My Photography & Travel Guide to Sydney, Australia

We absolutely loved our stay in Sydney and Australia, for that matter. We flew to Sydney from Melbourne (click on the link to read my blog on Melbourne) and spent four days in the city. This city has so much to offer, from the Sydney Opera House to the iconic Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains just north of the city. Not to mention that Australians are among the friendliest people in the world, and the food was fantastic.

Sydney is one of the rare cities that live up to—and often surpasses—your expectations.

Sydney is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, urban sophistication, and cultural diversity. Whether you're here for the beaches, the landmarks, or the vibrant arts scene, Sydney promises endless opportunities for stunning photography and unforgettable experiences.

Where to Stay

Staying in the Rocks District puts you in the heart of Sydney’s action, with easy access to major attractions, dining, and transportation. We stayed in the Rocks area to have those iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

Luxury Hotels

1. Park Hyatt Sydney - has stunning views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. We stayed in Room 138, which has a beautiful view of the Opera House.

2. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - Known for its luxurious rooms and breathtaking skyline views. The Shangri-La Sydney is a beautiful hotel in The Rocks that offers a truly luxurious experience.

3. The Langham, Sydney - Set in the heart of The Rocks district among historic cobbled streets, this romantic property features an indoor pool, spa, and several dining venues. Some rooms even offer expansive terraces and views of the harbor or city skyline.

Mid-Level Hotels

1. QT Sydney - A quirky, stylish hotel in the heart of the city.

2. The Grace Hotel - Combining heritage charm with modern comfort.

3. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney - Offering contemporary rooms and excellent service.

How Long Should I Stay?

To fully immerse yourself in Sydney's wonders, a stay of 5-7 days is ideal. This allows ample time to explore the city, its beaches, and nearby attractions like Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, with seasons opposite the Northern Hemisphere. Among the best times to visit Sydney for weather are October and November (late spring) or March and April (early autumn) when temperatures are comfortable and the humidity is lower.

The peak times for tourism and the warmest weather are the summer months of December through February—crowds peak between Christmas and the end of January during the summer school holidays.

Getting Around the City

Sydney's reliable public transport includes trains, buses, and ferries. Uber and Bolt are readily available and convenient. Somehow, we had the same Uber driver four days in a row. Alternatively, rent a bike or enjoy walking around the scenic neighborhoods.

Where to Eat

Sydney is a foodie’s paradise. Everything we ate was delicious.

There’s more to Sydney’s dining scene than avocado toast, which Bill Granger made famous at his inner-city Darlinghurst cafe in 1993. Its multicultural heritage, a local passion for food, and the fresh produce and seafood on its doorstep combine to create one of the world’s best places to eat and drink.

At the Sydney Opera House

1. Quay - For a fine dining experience with a view.

2. The Grounds of Alexandria - A café, restaurant, and garden in one.

3. Bennelong - Located in the Sydney Opera House.

4. Mr. Wong - For incredible Cantonese cuisine. Some of the city’s finest Cantonese food isn’t found in Chinatown but in the heart of the CBD at Mr. Wong.

5. Chiswick Woollahra - Serving fresh, seasonal dishes. Enjoy garden surroundings at Chiswick in the heart of Sydney. Chef Matt Moran takes the best local ingredients and adds his own great presentation for a unique taste of Australian cuisine.

6. Bills - Famous for their ricotta hotcakes.

7. Sake - located in the Rocks—has truly outstanding Sushi

8. Rockpool - we had an incredible dinner here.

Avocado Toast in Sydney

Coffee Shops

Sydney's long-running obsession with artisan coffee makes it easy to find a perfect brew. Some claim the flat white (espresso with steamed milk and only a thin layer of cream) was first served in Sydney.

Here are a few great options:

1. Single O - A must-visit for coffee aficionados.

2. Mecca Coffee - Known for their artisanal brews.

3. Gumption by Coffee Alchemy - A hidden gem in The Strand Arcade.

4. Kansas City Shuffle

Photography Gear to Bring

• Camera Body: Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z7 II, or Sony A7R IV

• Lenses:

  • Wide-angle (16-35mm) for landscapes and architecture

  • Standard zoom (24-70mm) for versatile shots

  • Telephoto (70-200mm) for wildlife and distant subjects

  • Prime lens (50mm) for street photography and portraits

• Tripod: For those perfect long-exposure shots

• Filters: ND and polarizing filters

• Extra batteries and memory cards

Top 10 Photography Locations

Here are my recommendations for what to photograph in Sydney.

Sydney Opera House -

If you are going to photograph anything in Sydney, it’s probably the Sydney Opera House. It is just so iconic. I would highly recommend photographing it at Sunrise or Sunset.

First opened in 1973, the UNESCO World Heritage Site can also be visited on a number of tours.

The reason we chose the Park Hyatt hotel is that Opera House is directly in front of our room allowing me to take photos from my balcony at night.

Sydney Harbor Bridge -

The iconic bridge straddling Sydney Harbor is one of the world's largest steel arch bridges. It is perfect for both day and night shots. You can even walk across it for free or climb it to get a bird' s-eye view of Sydney.

Bondi Beach -

You cannot go to Sydney without seeing Bondi Beach. It is just a fantastic place to spend the day. Bondi Beach isn’t just a stunning location for sunbathing and surfing but also a hotspot for food lovers. There is a lot to do in Bondi Beach.

Whether you're craving fresh seafood, hearty brunches, or a quick coffee fix, Bondi has something to satisfy every palate.

Arguably one of the world's most talked about beaches in the world, you will absolutely love Bondi Beach.

This sun-soaked paradise is renowned for its golden sands, world-famous surf breaks, rockpools, and beautiful clear waters.

Yoga on the Beach

Here are some top dining spots you won’t want to miss in Bondi Beach:

• North Bondi Fish - This beachside restaurant is ideal for seafood lovers. We had incredible Fish Tacos and Fresh fish.

• Bills Bondi - A Bondi institution, Bills is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and all-day dining menu. Known for its scrumptious breakfast options, including the iconic ricotta hotcakes and scrambled eggs. Even though we were pretty full from our lunch at North Bondi Fish, we had to try Bills, and it was worth it.

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

I highly recommend taking the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) trail along Sydney's eastern coastline, which connects several beaches and parks. The walk typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos or enjoy the scenery. You do not have to walk the entire distance if you get tired. It’s very easy to turn around and walk back.

Royal Botanic Garden -

We walked around this area and towards the Opera House. The oldest botanic garden in Australia, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, was founded in 1816 and showcases more than 8,600 species from Australia and beyond within its 74 acres of gardens.

The Rocks -

Historic streets and vibrant markets. The Rocks still has cobblestone streets and plenty of colonial-era buildings, including several characterful pubs. There are lots of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques in this area.

Darling Harbor -

Darling Harbour is a buzzing waterside area that's just a short walk from the center of Sydney. This area is buzzing with lot of people taking walks and eating in outdoor restaurants.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is a beautiful experience. It starts when you take a ferry from Circular Quay and hop on a 12-minute ferry to Taronga. You will have wonderful views of the Sydney harbor along the way, so if you come back in the evening, you can get some great shots. Once you get to the Zoo, you can see over 4,000 animals, including Kangaroos & Koalas!

Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

If you have a day to spare, a trip to the Blue Mountains is a must. Just a two-hour drive or train ride from Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests. Stopped at Chapel Point for lunch. We drove to Gordon Point and then to the Three Sisters.

Three Sisters -

The area around the Three Sisters, Echo Point Katoomba, reminded me of the Grand Canyon. The Three Sisters is the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular landmark.

The Three Sisters is an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who were turned to stone according to Aboriginal legend.

Govetts Leap -

Once you experience the view from Govetts Leap, you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia.

The magnificent Bridal Veil waterfall to the east drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff, and if you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views across the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Special Festivals and Holidays

• Vivid Sydney (May-June): A spectacular light, music, and ideas festival.

• Sydney Festival (January): Showcasing art, culture, and performances.

• Mardi Gras (February-March): A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, mates! A comprehensive guide to making the most of your time in Sydney, filled with stunning photo ops, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.

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If you enjoyed this guide to Sydney, you can check out my other Photography and travel Guides at this link.