For many of us, a trip to Sydney is a rare and special experience. All the more reason to capture every moment! Of course, you don’t actually want to post every single photo you take on Instagram. But how do you figure out what the best photo opportunities are in a city you’ve never been to?

Well, we’re here to help you out. Our city insiders have curated a list of their favorite places to take photos in Sydney, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks and beyond.

Best Way to See Sydney Landmarks

If you’re new to the city, it can be hard to figure out how to navigate your way around to all of these photo hotspots. So, consider using one of our recommended ways to get around the city – you’ll be able to check off a handful of landmarks and photo opps in one go.

Some easy ways to see Sydney landmarks include:

• Big Bus Sydney Hop-on Hop-off Tour
• Eco-Hopper 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Pass
• BlueBananas Bike Hire

All of these options give you the flexibility to spend an entire day sightseeing without the hassle of dealing with strange roads or Sydney traffic. Whether you want to travel by land, by sea, or on two wheels, you’ve got an option here.

Save on Admission

Pick up The Sydney Pass and save up to 45% off combined admission vs paying at the gate.

Our pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Many of these photo opportunities are also located near top Sydney attractions, so you can combine some touristy things with that quest for the perfect Instagram.

#1 Bondi Beach

You can’t be surprised this is on the list. Bondi is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the entire world – you don’t have to be Gray Malin to take a stunning photo of the iconic beach (though those aerial views sure are nice).

Whether you’re getting a photo of the sweeping sand and sea, the aboriginal carvings, or the waving sea grasses, there’s plenty of beauty to soak up here.

Insider tip: You can use the Big Bus Sydney hop-on hop-off tour to easily get to Bondi Beach. Or, the Discover Bondi Walking Tour is a great way to get some ideal photos while on a guided excursion.

Getting In: Big Bus Sydney tickets and Discover Bondi Walking Tour tickets are available on The Sydney Pass.

#2 The Sydney Opera House

One of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in the entire world, the Sydney Opera House is an absolute must-photograph. With its signature sail-like exterior, all your friends will immediately know this building and be totally jealous. If you want to see the interior, join up with a Sydney Opera House Tour for some behind-the-scenes action.

Getting In: Sydney Opera House tour tickets are available with The Sydney Pass.

#3 The Animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo & Taronga Zoo

If there’s one thing visitors to Australia really want to see – after all the beautiful beaches, of course – it’s the amazing wildlife. Australia has some really distinctive critters that you won’t find many other places in the world. Here, in their natural habitats, they’re truly enchanting.

Snap photos of adorable wallabies and impressive kangaroos and get up close to the koalas for some great photo opportunities (please note: guests are no longer permitted to hold or pet koalas in any zoo or wildlife park in NSW).

Getting In: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo tickets are available with The Sydney Pass.

#4 Sydney Harbour Bridge

Along with the Sydney Opera House, this is one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. With its signature arches and glittering structure, it’s affectionately known to some as “The Coathanger.” Snap a photo of the bridge and the surrounding harbor, and you’re sure to get all the likes.

The photo above was taken at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, located on the point of a peninsula in Sydney Harbour facing the bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Insider tip: Check out the North Sydney Pool for some luxurious swimming and unbeatable angles on the bridge – from directly below!

Getting In: Sydney Harbour Cruise tickets are available with The Sydney Pass.

#5 The Royal National Park & Illawarra Fly

Another amazing thing about Sydney is how close it is to the natural world. Pay a visit to the Royal National Park and see the wild beauty of the forest, stunning cliffs, and majestic ocean views. Best of all? It’s super inexpensive to visit and is easily reachable from the city.

A different option is the Illawarra Fly, a lush rainforest with phenomenal views and exotic plants. It’s located a hefty drive south of Sydney, but it’s totally worth it to walk among the treetops in an actual rainforest.

Getting In: Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures tickets are available with The Sydney Pass; the Royal National Park is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass.

#6 Sydney from Above

Aerial views of Sydney aren’t easy to come by without a helicopter. That’s where the Sydney Tower Eye comes in! This 269-metre-high observation deck (the second highest in the entire Southern Hemisphere) provides unparalleled views of the city below, with the harbour and the ocean in the background. Another perfect Instagram shot!

Getting In: Sydney Tower Eye tickets are available with The Sydney Pass (and include a 4D cinema experience).

#7 Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

A visit to the Blue Mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has to be documented for posterity. This expansive parkland is filled with impressive mountain peaks, lush rainforest, waterfalls, and more. Be sure to snap a photo at the Edge Cinema, which offers panoramic views alongside the latest flicks.

There are also plenty of cultural artifacts to explore here as well, including aboriginal arts and carvings, the Katoomba Scenic Railway, and the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum.

Insider tip: The best way to explore the Blue Mountains area is with a hop-on hop-off bus that takes the stress out of getting around.

Getting In: Blue Mountains Explorer Bus tickets are available with The Sydney Pass.

#8 Bare Island

This little islet in southeast Sydney is another ideal place for that charming nature shot. It’s part of Botany Bay, and has plenty of old fortifications dotting the landscape – perfect for some historical shots. You can opt to take a guided tour of the historic military fort and tunnels if you want to go inside, or snap photos from afar.