From sunrise to sunset, dusk to dawn, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is a dream to capture. Snapping the grand piece of architecture in all its beauty and moods gives me some serious gratification for calling it my home.

With its strong shapes and lines, you want to align all the elements in the photo as perfectly as possible, drawing the viewer to the beautiful story that is the Bridge. Playgrounds for perfect compositions, complementing props and gloriously leafy situations, here are the 6 best spots to take unique photos of The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Of course, the process of travel photography should be fun too so I’ve shared pointers on how you can savour your explorations along the way!

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1. Urban Cool: Observatory Hill, The Rocks

The wide area has several overgrown trees and park benches above cute terraced homes. Capture suburban life against the Bridge that beautifully draws towards the Hill.

Best time to shoot: Sunrise
Savoured travel experience: Wake up early to watch Sydney slowly light up against dreamy peachy hues, followed by a coffee stop within the cobble-stoned lanes of historic centre The Rocks.

2. Fairytale Garden: Wendy’s Secret Garden, North Sydney

While the lush Garden makes it a little tricky to capture the Bridge, get creative in finding nice compositions combining modern architecture and nature. As a nature-loving bohemian at heart, this location with its sprawling mystical lighting is definitely my jam.

Best time to shoot: Daytime
Savoured travel experience: Pack a book and some nibbles, and wander through winding paths to find white Victorian garden chairs to plop onto.

tales of ardour_sydney wendys secret garden

3. Swish Harbour: Quibaree Park, Lavender Bay

Lavender Bay is all about Sydney’s royal blues and boats on the harbour.

Best time to shoot: Sunrise and daytime
The experience:
Embrace a casual harbourside walk amongst locals before dunking into the North Sydney Olympic Pool next to Luna Park.

tales of ardour_sydney lavendar bay

4. Active Luxe Life: North Sydney Olympic Pool, Milson’s Point

With a rich heritage of 86 world records set in the location, the North Sydney Olympic Pool is a playground for snapping Sydney’s active citizens freestyling beneath the Harbour Bridge and its astounding skyline. Entrance fees and costs apply.

Best time to shoot: Daytime
Savoured travel experience: Do a few laps then treat yourself to lunch at Aqua Dining.

tales of ardour_north sydney pools 1

5. Panoramic Pleasure: Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, CBD

An open sky with rocky shores will give you a full view of characterful clouds and gorgeous warm hues with the Bridge and the Sydney Opera House together, as the sun perfectly slips into the sea behind them. Take pictures from the lowest point close to the rocks, as well as wide-angle shots above the hill.

Best time to shoot: Sunset
Savoured travel experience: Hire a bike or walk through the nature-therapeutic Royal Botanic Gardens, finishing off with a memorable picnic at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

tales of ardour_sydney mrs macquaries chair 2

6. City Lights: The Cahill Walk, Circular Quay

You’ll be in awe of the dazzling landscape from start to finish, beginning at Circular Quay, right through the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The vantage point from The Cahill Walk sees the long stretch of street lights towards North Sydney as iconic ferries pass below.

Best time to shoot: Dusk to dark
Savoured travel experience: Take a breezy, breath-taking night stroll.

Happy snapping away! Like this post? Read 91 Things Sydneysiders Actually Love Doing where I continue the fun in documenting world explorations as a mindful traveller.


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