BEFORE YOU GO

Travel insurance: SafetyWing
Fun Activities in Sydney from which to experience/admire the Opera House:
– Save Money on Sydney’s Attractions
– Sydney Opera House Guided Tour
– New Years Eve Cruise on Sydney Harbour
– Sydney Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

1. Sydney Opera House

One of the two iconic landmarks in Sydney, and often the first that comes to mind is the Sydney Opera House. While it can get super busy, there are moments where you can find a few less people around – early morning sunrise shoots and some mornings after 9am to midday during the week (especially so, during the cooler months between June to August). The best thing about the Opera House is that you do not need to always be up close and personal to get some beautiful photos. Take a walk around, explore all the different angles and even head a bit further away from the landmark – for example – to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, around Circular Quay to the Rocks, and from North Sydney which is on the other side of Sydney Harbour. Check out my blog post Best Viewpoints of the Opera House in Sydney for my Top 5 + BONUS location from which to get the best Instagrammable shots.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The other landmark that of course springs to mind is the beautiful Sydney Harbour Bridge. Like the Sydney Opera House, the Bridge has many different angles to offer up. Take photos close up at the base of the Bridge, explore the back streets of the Rocks to find it perfectly framed by buildings in some of the streets, head over to the side of the Opera House as well as into the Royal Botanic Gardens for photos from further away, and pop over to North Sydney for waterfront photos with Sydney Harbour.

3. Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens & Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Located in the Sydney central business district, it is not only home to a variety of beautiful Australian flora, it also has beautiful views over Sydney Harbour. You can get some wonderful Alice in Wonderland like shots throughout the garden as well gorgeous sunset shots from Mrs Macquarie’s with Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour bridge in the background – trifecta.

4. North Sydney Olympic Pool

It is a popular location – perfect on a warm summer’s day for some relaxation and photos. Top Tip: they do not like professional DSLR cameras to be taken down to the poolside, keep these in the grandstand (you will have some amazing photo opportunities from there). If you do want to take photos from closer down the grandstand or next to the pool, your phone is your best friend.

5. Luna Park & Lavender Bay

A fun spot to shoot at. Take a walk around, I promise you, you will find so many different angles. If you enjoy taking rides, why not pick up and unlimited rides pass for $54. Make sure to pick up your pass online as I think you get a slightly better deal than buying it on the spot. Top Tip: If you do, I recommend hopping onto the Ferris Wheel! From there, you will get some cool shots over Sydney Harbour. Walk around through the back of Luna Park to reach the iconic Lavender Bay pier.

6. The Grounds of Alexandria

If you ever need some creative inspiration, this is the place to go! The décor is always changing – from movie themed inspiration – Aladdin, Frozen, Maleficent and more, love styled for valentines, bohemian just because, spooky for Halloween, different seasonal themes, so many others and of course the famous Christmas Tree lane. The Grounds keep you on your toes, blink, and you might miss the opportunity to shoot. Top Tip: early mornings before 8am are usually crowd free. You can also find less people during weekdays.

7. Dudley Page Reserve

This place is magic. The park is situated at the top of a hill and oh my stars, you get to enjoy amazing views over the whole of Sydney and even get to see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the far-off distance. Perfect for shooting at sunset. Top Tip: take a picnic blanket to enjoy the sunset. Also make sure to take a cardigan or light jacket with you as the winds can be quite crazy up there.

8. Bronte Baths

Soak up the sun at this salty oceanside location. I do not think I need to say much, but if you are looking for somewhere to chill and wind down this is your spot. You have breathtaking views over the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore is all you need. Top Tip: want some extra peace and quiet. Climb up the rocks once you have passed the pool. You are elevated and have a great spot with awesome views overlooking Bronte.

9. Camp Cove

A cosy beach with a cute café, overlooking Sydney Harbour and Sydney City! This is my kind of place. The café is such a vibe to take photos with. There is also a cute pier from which you take get photos with Sydney Harbour in the background before heading up for a walk to Hornby Lighthouse. Top Tip: Head there early in the morning on weekends to beat the crowds.

10. Hornby Lighthouse

The cutest candy cane looking lighthouse around. It is a short walk from Camp Cove. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Once you get to the location you have magnificent views to many locations (Sydney Harbour, the Heads and the Pacific Ocean). Top Tip: make sure to walk all around the lighthouse as there are plenty of different angles to play around with.

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