Picture perfect
We all know Instagram is a wonderful app where great photographs are shared and stalking someone’s breakfast is considered normal. But when we’re not taking selfies or snapping pictures of our food, what do we do with it? Share the beauty of our city, of course.
Be it urban architecture, a natural landmark or just a cool venue in your school, some spots will just make you want to pick up your phone and snap some pictures. This list of 21 beautiful Instagram-worthy places in and around Sydney will make you do just that.
1. Central Park Sydney
Central Park is essentially residential property, a shopping mall and artwork space all in one. With its living walls and rooftop gardens, Central Park Sydney couldn’t be more eye-catching.
Address: 28 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007
2. The University of Sydney
Arguably the most beautiful campus in Sydney, the University of Sydney has so much to offer Instagram-wise. Tourists as well as locals and students just love to take pictures of the school grounds. Popular spots include the Quadrangle, which is commonly referred to as Hogwarts and the graffiti tunnel. The sandstone building and the jacaranda tree are also Usyd icons.
Address: The University of Sydney, NSW 2006
3. The Grounds of Alexandria
Book their beautiful courtyard for a whimsical garden themed wedding dinner to remember. Source.
With the concept of brick-walled industrial-style café meets open gardens, The Grounds of Alexandria surely is very photogenic. Part animal farm, part flower shop, and part pilgrimage site for brunch fans in Sydney, The Grounds of Alexandria almost has it all.
Address: 7A, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015
4. Sydney Opera House
View from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Source.
Close-up of the Sydney Opera House. Source.
This classic Sydney icon is not to be missed. Different vantage points yield different facades and different pictures captured of the Opera House in all its glory. Here’s a fun fact: the shells of Opera House are covered by 1,056,006 tiles in two colours — glossy white and matte cream. Also, don’t forget to check out the art shows when visiting.
Book a Sydney Opera House guided walking tour.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000
5. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Do you get it? I don’t. Source.
Welcome to Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, where almost every spot of the building is visually striking. The museum even teams up with restaurants to hold special dinners inside the gallery during the Good Food Month with food that is equally as Instagrammable. With two whole floors dedicated to art exhibitions alone, the art buff in you is sure to find fulfillment.
Address: 140 George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
6. Newtown
Famous for its arts and multiculturalism, Newtown is a place to be. Its streets are lined with art and murals – many of which were created by a group called Unmitigated Audacity Productions in the 1990s. One of their creations is the famous Martin Luther King mural. Spend a day here just exploring the streets and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Address: Newtown NSW 2042
7. Bondi Beach
Beaches in Sydney are so attractive that each one of them is Instagram-worthy, but Bondi here is mentioned especially because it has so many good things going on. As the host of many world-class events (such as City2Surf), this beach is truly representative of what Australia has on offer.
Address: Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
8. Queen Victoria Building
This is another obvious choice – you might have had your coffee fix or done some window shopping here, but it’s also a really reliable spot to get your Instagram game on. Since its establishment in 1898, QVB has become an iconic landmark of Sydney CBD and caters to the needs of Sydneysiders all over.
Address: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
9. Bare Island, La Perouse
Bare Island is one of the many hidden gems in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Learn more about Sydney’s military history at the Bare Island Fort, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery with a leisurely walk around the island.
Address: Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036
10. Hornby Lighthouse
Part of Sydney Harbour National Park, this historic red-and-white Hornby Lighthouse just screams Instagram-worthy. You can also do whale-watching here!
Address: South Head NSW 2095
Click here for more information on how to get to Hornby Lighthouse.
11. N2 Extreme Gelato
While this is more food than it is place, I’m not just talking about the ice cream! The two Sydney stores (Chinatown and Newtown) both have cute small spaces, with hand-drawn menu boards that change every week, making every visit exciting!
You can also see the ‘scientists’ working magic on your nitrogen ice cream order, complete with theatrical white smoke!
Address: 43/1 Dixon St, Sydney NSW 2000 | 184 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
12. Stockton Sand Dunes
If you’re looking for a spot that’s uncharacteristically Sydney, look no further than Port Stephens. You’ll find vast sand fields as far as the eye can see, covering an area of 4,200 hectares! There are sand dunes as high as 30 metres and slopes as steep as 60 degrees. You can also ride camels and have a go at sandboarding.
Click here for more information on how to get to the Stockton Sand Dunes.
13. Cockatoo Island
The island is one of UNESCO’s listed world heritage sites. Formerly an industrial shipbuilding centre, Cockatoo Island is now open to the public as a historic convict site. With the old establishments and waterfront camping grounds, Cockatoo Island is a prime spot for photo opportunities!
Click here for more information on how to get to Cockatoo Island.
14. Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
This is where bushland meets the beach, creating a unique combination of magnificent beauty. Aside from bushwalking and touring the beaches, you can also encounter historical engravings and art on the Aboriginal heritage walk, or have a picnic – so many photo opportunities to choose from!
Address: Bobbin Head Rd, NSW 2073
Click here for more information on how to get to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
15. The Strand Arcade
If you want to know what it feels like to shop back in the 1920s, just step into the arcade! With the elegant, rich designs, the Strand Arcade itself even acknowledges that it is “a little out of place” in the modern day Sydney CBD, but that’s exactly what makes the arcade special. It is a fashion hub both in style and in substance, housing a number of high-class brand stores.
Address: 412-414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
16. Sydney Observatory and Observatory Hill Park
Located on top of the hill in The Rocks, both the observatory and the park offer beautiful panoramic views, all for FREE! The park also overlooks the impressive Sydney Harbour and Harbour Bridge.
Address: Upper Fort St, Sydney NSW 2000
17. Angel Place
This interesting installation is titled “Forgotten Songs”, consisting of 50 empty bird cages with the sound of birds in the background. Apart from being a thought-provoking piece reminding people of the rich wildlife before English settlement came about, this alley is one picturesque background both you and your camera wouldn’t want to miss.
Address: Angel Place, Sydney NSW 2000
18. Barangaroo Headland Park
This new park boasts good waterfront views of the Harbour Bridge and a nice lush park for a relaxing getaway within Sydney CBD itself.
Address: 28 Best Ave, Mosman NSW 2088
19. Wedding Cake Rock
This place needs no introduction and remains one of the Instagram community’s favourite spots in Sydney and it’s not difficult to see why.
Address: Royal National Park, Audley NSW 2232
20. Stanwell Tops
This is a popular rest stop for those on roadtrips to the North of Sydney. The grassy cliff makes for the perfect pit stop as you watch hang gliders run off cliffs on borrowed wings, while you indulge in a choc top from the ice-cream truck at the carpark.
Address: Stanwell Tops NSW 2508
21. Seacliff Bridge
Many would have driven across this bridge but it’s totally worth it to cross the bridge by foot. The winding road brings some character to the picture and the never-ending footpath makes for beautiful portraits.
Address: Clifton NSW 2505
Get your Instagram game on
Wherever you look, Sydney truly is a beautiful city. Explore these 21 Instagram-worthy places today! Where is your favourite scenic Sydney spot? Let us know in the comments below!
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