sunrise.
Views of Bronte Beach and Bronte Baths, Sydney
Forgotten Songs artwork at Angel Place
An ethereal cluster of over one hundred birdcages is suspended above Angel Place, a pedestrian lane that runs between George Street and Pitt Street. The creator, Michael Thomas Hill, explains how the striking installation explores how Sydney’s fauna has evolved and adapted to co-exist with increased urbanisation. Once you’ve captured your shot, take a second to listen to the bird calls, which change as day shifts to night.
Forgotten Songs artwork in Angel Place, Sydney
Manly Wormhole
One of the city’s best-kept secrets is the Queenscliff Tunnel, also commonly known as the Manly Wormhole. Dug a century ago by local fishermen as a shortcut between Freshwater Beach and Manly, the 50m tunnel burrows straight through the cliff. There will be a few boulders to climb over but the view of the expansive ocean framed by the opening of the tunnel is truly worth the trip. Budding geologists can also appreciate the rock formations and cross-section of the rock layers along the way.
Queenscliff Tunnel (also known as The Wormhole), Manly
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
A popular spot for locals inside the Lavender Bay Parklands on the northern edge of Sydney Harbour, the garden is a whimsical oasis that allows you to escape the busy city. Get lost among the towering foliage, lush plantings and meandering paths dotted with artwork and sculpture. The kaleidoscope of green tones and pops of colours from the native flowers will have you snapping away.
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, Lavender Bay
Bare Island
One of the many hidden gems in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Bare Island is a small atoll that houses a 19th-century fort and old wooden footbridge connecting the island to the mainland. With dreamy coastal views of Botany Bay, this photo spot is the perfect blend of history and nature. Fun fact: the fort features in Mission: Impossible 2 as the hideout of villain Sean Ambrose.
Blak Markets, Bare Island
Paddington Reservoir
Built in the early 1800s, Paddington Reservoir was decommissioned in 1914 and has since been transformed into a heritage-listed public park. There's a Romanesque sunken garden with a lake of contemplation at its centre, a hanging garden canopy around the perimeter and an eastern chamber featuring wall art. The preservation of much of its original architecture – think towering archways, brick and iron structures – make for a rustic Instagrammable spot.
The heritage-listed Paddington Reservoir and Gardens, Paddington
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at Sydney's most northern point, towering above Palm Beach, which is famously known as the filming location for TV series Home and Away. Positioned 91m above sea level, the lighthouse can be reached by a couple of walks (the easy and picturesque one-kilometre Barrenjoey Track or the more challenging Smugglers Track) and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding Northern Beaches, the Pacific Ocean and across the harbour to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach
The Grounds of Alexandria
No 'Instagrammable' list would be complete without The Grounds of Alexandria, in a former 1920s industrial precinct in the inner city suburb of Alexandria. It houses a cafe, sustainable garden, coffee roastery, animal farm, and so much more! The enchanting garden should be your first photo stop – the arbour laced with bougainvillaea and interwoven lighting is the ultimate setting to spice up your feed. You also can’t miss the enchanting glass house, which provides the perfect combination of natural light and flourishing foliage.
The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
Chinese Garden of Friendship
A short walk from Chinatown, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city offering insight into the ancient, private Chinese gardens of the 5th century, with pretty pavilions, serene pathways flanked by exotic plants and colourful blooms, waterfalls and a little lake filled with koi. Take a leisurely walk through the green space before stopping at the on-site heritage-listed teahouse.
Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour
Carriageworks Farmers Market
A 10-minute walk from Redfern Station, the award-winning Carriageworks Farmers Market is held every Saturday in an 1880s railway precinct. You'll find seasonal produce from over 70 farmers and artisan food producers across NSW, and you can even learn the stories behind their food. Find organic and biodynamic produce, artisan bread, boutique wines, single-origin coffee, herbal teas, meat, eggs, fresh honey and freshly cut flowers.
Carriageworks Farmers Market, Eveleigh
Hornby Lighthouse
When the sun strikes the Hornby Lighthouse in the early morning, it’s a breathtaking scene. The historic (and positively charming) red-and-white-striped lighthouse, built in 1858 after the Dunbar sank, is not far from Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park. Take the South Head Heritage Trail to reach it, and enjoy the sweeping views of the headlands and the ocean.
Hornby Lighthouse, South Head - Credit: Kevin McGrath, DPIE
Bar 83 at Sydney Tower
Looking to sip on cocktails while enjoying your million-dollar view? Head to Bar 83, one of the city’s best – and highest – drink spots, on the 83rd level of Sydney Tower. In reds, whites and golds, the space is seriously retro, in a very modern kind of way.
Bar 83, Sydney
Cockatoo Island
Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, the UNESCO Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island is a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard. It's also the 'industrial chic' photo spot of your dreams, thanks to its heritage buildings, distinctive terrain and panoramic views. Guided and self-guided tours are available, alongside a waterfront campground and licensed cafes (perfect for drinking in the harbour vistas, drink in hand).
Cockatoo Island with views back to Sydney Harbour and Sydney CBD
Museum of Contemporary Art
Located in the historic Rocks precinct, explore the collections of the Museum of Contemporary Art, which are split between the beautifully restored 1950s Maritime Services Board building and the ultra-modern Mordant Wing, designed by leading architect Sam Marshall. While the art may be the main drawcard, the building itself is just as striking (and so are the jacarandas that bloom on the streets surrounding the museum come spring). Afterwards, head to the rooftop cafe for lunch with epic views of the harbour and Sydney Opera House.
Jacarandas outside the Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
Taronga Zoo
One of Sydney’s most popular attractions, Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, as well as Sydney’s only cable car. Its beautiful outdoor harbourside location provides you with the chance to get up-close with Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals, while also enjoying scenic views of the harbour and city skyline beyond. The famous shot of the giraffe enclosure with the harbour bridge as backdrop is a must.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Dr Chau Chak Wing Building
Part of the University of Technology’s Sydney campus, the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building was designed by Frank Gehry, the architect who is best known for the Guggenheim in Spain. Completed in 2015, the sandstone-coloured curved brickwork, all laid by hand, is a nod to Sydney’s architectural heritage. The marvel is affectionately known as ‘the brown paper bag'. The striking double towers of One Central Park, the work of French architect Jean Nouvel, are also nearby.
Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, University of Technology Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Not only is it the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, but it also spans one of the globe’s finest natural harbours. Affectionately named the Coathanger by locals, it’s an intrinsic part of the city; you can walk or cycle across it, but for the ultimate photo opportunity, climb to its peak for incredible views with Bridgeclimb.
BridgeClimb Sydney, Sydney Harbour
Bondi Icebergs
Sydney is renowned for its incredible ocean pools, but none are as iconic as Bondi Icebergs. The 50m stretch of turquoise is set against the backdrop of the expansive ocean and crashing waves, and is truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re getting a shot in the water or a bird’s-eye view from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi Icebergs is arguably the most photogenic pool in the world and worth a visit.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach
Sydney Opera House
What better place to finish this list than with the building that is undoubtedly Sydney’s – and indeed Australia’s – most famous: the Sydney Opera House. Walk up those expansive stairs like some 10 million visitors do each year, and have your camera ready to capture the endless angles and backdrops available at this iconic site. Need we say more?
Explore the Sydney Opera House with a Beyond the Stage Tour
