When it comes to Instagram, there’s no denying Sydney is made for the job. Below you’ll find our ultimate Insta-worthy guide to Sydney’s most beautiful locations. We’ve even included a map of Sydney’s best Instagram spots to help you get around and a downloadable cheat sheet to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
We’re tour guides: it’s our job to take our guests to see the best of the best in Sydney. Trust us when we say we’ve been across this city hundreds of times! We’ve seen it all – the good, the great, and the truly stunning.
So, we’ve put together the ultimate list of Sydney’s most Instagramable locations. Whether you want to up your Insta-game or just take home the most beautiful Sydney memories, you can’t miss these incredible views. So download our list, grab our map – and start snapping!
Let’s face it, Sydney is one bloody photogenic city! And that’s not just us being biased either: the Instagram tribe has spoken and agreed so. Australia was crowned the World’s Most Instagrammable Country in 2019 (according to Big 7’s Annual Travel Poll), with the majority of “must snap” geo-tags being Sydney locales.
There are a veritable plethora of Grammable locations in Sydney at which to take your Instagram game to the next level. Of course, there are the usual suspects – Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and so on [see our post on The Must See Landmarks of Sydney]. But, for those willing to travel a little further afield or get creative, Sydney’s best Instagram spots will have your followers filled with Insta-envy.
Here’s our map for you to help you navigate your epic photographic journey with ease:
But what’s so great about all these spots?
Keep reading and let’s get into it already!
1. The Calyx, Sydney Botanic Gardens
There’s always something colourful happening at The Calyx, making it the perfect backdrop for the Gram. Insta-foodies will also delight in shots of their famous High Tea in the Calyx Garden. Scones, champagne and flowers – need we say more?!
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2. McCallum Seawater Pool
The turquoise water of this tidal pool on the edge of Sydney Harbour lies pretty much opposite the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. McCallum Pool makes one quintessential Insta-envy location, making it one of Sydney’s best Instagram spots!
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3. Angel Place
Since its installation in 2012, Forgotten Songs has become one of Sydney’s most Instagrammed artworks. In an unassuming back alley of the CBD, walking amongst the floating bird cages while the songs of birds which used to inhabit the area drift through, this space will transport you away to a whimsical world.
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4. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Incredible architecture and spectacular stained glass windows make the QVB the most beautiful shopping centres in Australia and one of Sydney’s best Instagram spots. Climb to the top floor for the choicest shots across the whole building. The stunning sandstone exterior is also worthy of a snap.
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5. Lavender Bay Jetty
A sweet and totally Insta-worthy jetty with beautiful harbour views – there’s nothing else that needs to be said.
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6. Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach
It’ll take you just 20-minutes to climb to one of northern Sydney’s best Instagram spots. The lighthouse marks the city’s most northerly point, and the view back down over the peninsular will have your followers wondering how you managed to stay looking so fresh after this epic hike.
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7. Bronte Baths
One of the most Instagrammed locations in all of Sydney won’t disappoint you either. You can capture the perfect shot from just about every angle and at any time of the day. Who doesn’t love a pic of a pool and the ocean side by side?
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8. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
There’s so much stunning scenery along this 6km stretch of coastline you’ll find it hard to choose your single best shot for your feed. There’s no need to walk the entire 6kms – just pick a spot to start, head north or south and be on your way to Instagram glory!
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9. Mrs Macquarie’s Point
Mrs Macquaries Point is THE spot for capturing that iconic “I was in Sydney” photo for your feed. Without a doubt, this is the best Instagram location in Sydney. From here you’ll make sure you get yourself, the Opera House, the Bridge and the Harbour all in one single stunning frame.
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10. University of Sydney
Sydney or Hogwarts? Indulge your inner Harry Potter fan at Sydney University’s expansive quadrangle. To get the perfect shot without loads of students, aim to visit on the weekend.
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11. Bondi Icebergs Pool
Bondi’s Icebergs Club is a Sydney institution and well-known as one of Sydney’s best Instagram spots. The sparkling turquoise hues of its iconic ocean pool attracts more Insta-love than Bondi Beach itself. Who can help but fall in love with this? Head inside to the bistro to capture your “I’m so chilled with my wine overlooking the Iceberg’s pool” photo, too.
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12. The Strand Arcade
Stepping into this beautiful 19th-century Victorian-style building will give transport you back to the elegance of yesteryear. The Strand Arcade is home to cute cafes, jewellery stores and boutiques selling locally hand-made products, making for some top Insta-worthy material.
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13. Auburn Botanic Gardens
There’s plenty for Instagrammers to delight in at Auburn Botanic Gardens, including a river, two magnificent lakes and a flowing waterfall. The real magic comes in August during their annual Cherry Blossom Festival; so, save your visit for then and really wow your followers.
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14. Carriageworks
Unassuming on the outside, Carriageworks is full of photographic content on the inside. Your camera will love the vibrant colours of different seasonal artwork installations and exhibits providing plenty of Grammable opportunities.
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COVID-19 Update: as at July 2020, Carriageworks is still closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. You can find more information on their website, here: https://carriageworks.com.au/
15. Wedding Cake Rock, Royal National Park
Royal National Park is packed full of Gram-worthy landscapes. However, this massive sandstone location looking remarkably like a big-ass slice of cake is one of the most popular. Note: the sandstone cliffs are very high, and we recommend photographing this beauty from a safe distance. Your lens will still love the perfect layers and bright white lines of this definitely-not-edible formation and one of Sydney’s best Instagram spots.
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16. Luna Park
Pick up your phone and shoot Luna Park from any angle – the bright colours and fairground-style backdrop will make Grammable photos every time. Get there early in the morning to avoid crowds in your shots. Alternatively, choose an evening shoot to pick up the colourful lights of the park.
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17. Hornby Lighthouse
As if this cute little lighthouse isn’t enough by itself, framing it with the stunning ocean background of Watson’s Bay makes it one of Sydney’s top Instagram locations. If you happen to visit at sunset, you’ll end up with one killer photo for your feed!
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18. Parsley Bay Beach
Harbour-side Parsley Bay is stunning in its own right, with a sandy beach, clear shallow waters and a trickling waterfall. But it’s the picturesque 100-year-old suspension footbridge spanning the width of the narrow bay that will make your shot extra special.
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Did We Miss Anything?
So now we’d love to know – which one of these picturesque Sydney locales is top of your must-see list?
Or maybe we didn’t mention on of your faves.
Either way, let us know by leaving a comment below.